It's finally starting to feel like summer! We found cool drinks that will really hit the spot on a hot day.
46 Drinks to Welcome Patio Season
Updated on Sep. 26, 2024
1/46
Sparkling Ginger Lemonade
Total Time
20 min
Servings
5 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Chill out with this delightful cooler, perfect for springtime bridal showers or hot summer days on the deck. It’s a quick fix you’ll stir up time after time. —Jodi Blubaugh, Eagle Mountain, Utah
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 217 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 23mg sodium, 59g carbohydrate (56g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
2/46
Watermelon Spritzer
Total Time
5 min
Servings
5 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
It couldn’t get much easier than this bright spritzer! “Watermelon blended with limeade is cool and refreshing. It’s a wonderful thirst-quencher on a hot summer day.” —Geraldine Saucier, Albuquerque, New Mexico
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 140 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 4mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate (36g sugars, 1g fiber), 0 protein.
3/46
Grapefruit Margarita
Total Time
10 min
Servings
1 serving
From the Recipe Creator:
When you add a drizzle of grenadine to your finished grapefruit margarita, it sinks to the bottom of the glass, creating a beautiful sunset look. —James Schend, Taste Recipes Deputy Editor
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 225 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 3mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
4/46
Blueberry Iced Tea
Total Time
3 hours 10 min
Servings
11 servings (2-3/4 qt.)
From the Recipe Creator:
I enjoy coming up with new ways to use my slow cooker in the kitchen. Serve this blueberry iced tea over ice and garnish with extra blueberries or, for fun, freeze blueberries in your ice cubes! —Colleen Delawder, Herndon, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 73 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 61mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (18g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
5/46
Peach-Basil Lemonade Slush
Total Time
25 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This chilly slush with peaches, lemon juice and garden-fresh basil is hands-down the best lemonade ever. It tastes just like summer. —Dana Hinck, Pensacola, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 152 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 1mg sodium, 39g carbohydrate (37g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
6/46
Bella Basil Raspberry Tea
Total Time
45 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Give iced tea a grown-up twist. Fragrant basil lends flavor and the raspberries give it a bright red color. Tou’ll love the fun fizz and make-ahead convenience! —Laurie Bock Lynden, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 281 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 9mg sodium, 44g carbohydrate (37g sugars, 4g fiber), 1g protein.
7/46
Guava Coconut Rum Cocktail
Total Time
5 min
Servings
1 serving
From the Recipe Creator:
My beverage is so sensational it's like a taste of the tropics in a glass. The guava adds a touch of sweetness to this coconut drink. —Melanie Milhorat, New York, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 197 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 77mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 2g fiber), 1g protein.
8/46
Nutty Hawaiian
Total Time
5 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I came up with this tropical-tasting cocktail on a whim one day. Later, when my husband and I went to Key West, Florida, I asked the bartender at an open bar to make it. He loved it so much he asked if he could use it, and of course I said yes!
—Tracy Davidheiser, Reading, PA
—Tracy Davidheiser, Reading, PA
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 299 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 6mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (25g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
9/46
Cucumber Martini
Total Time
5 min
Servings
1 serving
From the Recipe Creator:
Rejuvenate yourself with this light and refreshing cucumber martini. Made with only four ingredients, it’s a no-fuss, no-gimmicks cocktail that’ll easily become your favorite. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 236 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 2mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
10/46
Caipirinha
Total Time
5 min
Servings
1 serving
From the Recipe Creator:
The essential ingredient in this Brazilian cocktail is Cachaca, a liquor made fresh sugarcane juice. Its distinctive herbal flavors pair perfectly with fresh lime. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 165 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 1mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
11/46
Pimm’s Cup
Total Time
5 min
Servings
1 serving
From the Recipe Creator:
This refreshing fizzy elixir is the signature drink of the Wimbledon tennis tournament, and a New Orleans staple in summertime. The starring ingredient is Pimm’s No. 1, a botanical gin-based liqueur. Add a squeeze of lemon and splash of ginger ale, plus a lovely garnish of cucumber, strawberry and mint. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 131 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 7mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
12/46
Key Lime Martini
Total Time
5 min
Servings
1 serving
From the Recipe Creator:
Have your favorite dessert in cocktail form! Tropical flavors like key lime juice, cream of coconut and pineapple juice blend together for a tart, sweet and creamy beverage. It’ll be hard not to believe there isn’t a slice of key lime pie in your glass. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 273 calories, 5g fat (4g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 16mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (19g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
13/46
Blackberry Shrub
Total Time
30 min
Servings
2 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
Making a shrub recipe is a creative way to use up extra fruit all the way through Labor Day. We were inspired by sampling the house-made shrubs at a restaurant in California. They are as colorful and refreshing as summer drinks should be. —Gina Nistico, Denver, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
2 tablespoons blackberry shrub syrup: 83 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 1mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (20g sugars, 1g fiber), 0 protein.
14/46
Grilled Peach & Pineapple Sangria
Total Time
25 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Grill up fresh peaches and pineapple slathered in cinnamon butter and use them to make a refreshing summer sangria. I also like to add slices of grilled lemon and lime to drop in the glass for a citrusy boost of flavor. —Heather King, Frostburg, Maryland
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 206 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 4mg cholesterol, 20mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (21g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
15/46
Hibiscus Iced Tea
Total Time
10 min
Servings
1 serving
From the Recipe Creator:
This calorie- and caffeine-free tea has a delightful rosy color.—Taste Recipes Test Kitchen, Greendale, Wisconsin
16/46
Luscious Lime Slush
Total Time
20 min
Servings
28 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Adults love this sweet-tart refresher anytime of year. For a kids’ version, simply leave out the alcohol. —Bonnie Jost, Manitowoc, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 177 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 7mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (35g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
17/46
Watermelon Martini
Total Time
5 min
Servings
1 serving
From the Recipe Creator:
A bright and sweet cocktail, the simple ingredients of watermelon juice, vodka and lime juice blend to form a well-balanced martini. Garnish it with a slice of watermelon for a refreshing snack to end the drink with. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 276 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 2mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (27g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
18/46
Coconut Mojito
Total Time
5 min
Servings
1 serving
From the Recipe Creator:
A bubbly coconut mojito is the perfect drink to stir up when you want something light and refreshing. Made with the creaminess of cream of coconut and coconut rum, it gets a tropical spin from lime juice and a hint of freshness from mint. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 326 calories, 5g fat (4g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 29mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (22g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
19/46
Creamy Watermelon Smoothie
Total Time
10 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I love this refreshing watermelon smoothie recipe and the bright, summery flavor. The key is to freeze the watermelon cubes just a little. Otherwise it’ll be too difficult to blend. —Sarah Dennis-Scott, Murfreesboro, Tennessee
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 100 calories, 1g fat (1g saturated fat), 5mg cholesterol, 29mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (18g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 fruit, 1/2 starch.
20/46
Coconut Cold-Brew Latte
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Cold-brew lattes are all the rage at coffee shops, but they're so easy to make at home. This coconut cold-brew version is ridiculously refreshing and it's vegan! —Natalie Larsen, Columbia, Maryland
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 145 calories, 5g fat (5g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 12mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (26g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
21/46
Tropical Cooler
Total Time
10 min
Servings
12 servings (3/4 cup each)
From the Recipe Creator:
With only four simple ingredients, this refreshing punch is easy to stir up in just 10 minutes. I served it at a party for my son, and everyone liked the slightly tart flavor. —Robin Werner, Brush Prairie, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 87 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 10mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (22g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
22/46
Strawberry-Lavender Infused Water
Total Time
5 min
Servings
2 quarts
From the Recipe Creator:
A little bit of lavender goes a long way, so be sure not to overdo it! This pretty combo screams summer, but you can also dry out the lavender and enjoy this anytime.
23/46
Strawberry Melon Fizz
Total Time
30 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Experimenting in the kitchen is fun for me. That’s how I came up with this recipe—I adapted it from recipes I got from friends for a melon ball basket and for a sparkling beverage. —Teresa Messick, Montgomery, Alabama
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 194 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 7mg sodium, 49g carbohydrate (46g sugars, 2g fiber), 1g protein.
24/46
Sunshine Lime Rickey
Total Time
5 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is my re-creation of the lime rickey sodas served at my favorite burger place. I even tried a version using my own homemade bitters. —Shelly Bevington, Hermiston, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 130 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 25mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (31g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
25/46
Watermelon Margarita
Total Time
20 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Summer’s best flavors get frosty in the cocktail we serve at all our backyard shindigs. We mix sun-ripened watermelon and our favorite tequila with just the right amount of ice for a thick and boozy sipper that’s perfect when we’re grilling and chilling.—Alicia Cummings, Marshalltown, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 188 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 5mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (17g sugars, 1g fiber), 0 protein.
26/46
Cucumber Gin Smash
Total Time
5 min
Servings
1 serving
From the Recipe Creator:
It doesn't get more refreshing than this gin cocktail. If you like your drinks on the sweet side, top yours off with lemon-lime soda instead of club soda. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 146 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 1mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
27/46
Blueberry Mojito
Total Time
5 min
Servings
1 serving
From the Recipe Creator:
Blueberry and lime are two of my favorite flavors, so I added blueberries to my favorite mixed drink! This recipe can easily be doubled or tripled. To make simple syrup, combine 1/2 cup sugar and 1/2 cup water and cook over medium heat until the sugar is dissolved. Simple syrup will keep in the fridge for a week.—Michele Tungett, Rochester, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 drink: 202 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 29mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (17g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
28/46
29/46
Iced Melon Moroccan Mint Tea
Total Time
20 min
Servings
5 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I grow mint on my balcony, and this refreshing beverage is a wonderful way to use it. It combines two of my favorite drinks—Moroccan Mint Tea and Honeydew Agua Fresca. For extra flair, add some ginger ale. —Sarah Batt Throne, El Cerrito, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 81 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 9mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (21g sugars, 1g fiber), 0 protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch.
30/46
Summertime Watermelon Punch for a Crowd
Total Time
30 min
Servings
32 servings (6 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
I attended a patio party years ago where the hostess had a clever watermelon “bowl” with a scalloped edge and filled with this punch. It was the hit of the party, and she was kind enough to share the delicious punch recipe with me. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 81 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 8mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (17g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
31/46
Mango Orange Quencher
Total Time
10 min
Servings
13 servings (about 2-1/2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
Serve this beautiful beverage at your next brunch in place of mimosas. Just chill the base an hour before adding the club soda. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 58 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 19mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein. Diabetic exchanges: 1 fruit.
32/46
Raspberry Fizz
Total Time
5 min
Servings
1 serving
From the Recipe Creator:
As a festive, non-alcoholic beverage for adults, our Test Kitchen staff came up with this pretty pink drink. It has a mild raspberry flavor and isn't overly sweet.
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 70 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 37mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch.
33/46
Sparkling Coconut Grape Juice
Total Time
5 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This sparkling drink is a nice change of pace from lemonade and party punch. The mix of lime, coconut and grape combination is so refreshing. Add a splash of gin if you're feeling bold. —Shelly Bevington, Hermiston, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 94 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 13mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (21g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
34/46
Frozen Brandy Old-Fashioneds
Total Time
15 min
Servings
12 servings (about 2-1/2 quarts slush mix)
From the Recipe Creator:
Both sides of my family are Midwestern, so our strong brandy tradition is evident in the slush we make for the holidays and in the Wisconsin old-fashioned cocktails we enjoy year-round. I decided to combine those recipes into something completely new. This goes very quickly at gatherings! —Stephanie Vaughan, Madison, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 246 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 9mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate (32g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
35/46
Sweet Raspberry Tea
Total Time
25 min
Servings
15 servings (3-3/4 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
You need only a handful of ingredients to stir together this refreshing spring sipper. Its brilliant color and smile-fetching flavor will make a popular thirst quencher as the weather turns warm. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 66 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 5mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 1g fiber), 0 protein.
36/46
Honey-Citrus Iced Tea
Total Time
15 min
Servings
8 servings (2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
A frozen orange or lemon slice in the glass looks pretty and helps keep this refreshing punch nice and cold. Using honey instead of sugar adds a sweet touch. —Sheila Bradshaw, Columbus, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 124 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 11mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 fruit.
37/46
Minty Pineapple Rum
Total Time
10 min
Servings
14 servings.
From the Recipe Creator:
This delicious drink is a fabulous way to use fresh mint and celebrate summer. If the pineapple isn't overly ripe, add a bit more sugar. Save any leftover pineapple-mint syrup in an airtight glass container, or freeze the mixture in ice cube trays to use later. —Colleen Delawder, Herndon, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 118 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 44mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 1g fiber), 0 protein.
38/46
Strawberry Mimosa
Total Time
15 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Here's a tasty twist on the classic mimosa. To make refreshing strawberry mimosas friendly for kids or mamas-to-be, substitute lemon-lime soda or ginger ale for the champagne. —Kelly Maxwell, Plainfield, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 112 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 1mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 2g fiber), 1g protein.
39/46
Strawberry Watermelon Lemonade
Total Time
20 min
Servings
12 servings (3 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
The nutrition department at my local hospital inspired me to create this refreshing summer sipper. I tweaked their recipe slightly to create this drink full of sweet-tart flavor. —Dawn Lowenstein, Huntingdon Valley, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 119 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 7mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (30g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
40/46
Maple Blackberry Mojito
Total Time
10 min
Servings
1 serving
From the Recipe Creator:
This refreshing blackberry cocktail is how you take advantage of prime berry season during the summer months. I've also used other types of fruit, including raspberries, kiwi and strawberries. —Donna Noel, Gray, Maine
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 160 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 18mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 1g fiber), 0 protein.
41/46
Orange Juice Spritzer
Total Time
5 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Here’s a zippy twist on regular orange juice. It is not too sweet, and it's refreshing with any breakfast or brunch entree. —Michelle Krzmarzick, Torrance, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 103 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 9mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (23g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
42/46
Blueberry Lime Slush
Total Time
20 min
Servings
20 servings (1 cup each)
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband's family makes a cranberry beverage for the holidays. I changed it up and serve it this way in winter and summer, when blueberries are in season. —Rebecca Bratsman, Tacoma, Washington
43/46
Pickle Martini
Total Time
5 min
Servings
1 serving
From the Recipe Creator:
If sweet drinks aren’t your thing, try this pickle martini recipe instead. This cocktail leans on the briny and salty side of the flavor palette with its blend of vodka (or gin), pickle juice and dry vermouth. And for the pickle lovers out there—feel free to pour that juice with a heavy hand! —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 180 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 219mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
44/46
Pisco Sour
Total Time
5 min
Servings
1 serving
From the Recipe Creator:
This sweet-tart cocktail is a mainstay in Peru and Chile. The egg white gives it a velvety texture. Find pasteurized egg whites near the eggs at the grocery store. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 217 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 56mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (16g sugars, 0 fiber), 4g protein.
45/46
White Tea Shot Recipe
Total Time
5 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This crisp, refreshing vodka shot doesn’t contain tea at all! But it packs a sweet and sour punch with lovely, zippy fizz from the lemon-lime soda. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 82 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 1mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
46/46
Sour Cherry Shandy
Total Time
5 min
From the Recipe Creator:
A shandy is beer mixed with a nonalcoholic drink like fruit juice or lemonade. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
2 cups: 327 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 17mg sodium, 57g carbohydrate (53g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
