7 Summertime Drink Ideas: Vodka, Rum & Refreshing Drink Recipes

Summer's sizzling its way in, and you know what that means? Ditch the hot cocoa and dust off your margarita glasses. This is your one-stop for the most inventive, Instagram-worthy, and downright delicious best summer drinks you've ever shaken, stirred, or frozen.

But wait, there's more! (Isn't there always?) We're not just talking your average rum and Coke. We're venturing beyond the basics to a world of tropical twists, citrusy surprises, and bubbly concoctions that'll have your taste buds doing a happy dance.

So, grab your blender, your favourite pool float, and get ready to embark on a boozy adventure. We'll be your guides, mixing up everything from vodka coolers that'll quench your thirst to rum punches that'll transport you to a beach paradise.

Ready to impress your friends and become the official cocktail connoisseur of summertime drink ideas? Let's mix.

Here are a few summertime drink ideas that you must try

Watermelon sparkler

This vibrant pink drink is the best summer drink for a pool party! It's light, refreshing, and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz Vodka
• 1 cup Fresh Watermelon, muddled
• 1/2 oz Fresh Lime Juice
• Splash of Club Soda
• Watermelon Wedge (for garnish)

Instructions: 

1. Muddle the watermelon in a shaker.
2. Add vodka, lime juice, and ice.
3. Shake well and strain into a glass filled with ice.
4. Top with club soda and garnish with a watermelon wedge.

Tropical rum punch

Escape to a beach paradise with this rum punch that bursts with tropical flavours!

Ingredients

• 2 oz Light Rum
• 1 oz Dark Rum
• 1 oz Pineapple Juice
• 1 oz Orange Juice
• 1/2 oz Grenadine
• Fresh Pineapple Chunk & Maraschino Cherry (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Fill a shaker with ice.
2. Add all rum, juices, and grenadine.
3. Shake well and strain into a glass filled with ice.
4. Slowly pour grenadine down the side of the glass to create a layered effect.
5. Garnish with a pineapple chunk and maraschino cherry.

Sparkling citrus cooler (Non-alcoholic)

Looking for a refreshing alternative? This bubbly citrus cooler is perfect for those who want to enjoy the summer fun without the alcohol.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup Sparkling Water
• 1/2 cup Fresh Grapefruit Juice
• 1/4 cup Fresh Lime Juice
• 1 tbsp Simple Syrup (optional)
• Lime Wedge & Mint Sprig (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Combine grapefruit juice, lime juice, and simple syrup (if using) in a pitcher.
2. Stir well and top with sparkling water.
3. Garnish with a lime wedge and mint sprig.

Moscow mule twist

This riff on the classic adds a delightful cucumber kick.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz Vodka
• 1/2 oz Fresh Lime Juice
• 3-4 slices Muddle Cucumber
• Ginger Beer
• Lime Wedge (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Muddle cucumber slices in a copper mug.
2. Add vodka, lime juice, and fill with ice.
3. Top with ginger beer and garnish with a lime wedge.

Spiced mango daiquiri 

This tropical twist on the daiquiri is bursting with mango flavour and a touch of warmth from the spice.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz White Rum
• 1 oz Fresh Lime Juice
• 1/2 cup Fresh Mango, chopped (frozen works too!)
• 1/4 tsp Ground Allspice
• Lime Wedge (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Blend all ingredients with ice until smooth.
2. Strain into a chilled coupe glass and garnish with a lime wedge.

Lavender lemonade (Non-alcoholic)

This elegant and floral drink is perfect for a sophisticated summer gathering.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup Fresh Lemonade
• 1/2 cup Sparkling Water
• 2 tbsp Lavender Syrup
• Edible Flowers (optional, for garnish)

Instructions (for Lavender Syrup):

1. In a saucepan, combine 1 cup water, 1 cup sugar, and 1 tbsp dried lavender.
2. Heat gently until sugar dissolves, then simmer for 5 minutes.
3. Remove from heat and let steep for 30 minutes. Strain out lavender.

Instructions (for drink):

1. Combine lemonade, sparkling water, and lavender syrup in a pitcher filled with ice.
2. Garnish with edible flowers, if desired.

Blueberry basil smash

This herb-infused drink is bursting with fresh summer flavours.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz Vodka
• 1/2 cup Fresh Blueberries
• 5-6 Basil Leaves
• 1/2 oz Simple Syrup
• Club Soda

Instructions:

1. Muddle blueberries and basil leaves in a shaker.
2. Add vodka, simple syrup, and ice. Shake well.
3. Strain into a glass filled with ice and top with club soda.

Frozen pineapple margarita 

Beat the heat with this icy and tangy margarita variation.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz Gold Rum
• 1 oz Fresh Lime Juice
• 1/2 cup Frozen Pineapple Chunks
• 1/4 cup Agave Nectar
• Lime Wedge (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Blend all ingredients with ice until smooth.
2. Pour into a margarita glass rimmed with salt (optional) and garnish with a lime wedge.