Brown’s Valley Market has everything you need to bring these refreshing summer cocktail recipes to life. From fresh fruits and herbs to local Napa Valley wine and spirits, our shelves are fully stocked, so you can enjoy the local flavors of the season with every sip.
In this blog, we share some fun and refreshing cocktail recipes to try this summer, plus some easy mocktail modifications. Read on to be inspired!
Easy Cocktail Recipes to Try This Summer
Summer is finally here, bringing long sunny days, warm evenings, and the perfect excuse to enjoy a refreshing cocktail! Whether you’re lounging by the pool, hosting a backyard BBQ, or just cooling off at the end of the day, a well-crafted drink can make any summer moment even better.
Need some inspiration first? Below are some of our favorite cocktail recipes for summer!
1. Frozen Gin and Tonic
This frozen take on the classic gin and tonic is super simple and just about as refreshing as it gets. Sharp gin and bitter tonic water create a crisp, satisfying drink that’s perfect for hot afternoons or casual gatherings.
Ingredients: (Serves 4 people)
- 1 liter tonic water
- 8 oz gin
- 1-2 limes (for zest and wedges)
- 4 sprigs of mint or rosemary (optional garnish)
Frozen Gin and Tonic Recipe:
- Freeze tonic water in an ice cube tray overnight.
- In a blender, blend ice, gin, and lime zest until smooth.
- Divide into four cups and garnish each one with a lime wedge and some mint or rosemary.
Frozen Gin and Tonic Mocktail: Instead of gin, blend up some club soda or ginger ale with ice for a lighter, non-alcoholic version.
2. Lavender Lemonade Mimosa
A lavender lemonade mimosa is just as beautiful as it is refreshing. This floral cocktail adds a touch of elegance and whimsy to any summer get-together—and it’s super easy to make!
Ingredients: (Serves 6 people)
- 1 cup cane sugar
- 3 ½ tablespoons dried lavender
- 1 cup water
- 1 25-oz bottle of champagne, chilled (about 4 oz per person)
- 24 oz of lemonade, chilled
- Lavender flowers or lemon slices (optional garnish)
Lavender Lemonade Mimosa Recipe:
- To make the syrup, mix water, lavender, and cane sugar in a pot over medium heat until the sugar is dissolved. Set aside to cool.
- Fill four champagne flutes with equal parts champagne and lemonade.
- Add 2-3 tbsp lavender syrup to each glass.
- Garnish with lavender and lemon slices and enjoy!
Lavender Lemonade Mimosa Mocktail: Add the lavender syrup to a glass of lemonade and garnish for a non-alcoholic version.
3. Rosé Sangria
A light and elegant twist on the classic sangria, a rosé sangria is the perfect companion to charcuterie boards, grilled chicken, and caprese salads. Mix one up to elevate a nice dinner or brunch with friends!
To make it even better, Browns Valley Market carries wines from many renowned local Napa wineries, including Frog’s Leap, Hendry, Robert Biale, and more. Check out our selection today to find the perfect rosé for your Sangria!
Ingredients: (Serves 6-10 people)
- 2 bottles of rosé, chilled
- 1 liter ginger ale, chilled
- 1 (12 oz) can frozen lemonade concentrate, thawed
- 1 package frozen strawberries, sliced
- 2 cups pineapple juice
- Ice
- 6-10 fresh strawberries (optional garnish)
Rosé Sangria Recipe:
- Add everything (excluding the ice and garnish) to a large pitcher or drink dispenser.
- Stir gently with a wooden spoon until everything is combined.
- Serve over ice and garnish each glass with a fresh strawberry.
Rosé Sangria Mocktail: Take out the wine, add a bit of sparkling water, and keep everything else for a mouthwatering mocktail!
4. Aperol Spritz
The iconic Aperol Spritz is beloved for its bright, citrusy flavor and refreshing fizz. It’s a crowd-pleaser at outdoor parties, BBQs, and any other summer soirée.
Ingredients: (serves 1 person)
- 3 oz Prosecco
- 2 oz Aperol
- 1 oz club soda
- Ice
- 1 orange slice (optional garnish)
Aperol Spritz Recipe:
- Add 3 parts Prosecco, 2 parts Aperol, and 1 part club soda to a wine glass with ice.
- Garnish with an orange slice and serve!
Aperol Spritz Mocktail: Add a bit of sparkling water to a glass of orange juice and garnish with an orange slice for a non-alcoholic version.
5. Mango Rum Lassi
A mango rum lassi is a creamy, tropical cocktail with the taste and texture of a smoothie. It’s perfect for lounging by the pool and super simple to make!
Ingredients: (Serves 2 people)
- 2 cups frozen mango chunks
- 1 ripe banana, peeled and sliced
- 1 cup kefir
- ½ cup coconut water
- 4 oz spiced rum
- 3 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp turmeric
- Pinch of salt
- Mint leaves and extra cinnamon (optional garnish)
Mango Rum Lassi Recipe:
- In a blender, combine mango chunks, banana, kefir, coconut water, rum, honey, spices, and salt. Blend until smooth.
- Pour into glasses. Garnish with mint leaves and a sprinkle of cinnamon and enjoy!
Mango Rum Lassi Mocktail: Omit the rum and add a bit more coconut water to balance out the texture for a classic mango lassi without the alcohol.
6. Bee’s Knees with Butterfly Pea Flower
The Bee’s Knees is an iconic Prohibition-era cocktail that combines gin with fresh lemon juice and honey—but you can make it even better with butterfly pea flower syrup! This flower adds a vibrant blue color and makes a great garnish, perfect for summer events and elegant brunches.
Ingredients: (Serves 2 people)
- 6 dried butterfly pea flowers (plus extra for garnish)
- 2 cups hot water
- 2 oz gin
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 2 tbsp honey
- Ice
- Fresh lavender sprigs (optional garnish)
- 2 lemon wedges (optional garnish)
Bee’s Knees Recipe:
- In a heat-safe pitcher or measuring cup, steep butterfly pea flowers in hot water for 5-10 minutes until deep blue.
- Strain and let it cool completely.
- Assemble the glasses: Over ice, add 1 oz gin, 1 tbsp lemon juice, and 1 tbsp honey. Stir until combined.
- Pour in the chilled butterfly pea tea slowly to create a layered effect.
- Garnish with lavender, butterfly pea flowers, and lemon wedges.
Bee’s Knees Mocktail: Omit the gin and add a bit more lemon juice for a non-alcoholic version that’s just as tasty!
7. Matcha Colada
Matcha has been all the rage recently, and for a good reason! This antioxidant-packed green tea powder adds a delicious twist to the classic piña colada cocktail we all know and love. It’s a great choice for a poolside gathering or light afternoon treat.
Ingredients: (Serves 1 Person)
- ½ cup coconut cream
- 1 ½ oz white rum
- ¾ oz orange liquor
- ½ tsp ceremonial grade matcha powder
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- Ice
Matcha Colada Recipe:
- In a blender, combine coconut cream, vanilla, rum, matcha, and orange liqueur until smooth.
- Pour over ice and enjoy!
Matcha Colada Mocktail: Replace the rum with spoonful of vanilla ice cream and the orange liqueur with orange juice for a sweet, non-alcoholic beverage.
Shop Food, Wine, & Spirits at Your Local Napa Grocery Store
As the sun comes out and the days get longer, there’s no better way to unwind than with a refreshing beverage in hand. Whether you’re hosting a lively gathering or simply enjoying a summer afternoon, these unique drinks are waiting to be mixed and enjoyed.
At Browns Valley Market, we have all the fresh ingredients and local beer, wine, and spirits to create these delightful cocktails and more. Gather your friends, fire up the grill, and stop by our Napa store to make this summer the best one yet!
