Summer is when I go all-in on fresh herbs and peak-season fruit in my drinks. These aren’t those overly sweet tropical cocktails you get at beach bars (though I love those too).
I’m talking about refreshing summer cocktails that use herbs straight from the garden, berries at their ripest, and citrus that actually tastes like sunshine. Think lavender, basil, peach, and cucumber mixed with gin, bourbon, and sparkling wine.
The secret to great warm weather drinks is balance. I make simple syrups with Earl Grey tea, honey, and herbs to add complexity without weighing down the drink, and I use fresh cocktail garnishes like edible flowers and herb sprigs to make each glass photo-worthy.
These cocktail recipes are perfect for backyard hangouts, pool parties, or just sitting on the porch watching the sun go down with something cold in hand.
- Basil Gin Smash
- Blackberry Earl Grey Sour
- Blueberry Lavender Sour
- Citrus Grove Martini
- Crown & Petal Cocktail
- Cucumber Gimlet
- Earl Grey & Lavender Spritz
- Earl Grey Blueberry Smash
- Earl Grey Collins
- Earl Grey Lavender Bee’s Knees
- Earl Grey Peach Smash
- Emerald Garden Fizz
- Emerald Sour Cocktail
- Guava Spritz
- Herb Garden Spritz (Basil Spritz)
- Hot Girl Summer Gin Smash
- Hot Honey Bee’s Knees
- Lavender Bee’s Knees Cocktail
- Lavender Elderflower Spritz
- Lavender Salty Dog
- Lemon Thyme French 75
- Lemon Thyme Spritz
- Orange Blossom Earl Grey French 75
- Orange Blossom French 75
- Orange Blossom Mojito
- Orange Blossom Spritz
- Peach Mint Spritz
- Pear Lychee Martini
- Pear Martini
- The White Lotus – Elderflower Lychee Gin and Tonic