When the temperature rises, it’s only natural to reach for a cold beverage. These classic summer cocktails are all served either frozen or over ice so they’re sure to keep you cool! Make a big pitcher when you’re entertaining, or simply keep it in the refrigerator for when you need a special treat. The cocktails that use ice cream, however, need to be made just before serving. Here are some of our favorite recipes:
Margarita
Margaritas are a summertime staple! Whether made with strawberries, poured over ice, or served frozen, this is a refreshing treat that is also great to serve a crowd. To make, fill a standard pitcher half full with ice. Add ¾ cup silver tequila, ½ cup lime juice, and ½ cup triple sec. Stir with a wooden spoon and pour over ice into a margarita glass. To make a strawberry margarita, add ½ cup strawberry syrup with the rest of the ingredients. To make a frozen margarita, empty the contents of the pitcher into a blender and pulse until slushy.
Sangria
Sangria is another popular summertime drink. Pour a bottle of red table wine into a pitcher. Add ¼ cup orange liqueur, ¼ cup brandy, 2 tablespoons lime juice, 2 tablespoons orange juice, ¼ cup granulated sugar, and one sliced, fresh orange. Cover and refrigerate for at least 24 hours. Pour over ice into individual glasses when ready to serve. If using white wine, omit the lime juice and use sliced fresh peaches instead of a sliced orange.
Mudslide
Mudslides are perfect for those moments when you’re craving ice cream that has a little kick. It’s completely decadent and a worthy splurge! To make, add one cup of ice, 1 scoop of vanilla ice cream, 3 tablespoons of vodka, 2 tablespoons of coffee flavored liqueur, 2 tablespoons of Irish cream liqueur, and 2 tablespoons of chocolate syrup to a blender. Pulse until completely smooth. Pour into a serving glass and top with a drizzle of chocolate syrup and some whipped cream.
Affogato
Affogato is an Italian coffee beverage comprised of espresso, ice cream, and a shot of liqueur. However, you can actually use any type of coffee that you want. To make, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or gelato to a cocktail or dessert glass. Pour ½ cup of strong coffee or a shot of espresso over it. Finish it off with a jigger (about a shot’s worth) of hazelnut liqueur, coffee liqueur, or amaretto liqueur. You can either enjoy it with a spoon or wait for the ice cream to melt a little and slurp it up with a straw!
Mojito
The mojito is another refreshing classic cocktail that is perfect for the summer. To make, add about 8 torn mint leaves to the bottom of a cocktail shaker with 2 teaspoons of fine sugar. Add 2 shots of light rum and 1 shot of lime juice and muddle using a mortar or a cocktail muddler. Pour into a serving glass that has been filled with ice and top with soda water. Garnish with a lime slice and a few whole mint leaves.