Summer is here, and that only means one thing: it's cocktail season. 

If you are looking to impress your guests with delicious cocktails that vary from timeless classics to inventive flavours, this article was literally written for you. 

Here are seven great cocktail recipes for every taste and occasion. 

All of these recipes are designed to serve two drinks, so feel free to adjust measurements accordingly.

1. Rosé Spritz

 

Ok so we all love our Spritz as much as anyone else, but we're also creatures of change. This super easy-to-make rosé spritz is a refreshingly smooth and bubbly variant of its traditional counterpart – it's a bit like champagne – without the commitment. You won't have to worry about drinking the whole bottle if you don't feel like it (we're kidding, we know you will). 

All you need to whip up this summer-y cocktail is some rosé wine and sparkling water. 

This spritz is made up of three parts wine to one part sparkling water, but you can also increase the water level for some extra bubbles. Garnish with mint sprigs or rose petals. 

If you're not a fan of rosé wine, you can switch it up by using red or white wine. 

2. Mojito

 

This minty classic takes a bit more effort to make, but trust us, it's worth it. You can play around with the ingredients to bring out a range of flavours – such as adding fresh fruits to it. We generally like adding a couple of strawberries or some pineapple slices to the mixture for added flavour.  

Ingredients

• 2 juiced limes
• 2 tsp sugar
• 2 handfuls mint leaves 
• 120ml white rum
• Sparkling water 

Directions 

Crush the lime juice, sugar and mint leaves in a small jug. If you are adding other fruits to this drink, muddle them into this mixture as well. You don't need any fancy contraptions to do this – the end of a rolling pin or a small masher will do the job well. 

Pour the mixture in a glass and add ice. 

Stir in rum and sparkling water. 

Add mint sprigs to serve. 

3. Mai Tai

 

Another classic which we simply had to add to this list. This famous cocktail will add some seriously (boozy) summer vibes to any afternoon brunch or BBQ. 

Ingredients

• Lime wedge
• 60ml dark rum
• 60ml white rum
• 1.4 cups orange juice 
• 1 juiced lime
• 60ml orange curaçao
• Ice
• 2 tbsp grenadine
• Maraschino cherries 

Directions 

Divide the rum, orange juice, lime juice and curaçao between glasses and stir well. Add ice and top off with grenadine. 

Garnish with cherries and lime to serve. 

4. Paloma

 

This sweet and sour concoction is the perfect drink for a relaxed afternoon get-together with the girls. Especially if you are looking for a guilt-free and easy-to-make cocktail. 

Ingredients

• Salt
• 200ml grapefruit juice
• 2 grapefruit wedges
• 2 tbsp lime juice
• 1 tsp sugar
• 60ml tequila
• 60ml sparkling water

Directions

Rub the rim of your glasses with grapefruit wedge and dip in salt. Combine juices and sugar in glasses and mix till sugar is dissolved. Stir in tequila, add ice and top off with sparkling water. Add grapefruit wedge for garnish. 

5. Tequila Sunrise 

This much-loved cocktail is a favourite, and given its fruity and boozy taste, one can easily see why. 

Ingredients 

• 4 tsp grenadine
• Ice
• 100ml tequila
• 2 tbsp triple sec
• 2 juiced large oranges 
• 1 juiced lemon
• 2 maraschino cherries 

Directions 

Divide grenadine into glasses. Using a cocktail shaker, fill with ice, tequila, triple sec and orange juice. Shake until cold. Add ice cubes and strain into glass carefully to not disturb the grenadine layer. Add ice and garnish with cherries. 

6. Margarita

 

This fabulous classic is the perfect choice for a number of occasions. You will be needing a cocktail shaker, but you can also use a spill-proof lidded cup to prepare this concoction. 

Ingredients 

• 100ml tequila
• Ice
• 50ml lime juice
• 40ml triple sec
• Salt 
• Lime wedges

Directions 

Rub lime wedges along the rim of your glass. Cover with salt. Fill cocktail shaker with tequila, ice, lime juice and triple sec. Shake until cold. Strain mixture into glass and garnish with lime wedge. 

7. Mimosa

We're all too familiar with this classic cocktail which is generally served at weddings. It's also an ideal choice for brunches and late breakfasts. You can choose a number of different varieties and flavours when it comes to mimosas. You could opt for cranberry, peach, apple, watermelon or even grapefruit varieties. All you need is a chilled bottle of prosecco, sparkling wine or champagne and your juice of choice. 

Just fill half your glass with alcohol and top it off with juice. You can adjust the ratios to suit your preferences. 

 

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