Combining some of the freshest, crispest flavour combinations to the depths of creamy, dreamy aromatic bliss, summer is just a sip away. We’ve compiled the following list with maximum flavour in mind.
From thirst-quenching blackberry, mint and cucumber gin spritzers to delectable fig, vanilla and cardamom infused vodka, we have a recipe to entertain every palate.
Scroll for our picks and where to find the recipes:
1/20
This cocktail is easy to make and can be served at brunch for a fancier alternative to the mimosa. It also makes for a lovely happy hour refreshment or a tipple to be enjoyed at your weekend dinner party.
Find the recipe here.
2/20
This cranberry thyme spritz is this year’s party punch. Not only is it extra festive and pretty, but it’s sweet, hinted lightly with flavors of thyme, spiked with a little vodka, and made with elderflower liquor.
Find the recipe here
3/20
The festive season simply isn’t complete without champagne. As for blood oranges, well they’re the prettiest of citrus fruits out there with their bright red hue. And yes, these are as delicious as they sound.
Find the recipe here
4/20
Not all cocktails need to be laced with alcohol to hit the spot. If you’re laying off the booze this summer, treat yourself to this refreshing and aesthetically delicious alternative.
Find the recipe here
5/20
Your new summer partner in crime is here and she comes in the form of a bourbon (yes, bourbon) cocktail. This delectably rich number will transport you to the dry heat of South Carolina in a flash.
Find the recipe here
6/20
Combining creme de violette, maraschino cherry liqueur and a spritz of lemon, this perfectly sweet yet tart cocktail tastes as elegant as it looks.
Find the recipe here
7/20
If you’re yet to dabble in the basil and fig flavour combination, well, what are you waiting for? It’s magical! Best served on the rocks with a splash of club soda, if this doesn’t taste like summer, we don’t know what does.
Find the recipe here
8/20
Doesn’t the title alone quench your thirst? This recipe uses a sweet cucumber and mint simple syrup that can be made in advance and stored for up to two weeks. Then, when the sun drenches the porch, toss the syrup through some berries, ice, gin and… well, we’ll let you read the recipe for yourself.
Find the recipe here
9/20
A flirty take on the standard mint julep, the addition of pineapple and ginger make for an irresistible flavour and aromatic infusion.
Find the recipe here
10/20
Not that this dreamy number requires any convincing, but is there a better way to round of your evening that hopping into your PJs, concocting one of these and watching Love Actually? Highly unlikely *wipes drool from chin*
Find the recipe here
11/20
What this lavender does to a mojito is what Edward Enniful has done for British Vogue – completely elevating it to new heights, breathing all kinds of life into it. If consuming fragrant florals doesn’t turn your nose the other way, thou shalt not overlook this blueberry mojito.
Find the recipe here
12/20
Vegan, sugar-free and gluten-free, this aromatic cocktail is anything but flavour-free. Simple to make, yet big on impact, the vodka can be easily substituted for bourbon or rum. Made a week in advance to infuse in the fridge, this simple recipe will be ready when you are come the social season.
Find the recipe here
13/20
The immortal health elixir than has been healing tummies for thousands of years has been reworked into a delicious cocktail combining rum, mint and hibiscus flower.
Find the recipe here
14/20
Garnered the ultimate late night present-wrapping cocktail, this fragrant tequila and cranberry beverage will have you feeling positively merry in no time. Probably not suitable as a brunch beverage unless you want to feel like you’ve been run over by a reindeer for the rest of the day. You’ve been warned.
Find the recipe here
15/20
The iconic combination of white rum, coconut and pineapple will never cease to fill one with wonderful tropical vibes. This crowd favourite rarely needs variation – that is, until we discovered making it in advance, freezing and spritzing through a blender prior to serving achieves the most incredibly smooth consistency (without diluting it down with ice). Unreal.
Find the recipe here
16/20
Ready in under five minutes, this raspberry mojito is sweet and refreshing. The perfect drink accompaniment to summer entertaining and dining, be it brunch, lunch or ahead of the races.
Find the recipe here
17/20
Full of warm, spicy flavours, this cocktail draws on the aromatics of star anise, pear and cardamom. Paired with club soda and touch of lemon, this recipe will see you through to (and quite possibly during) autumn.
Find the recipe here
18/20
Just look at how pretty this is. Time to summon the girls together, are we right? Mint, lime, mango juice, coconut water, rum and hibiscus tea. Forget the ‘gram, there’ll be no putting this cocktail down.
Find the recipe here
19/20
Pairing crisp sweet pears with floral lavender, tart lemon and a splash of vodka, this makes for one lip-smacking lemonade recipe to beat the heat.
Find the recipe here
20/20
Unlike the mistletoe margarita, this Christmas-centric cocktail can be tucked into at all hours of the day – you know, if that’s what you’re after. Full of fresh mint, lime juice, white rum, creamy coconut, sparkling water and pomegranate (we’re all for an on theme garnish), this one easy, quick and delicious.
Find the recipe here
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