Which ingredients make the best summer vodka drinks? We often swear by seasonal produce, including various fresh fruits and herbs like pineapple, cherry and strawberry. They add color, natural sweetness or sourness, and a refreshing zing that captures the season’s essence.
So, where do you start experimenting? Here’s our round-up of the must-try, refreshing, and easy summer vodka cocktails. Get ready to tantalize your taste buds, hydrate, and keep cool all season long.
Best Summer Vodka Cocktails
- Pineapple Vodka Cocktail
- Vodka Tonic
- Vodka Lemonade
- Vodka Spritzer
- Vodka and Ginger Ale
- Classic Moscow Mule
- Blueberry Vodka Lemonade
- Sea Breeze
- Watermelon Vodka Soda
- Vodka Martini
- Vodka Cranberry Juice Cocktail
- Cherry Vodka Sour
- Fresh Tomato Martini
- Pineapple Vodka Strawberry Lemonade
- Strawberry Pink Lemonade Vodka Cocktail
1. Pineapple Vodka Cocktail
Are you in the mood for a refreshing, fruity cocktail that you’ll mix in the serving glass? Try this pineapple vodka cocktail.
You’ll need vodka, pineapple juice, lime juice, and ice. The result is a sweet, tart, and refreshing drink that might become your favorite. Adding some grenadine to your drink can give it beautiful layers—but it’s optional.
Fresh pineapple leaves or wedges are a perfect garnishing option for this summer vodka cocktail.
2. Vodka Tonic
Do you enjoy non-fruity cocktails with a citrusy taste and minimalistic charm? If so, a vodka tonic might be the perfect summer vodka cocktail for you!
It’s a two-ingredient summer cocktail with just vodka and tonic water. You’ll also need a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and lime.
You can garnish the vodka tonic with both lemon and lime wedges. Its moderate alcohol content strikes a balance, making it suitable for a relaxed gathering or a more laid-back atmosphere.
3. Vodka Lemonade
With just two ingredients – vodka and freshly squeezed lemonade – this cocktail offers a burst of citrusy goodness. It’s as easy-going as a sunny day!
You can use store-bought lemonade, but a homemade option gives the best fresh flavor. It also makes it easier to control the sourness and sweetness of your lemonade based on your taste profile.
Vodka lemonade has two primary variations for preparation. The pitcher style is ideal for making multiple servings at once. But if you want only one serving, make your vodka lemonade by the glass. Garnish your vodka lemonade with a lemon wedge and fresh mint when it’s ready.
4. Vodka Spritzer
Make a vodka spritzer when you want a fruity, crisp, and refreshing summer cocktail. It has no added sugars, is easy to make, and is perfect for any gathering.
Vodka spritzers combine soda water, vodka, and fruit juices. Our favorite vodka spritzer includes 100% cranberry, simple syrup, and strawberries. But you can customize yours with almost any fruit or juice.
Garnishing options for vodka spritzers include fruit pieces and fresh mint sprigs. Its lower alcohol content than other vodka cocktails makes it ideal for a longer sipping session. It’s also an excellent option for people who want to enjoy a cocktail without getting too tipsy.
5. Vodka and Ginger Ale
Vodka is one of the best liquors that mix well with ginger ale. Whenever you desire a simple, sweet summer cocktail with a subtle gingery taste, go for vodka and ginger ale.
It’s a highball cocktail meaning the non-alcoholic mixer (ginger ale) makes a larger portion than the vodka. This makes it a perfect go-to cocktail when you want to avoid overwhelming your senses, cover up sub-par vodka, or enjoy a summer evening.
The best garnishing option for vodka and ginger ale includes lime wedges. Be sure to serve your ginger ale and vodka cocktail in a highball glass!
6. Classic Moscow Mule
The Moscow Mule is another easy-to-make and invigorating vodka drink that doesn’t require a cocktail mixer to prepare. Instead, it’s prepared and served in a copper mug—but you can use a regular cocktail glass if you don’t have copper mugs. The mug adds elegance or tradition and keeps the drink cold for longer.
To prepare a Moscow mule, you’ll need three ingredients: vodka, ginger beer, and fresh lime juice. Then garnish this classic summer cocktail with lime wedges or a sprig of mint. The result is a slightly spicy cocktail that’s a great choice for anyone who enjoys cocktails with a bit of a kick but who doesn’t want anything too strong.
7. Blueberry Vodka Lemonade
Most summer cocktails are also ideal for other seasons. However, this blueberry vodka lemonade is a must-try if you like taking advantage of in-season fruits. Using seasonal produce makes preparing a batch of vodka cocktails for your summer parties or get-togethers easy and affordable.
It’s a three-ingredient cocktail requiring fresh blueberries, lemonade, and vodka. The berry flavors are hard to resist, and the vivid blue hue adds color to your festivities. Adding fresh lemon juice is optional, but it makes the drink more delicious.
For fizz lovers, add a splash of club soda to your cocktail. Then garnish with fresh mint sprigs, a lemon wedge, and a few blueberries.
8. Sea Breeze
The classic sea or summer breeze is a no-brainer choice for easy cocktails for summer parties or beachside vibes. You only need cranberry juice, freshly squeezed grapefruit juice, and vodka.
Sea Breeze vodka cocktail is refreshing and tastes like a spiked fruit punch. You can make it within minutes by pouring the ingredients into a tall highball glass or a short old-fashioned one over ice and then stirring. If you like your drink foamy, use a cocktail shaker before pouring it into a glass.
Garnish with a lime wedge, and you’ve got a perfect cocktail that embodies the essence of leisure.
9. Watermelon Vodka Soda
Which fruit is more hydrating and refreshing on a hot day than a watermelon? Give this watermelon vodka soda cocktail a try during summer; it might become your favorite.
You’ll need watermelon juice, vodka, and club soda. Mix them in a cocktail shaker and garnish with lime, watermelon, lemon slice, and rosemary sprig.
This cocktail recipe is perfect for casual gatherings and parties because you can get plenty of juice from one large watermelon. The pink hue and effervescence add a touch of visual allure to any occasion.
10. Vodka Martini
Do you like clean vodka cocktails that don’t overwhelm the palate with overly complex flavors? Try this delicious and easy recipe with vodka, dry vermouth, and ice. It’s easy to make with only two primary ingredients. And remember, vodka martinis should be stirred, not shaken.
It’s a classic cocktail that allows you to appreciate vermouth’s subtle, herbal, and citrus notes. For garnishing, try any green olives or lemon twists.
11. Vodka Cranberry Juice Cocktail
This summer vodka cocktail is hydrating and easy to make at home. Some people make it with just vodka and cranberry juice. But if you want to make the most of the cranberry flavor, adding fresh lime and orange juice is a must! Lime is tart which is suitable for awakening your taste buds. Go heavy on lime if you like your cocktail more tart, and vice versa.
With the proper vodka cranberry cocktail, you won’t taste the alcohol. This makes it one of our best vodka cocktails for beginners or anyone who doesn’t like strong alcoholic flavors. But you’ll feel a slight burn as it goes down.
If you prefer stronger summer vodka drinks, you can bump the vodka up to your preference. Garnish this summer vodka drink with a lime wheel.
12. Cherry Vodka Sour
You’ll love this cherry vodka sour cocktail if you like strong, tart, and fruity summer vodka drinks. The main ingredients are cherry grenadine syrup, vodka, and sweet and sour mix.
Grenadine syrup adds the cherry flavor, while the sweet and sour mix brings the sour effect. Vodka doesn’t have a strong effect on the taste profile of the cocktail. Fanatics of fruity cocktails or anyone who likes sweet and sour flavors will enjoy this drink.
It’s also a leisurely drink in big batches in a pitcher for summer parties.
13. Fresh Tomato Martini
This tomato-infused vodka makes a perfectly refreshing summer drink. After all, why not flavor your vodka martini with natural, delicious, and in-season produce?
For this summer tomato water martini recipe, you’ll need ripe garden fresh tomato, dry vermouth, sea salt and freshly cracked pepper, and a vodka martini. You can also add a bit of acidic white vinegar.
You’ll slice the tomatoes and add sea salt and freshly cracked pepper. After a few minutes, you’ll find colorful seasoned tomato water underneath the tomatoes. That’s the water you’ll use to spice up your martini, not the tomato slices.
Garnish your summer tomato water martini cocktail with pickled cocktail onion or olive.
14. Pineapple Vodka Strawberry Lemonade
Are you down for a pineapple drink any day? If yes, you’ll love this easy pineapple vodka strawberry lemonade. It has five ingredients, which is higher than most of the vodka recipes shared in this guide. But it’s easy to prepare.
You’ll need pineapple vodka, lemonade, strawberries, simple syrup, and Sprite. Can’t find pineapple vodka? Use vodka and pineapple juice in its place.
This cocktail’s eye-catching pink hue and fruity garnishes add a playful touch to any occasion. And the mix offers a harmonious blend of tropical sweetness and tangy citrus, tropical taste.
You can garnish it with fresh lemon slices and strawberries, which might become a love at first sip.
15. Strawberry Pink Lemonade Vodka Cocktail
The strawberry pink lemonade vodka is a fruity and refreshing summer cocktail. It’s a perfect fit if lemonade and strawberries are your preferred summertime flavors. And its playful pink hue might make you think you’re on vacation!
The cocktail ingredients are vodka, strawberry rum, and pink lemonade. The strawberry pink lemonade hides the alcohol flavor, so it’s perfect for someone who doesn’t like a strong alcohol flavor.
Garnish it with fresh strawberries or lemon slices.
Conclusion
What’s your favorite fresh fruit and herbs for summer? The perfect summer vodka cocktails utilize seasonal produce to make bubbly, fruity, and refreshing concoctions.
Give our best vodka cocktails for summer a try now, and sip your way to a sensational season!
