Top 10 summer cocktails to serve poolside

For many people, a summer Saturday or Sunday isn’t complete without a cool, seasonal cocktail in hand – especially if it’s a holiday weekend. Whether you just underwent a Phoenix pool remodeling project, upgraded to a free salt system or just had pool service completed, you’ll likely be looking for some great fruity recipes to try out while you’re chilling by the pool. While it’s never a good idea to bring drinks with you into the pool and it’s always important to be safe when drinking alcohol, there’s no rule that says you can’t sip near the pool responsibly! Here are our top 10 suggestions for delicious seasonal cocktails to quench your thirst this swim season.

1. Grapefruit margarita
Margaritas are perennial favorites, but you can take the plain-old recipe up a notch by adding a twist of grapefruit, notes the Los Angeles Times. Along with the usual lime, salt, triple sec, tequila and lime juice, you’ll need ruby red grapefruit juice and a few grapefruit slices for garnish. It’s up to you whether you want it frozen or on the rocks!

2. Cucumber, basil and lime gimlet
For an update to an old classic, Liquor.com recommends boosting your standard recipe with fresh cucumber, basil and lime. They’re the perfect complements to lemonade and vodka – just use two basil leaves and two slices of cucumber per drink, mix them up with lime juice and lemonade, and serve over ice. A cucumber slice or lime will make a classy garnish.

3. Pineapple mango rum cocktail
If you like fresh mango, you’ll love Martha Stewart Living magazine’s take on a tropical rum cocktail. With freshly pureed mangos, lots of pineapple juice and high-quality golden rum, you’ll have yourself a scrumptious beverage to sip on while you’re lounging by the pool. A dragon fruit or star fruit would make a unique (and delicious) garnish!

4. White wine sangria
Nothing says summer cocktail like a pitcher of white sangria, especially when it’s made with the freshest summer produce. Try using summer peaches, strawberries, oranges and lemons for a dynamic mix that’ll infuse your taste buds with plenty of fruity flavor.

5. Watermelon martini
If you’re the martini type, Cosmopolitan magazine’s recipe for a tasty watermelon version is sure to pique your interest. With citrus vodka, watermelon Pucker, triple sec, lemonade, citrus soda and a fresh watermelon slice, a second helping may be necessary.

6. Blackberry mint julep
Mint juleps are fantastic on their own, but Martha Stewart Living has a great update that calls for a whole pint of juicy blackberries. Just puree mint, the blackberries and sugar in a blender, strain the mixture, then add bourbon and ice before blending one more time. Garnish with mint leaves or fresh berries for a finished look.

7. Mai tai
If you’ve never made this traditional drink, you’re in for a treat. Liquor.com suggests mixing fresh lime juice, syrup (made with two parts sugar and one part water), almond syrup, orange curacao and rum together over ice. Finish with a lime and mint garnish.

8. Grape sparkler
EatingWell magazine offers this tangy cocktail for those who love grapes. You can’t go wrong with a blend of red grapes, honey, lemon, seltzer and your favorite brand of vodka!

9. Monkeylada
If pina coladas are your usual go-to drinks but you’re trying to watch your calorie intake this summer, EatingWell has a fresh alternative: the monkeylada. To make four drinks, blend two bananas, a cup of fresh pineapple, a cup of pineapple juice, 1/2 cup of light coconut milk, ice and light rum, then pour into glasses. Fresh pineapples make a sweet garnish.

10. Tequila sunrise
This drink mimics the lovely colors of a Phoenix sunset. All you need is orange juice, tequila, pomegranate juice and ice. Pour the pomegranate juice into the glasses with the ice first, then add the mixture of orange juice and tequila for a pretty blended effect.