Nothing complements a sunny summer day like a cool, refreshing cocktail. Whether you’re a fan of rum or gin, shaken or stirred, sweet or sour, our inspired collection of cocktail recipes has a little something for everyone—even for those who prefer non-alcoholic drinks.
We’ve gathered five summer cocktail recipes that we can’t stop making, ranging from all-time classics to under-the-radar favorites. If you’re looking for a new recipe to add to your repertoire, we just might have the answer you’re looking for.
1. STRAWBERRY FIELDS FOR SUMMER
When strawberries are in season, that’s a sign that summer is in full swing!
This shaken drink balances the sweet strawberry with savory basil notes, while earthy gin and a touch of citrus round out the cocktail’s profile. It really tastes just like summertime in a glass.
For prospective at-home mixologists, Tommy Bahama’s Senior Director of Restaurants Rob Aspaas has an important tip so you can shake up the perfect cocktail.
“I always say the best cocktails are the ones you like, which means just try and see what works best for your palate,” Aspaas said. “Are the strawberries overly sweet? Then cut back on the simple syrup. That’s just an example of tailoring a great cocktail recipe to fit you best.
“Other than that, I highly recommend never skimping on quality ingredients,” he added. “Use fresh fruits, not frozen, pick the best herbs you can find, and use quality spirits.”
Get Our Strawberry Fields for Summer Recipe
2. CLASSIC MOJITO
On especially hot days, we reach for the tried-and-true mojito. Rum never steers us wrong, and the cool mint flavor mixed with soda water is always a winning formula in summer. When you need a refreshing pick-me-up in the afternoon, it’s the perfect elixir.
Plus, much like the margarita, mojitos are versatile. If you prefer more tropical and citrus notes in your drink, our Pineapple-Yuzu Mojito recipe is your ticket to paradise. For those who prefer no alcohol in their drinks, our Faux-jito recipe has you covered.
Get Our Classic Mojito Recipe
3. PIÑA COLADA
If you like island living, then you’ve surely had a piña colada... or two. How could anyone resist the sweet pairing of coconuts and pineapples? Blend them up with some rum and ice, and you’ve got a drink to sip on all day long.
This is also the ultimate cocktail to shake up when you’re throwing a party in your backyard. Piña coladas are famously easy to make for larger groups. Just scale up the recipe, and as long as it all fits in your blender, you’re good to go!
If you don’t want to go through all the trouble of using a blender, we might have the next best thing: our very own Tommy Bahama Piña Colada Cake Liqueur! Great for sipping or for mixing with our (new!) Tommy No3 Rum, it’s a great way to get that tropical flavor with ease.
Get Our Piña Colada Recipe
4. GRAPEFRUIT BASIL MARTINI
Nothing hits the spot like a Grapefruit Basil Martini on a lazy summer afternoon. The tart, light, enlivening flavor of the grapefruit plays wonderfully with the basil and your spirit of choice, creating a stimulating symphony on the palate.
Whether you’re into the more neutral flavor of vodka or the herbal notes of gin, this is a martini you don’t want to miss.
Get Our Grapefruit Basil Martini Recipe
5. WHISKEY-GINGER SMASH
Whiskey may be the last thing on your mind when it comes to summer cocktails, but when you mix it with the right ingredients, you get something as crisp and vibrant as a cool mojito. Meet the Whiskey-Ginger Smash.
While a classic whiskey smash uses lemon, mint, sweetener, and whiskey, we upped the ante by adding some citrus and ginger to get that zesty, tart bite to beat the heat of a sunny day.
Get Our Whiskey-Ginger Smash Recipe
With the right ingredients, you can turn any spirit into a cool, refreshing libation that pairs perfectly with the blissful days of summer. Whether you’re relaxing on your patio with a good book or inviting the neighbors to a backyard barbecue, these five cocktails will make your sun-soaked days even better.