Fun Summer Drinks
Summer called, and it wants you to stay hydrated… in the most delicious way possible! ☀️🥤 Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ, lounging by the pool, or celebrating with friends, these refreshing summer drinks are guaranteed to keep everyone cool. From a crowd-sized margarita to fruity iced teas, fresh-squeezed lemonade, and a tropical party punch, there’s a drink here for every occasion.
Which one are you making first? 🍓🍑🍹🍋
Fun Summer Drinks
Beat the heat with these refreshing summer favorites! From classic lemonade and fruity sweet teas to a gallon-sized margarita and tropical party punch, these easy drink recipes are perfect for cookouts, pool parties, picnics, and summer gatherings.
Prep Time: 10–20 minutes (varies by recipe)
Servings: Varies
Margarita by the Gallon
A citrusy, refreshing margarita made for entertaining a crowd.
Ingredients
- 6 cups tequila
- 4 cups fresh lime juice
- 3 cups Cointreau
- 11 ounces agave syrup
- 2 oranges, sliced
- 2 limes, sliced
- Ice, for serving
Instructions
- Add tequila, lime juice, Cointreau, and agave syrup to a large beverage dispenser or pitcher.
- Stir well until fully combined.
- Add the orange and lime slices.
- Chill until ready to serve.
- Serve over ice and garnish with additional citrus if desired.
Strawberry Sweet Tea
Fresh strawberries take classic sweet tea to the next level.
Ingredients
- 8 cups water
- 8 black tea bags
- 1½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 4 cups fresh strawberries
Instructions
- Bring the water to a boil.
- Remove from heat and steep the tea bags for 10–15 minutes.
- Remove the tea bags and stir in the sugar and baking soda until dissolved.
- Blend the strawberries until smooth.
- Stir the strawberry puree into the tea.
- Refrigerate until cold and serve over ice.
Peach Iced Tea
Sweet, refreshing, and loaded with juicy peach flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 family-size tea bag
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup honey
- 4 cups frozen peaches
Instructions
- Brew the tea according to package directions.
- While still warm, stir in the sugar and honey until dissolved.
- Blend the peaches until smooth.
- Stir the peach puree into the tea.
- Chill completely and serve over ice.
State Fair Lemonade
The classic fresh-squeezed lemonade everyone loves.
Ingredients
- 8 fresh lemons, juiced
- 1⅓ cups granulated sugar
- 6 cups cold water
- Ice
Instructions
- Juice the lemons into a large pitcher.
- Add the sugar and stir until dissolved.
- Pour in the cold water and mix well.
- Refrigerate until chilled.
- Serve over plenty of ice.
Blue Lemonade
A bright, fun lemonade perfect for summer parties.
Ingredients
- 1½ cups granulated sugar
- 2 cups fresh lemon juice
- ⅓–½ cup blue raspberry syrup
- Water and ice, to taste
Instructions
- Stir together the sugar and lemon juice until the sugar dissolves.
- Add the blue raspberry syrup.
- Pour in cold water until your preferred sweetness is reached.
- Stir well and serve over ice.
Tropical Party Punch
A colorful party favorite packed with tropical flavors.
Ingredients
- 4 cups Hawaiian Punch
- 4 cups silver rum
- 3 cups 100% pineapple juice
- 1½ cups pulp-free orange juice
- 3 cups ginger ale
- Ice
- Orange slices
- Lime slices
- Strawberry slices
- Pineapple chunks
- Maraschino cherries
Instructions
- Combine the Hawaiian Punch, rum, pineapple juice, and orange juice in a large punch bowl or beverage dispenser.
- Stir well.
- Just before serving, add the ginger ale.
- Add plenty of ice and fresh fruit.
- Serve immediately.
Tips
- Make teas and lemonade a day ahead for the best flavor.
- Freeze fruit instead of using ice to keep drinks cold without watering them down.
- For kid-friendly versions, simply omit the alcohol from the margarita and party punch recipes.