Summer inevitably brings around the best cocktail moments—there’s fresh fruit, cold prosecco, and honestly, a little more freedom to play. Don’t get me wrong, I love a cozy fall or winter drink (and I’ll definitely make the case for them come September), but in the warmer months, it’s time to swap the apple, ginger, and whiskey for strawberry, rose, and Aperol.
If you’ve read my previous deep dives into flips or tea-infused syrups, you already know I love writing (and thinking) about cocktails. I’m always on the lookout for ways to zhuzh up the classics—whether it’s a spritz or a gin and tonic. Is it in the syrup? The liqueur? A splash of something floral or fizzy? Yes to all of the above.
In the Food52 test kitchen and office, we’re constantly asking each other: What’s the drink of the summer? Aperol spritzes and limoncello cocktails are always contenders. But this year, I’ve also seen a strong case for the Campari spritz and the Americano. (Basically, we’re all in our red bitter era.)
As part of my job, I talk to a lot of cocktail people—bartenders, beverage directors, winemakers. I sit next to them at dinners and talk about the state of liquor sales, I go to tastings a few times a week, and I filter through thousands of recipes. So this summer, I rounded up some of the most creative and exciting cocktails I’ve tried lately—about 17 of them, from restaurants, bartenders, and yes, even brands. But hear me out on that last one—many of the branded recipes come straight from pros, and even if you don’t use the exact liquor they suggest, the ingredients and ideas are still worth exploring.
What Makes a Great Summer Cocktail?
It’s pretty simple: It should be refreshing, chilled, and ideally not as strong as a dirty martini. I’m loving anything with cucumber, mint, and berries—bonus points if there’s muddling involved and it ends with a fizzy topper like soda water or prosecco. The best summer cocktails feel a little loose and playful.
If you’re improvising, start with:
• Any fresh fruit or citrus
• A light-colored spirit (vodka, gin, pisco, etc.)
• An herbal or floral component
• Something bubbly (sparkling wine, soda water, tonic)
Summer Bar Cart Essentials
These recipes pull from all over, but if you want to be ready for anything, here’s what I’d recommend stocking:
• Gin: Plymouth (for versatility), Hendrick’s (for floral vibes), Four Pillars (fun flavors, especially their Yuzu), Empress (for color), and Drumshanbo Gunpowder (if you want to go Irish).
• Vodka: I’m no vodka expert, but American Harvest surprised me in a recent tasting—definitely reaching for that over Tito’s now. (I also included a fun martini recipe using it below.)
• Aperol, Campari, and Limoncello: If it’s bitter and citrusy, I’m in.
• Sparkling wine: Prosecco, Champagne, or even a good sparkling rosé. For a nonalcoholic option, Libby NA sparkling wine is testing-approved and found at Trader Joe’s.
9. Hibiscus Negroni
A floral twist on a classic, courtesy of the Travelle at The Langham, Chicago.
