Indulge in the Perfect Summer Cocktail

Nothing complements fun in the sun like a delicious summer cocktail (enjoyed responsibly, of course). Whether you’re lounging by the pool, hanging at the beach, or hosting a backyard barbecue, there’s nothing better than enjoying the warm weather with a fresh and fruity cocktail in hand.

From frozen margaritas to icy mojitos to sweet pitchers of sangria, there’s a delicious summer cocktail for every taste and occasion. But we believe the best summer cocktails are light, refreshing, and easy to make. We especially love cocktails that feature fresh summer flavors like watermelon, mint, berries, and peaches.

If you’re looking for something new to sip and savor this summer, here are our top four favorite summer cocktails.

Don’t worry – this is one Hurricane you’ll be glad to see coming. Featuring passionfruit, citrus, and a generous splash of rum, it has a bright and fruity flavor that’s sweet but not too sweet and is perfect for sipping on those scorching summer days. Best of all, it’s incredibly easy to make: just combine El Guapo’s Hurricane Mixer (you can purchase it at The Pantry at The Wharf) with rum and club soda and serve over ice. Try it frozen for an extra shot of cool!

Is there a more classic summer cocktail than the mojito? Bright and refreshing, the original Cuban cocktail features a simple blend of sugar, fresh muddled mint, soda water, lime juice, and rum. The result is a fizzy balance of sweetness and mint, with just enough citrus to keep things interesting.

If you want to mix things up, add cubes of fresh watermelon or a scoop of summer berries in with your mint before muddling. If you’re in a rush, grab a bottle of El Guapo’s Mojito Mixer at The Pantry and pick up your rum at The Liquor Cabinet at The Wharf for a perfect pre-made cocktail in seconds.

Aperol is a popular Italian aperitif, or a drink designed for sipping before meals. It’s also the star ingredient for an Aperol Spritz, an impossibly popular summer spritzer that’s perfect for pre-dinner gatherings. Its bubbly flavor is fresh and bitter-sweet, and the cocktail’s vibrant orange color is a beautiful addition to any summer table.

Combining Aperol with prosecco and a splash of club soda, the Aperol Spritz is as easy to make as it is to drink. The key is to use a high-quality prosecco (we recommend LaMarca, which you can buy at The Pantry) and serve the cocktail over plenty of ice.

Sangria is the perfect cocktail for summer parties because it’s easy to make in bulk and has a sweet fruity flavor that everyone will love. Substituting the more traditional red wine base for your favorite bottle of white wine from The Pantry gives this fresh summer sangria a lighter profile that’s enhanced by fresh peaches, strawberries, and citrus fruits. For best results, prepare a pitcher to chill overnight and add a generous splash of ginger ale and ice right before serving. It’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser at your next summer party!

To make preparing your cocktail concoctions even easier, most of the ingredients you need will be at The Pantry and The Liquor Cabinet at The Wharf in Orange Beach.