Summer Cocktail Recipes You’ve Just Got to Try

It's been a long, cold winter, but summer is finally on the way - and that means it's out with the hot chocolates and herbal teas, and in with the summer cocktail recipes!

While it's nice to go out to a bar or restaurant occasionally, there's nothing quite like relaxing in your own backyard or lounge room with a tasty beverage, so we've come up with a list of four easy cocktails to make at home this summer.

4 delicious and easy cocktails to make at home

From a twist on a classic margarita to a boozed-up caffeine hit, there's something here for everyone in this drool-worthy list... Cheers!

Rum Iced Coffee

Can't decide if you need a coffee, or something a little stronger? This cocktail is for you! Using a coffee machine or plunger, brew some of your favourite espresso (one shot per person) and allow it to cool before pouring into a cocktail shaker.

Add a handful of ice and two or three tablespoons of good-quality rum, and shake well. Next, pour condensed milk into your best tall glasses - you want them about one-third full. We love to use an old-fashioned glass for this recipe, like these gorgeous Pasabahce hi-ball glasses, to make the cocktails extra-special. Add a splash of vanilla extract, then pour your boozy coffee mix in and stir. Dust with a little cinnamon, and serve with a stainless-steel straw.

Very Berry Gin & Tonic

Summer sunshine means berries are available in abundance - and better yet, they're super cheap! So, why not use your favourite berries to create a grown-up twist on Cottee's cordial? These Very Berry G&Ts are easy cocktails to make at home, because they're so versatile. Simply throw in whatever berries you've got in the fridge!

First, mash up your berries. You need about two tablespoons per person - this is a great job for little hands to help with! Line up your glasses, and into each one pour 30ml of gin and 60ml of tonic water - Chyka's pink tumblers are perfect for this recipe. Spoon in your berry mixture, then top with a little crushed ice and a few torn basil leaves. The kids can even make their own alcohol-free version - simply replace the gin and tonic with some lemonade or sparkling mineral water. This is also a great recipe to make by the jug for barbeques and hens parties.

Blood Orange Margarita

A decadent twist on a classic cocktail, the blood orange margarita is sure to become your go-to drink this summer. Don't stress if you can't find any blood oranges in the supermarket - it's just as delicious with regular oranges.

The first step is to prepare your margarita glasses with a sweet-and-salty rim. Measure four teaspoons of salt and two teaspoons of brown sugar onto a plate, and combine well. (Hot tip - make sure the plate is larger than the top of your glasses!) Next, run a wedge of lime around the edge of each glass to moisten it, then dip the glass into the sugar and salt mix, and roll to coat.

Now, onto the margaritas! For two serves, you'll need 120ml of tequila, the juice of two blood oranges, and the juice of two limes. Add all this to your best cocktail shaker, along with some ice and two teaspoons of agave syrup. Shake well for about 30 seconds, then pour into your pre-prepared glasses and enjoy!

A Classic Champagne Cocktail

The champagne cocktail is like the little black dress of drinks - it just doesn't go out of style. We're convinced these cocktails are the only reason they still make sugar cubes, because we don't know anyone who uses them for their coffee or tea! These cocktails are perfect for hen's parties or milestone birthdays, and make a great gift basket when you package up the ingredients with some special stemless flutes like this fabulous sparkly gold pair from Maxwell & Williams. They're also the go-to breakfast beverage, because let's face it, it's never too early in the day for a champagne cocktail!

First, drop one sugar cube into your most glamorous champagne flutes (a pair of tongs from a cocktail set like this one keeps it classy, but your fingers will do in a pinch) and add a few drops of bitters on top. Measure one shot (30ml) of brandy into each glass, then slowly pour champagne to fill. Decorate the glasses with slices of orange or maraschino cherries, and serve for breakfast, brunch, or a boozy lunch... It's always five o'clock somewhere, right?!

Ready to whip up a batch of your favourite cocktails? Check out our range of glassware, barware and accessories online or in-store at Harris Scarfe.

Shop Now