10 Summer Vodka Drink Recipes That Will Cool You Down

When it comes to summer, there is nothing better than a refreshing drink to sip on after a long, hot day. You don’t have to be a professional bartender to mix up some delicious vodka drinks that are as yummy as they are easy to make! Whether you’ve been working all day or just spent the day on the beach, try these 10 summer drink recipes to help you cool down! 

1. Pineapple and Jalapeno Cocktail

If you want something a little sweet with a kick, try this cocktail that has you make your own infused vodka!

1 Shot Jalapeno Vodka

2 TBSP Pineapple Juice

6 OZ Lime or Pineapple Flavored Sparkling Water

To make jalapeno vodka, put one cup of vodka into a mason jar and add one diced and deseeded jalapeno. Let sit overnight to infuse then keep in fridge to use in the future! 

Place all ingredients into a glass, stir and then serve with a slice of pineapple and jalapeno to garnish! 

2. Strawberry Lime Vodka Tonic

Is there anything more classic than strawberries in the summertime? Yes, strawberries plus limes! Try this refreshing drink that is quick, easy and delicious!

1 1/2 OZ Vodka

2 Strawberries, Sliced

1 1/2 Lime, juiced

4 OZ Tonic Water

Sliced Limes, Sugar to Rim Glass

Rim a glass with sugar, add sliced strawberries and the juice of half a lime then muddle. Add vodka and fill the glass with ice. Top with tonic water and stir to combine. Garnish with a strawberry and slice of lime.

3. Watermelon Vodka Cocktail

Watermelon is a staple during this summer and with a few other ingredients, this drink will become a staple too! 

4 Cups Watermelon Chunks

1 TBSP Lime Juice

1 1/2 TBSP Honey

3/4 Cup Water

1/4 Cup Vodka

Blend the watermelon chunks, lime juice, honey and water until smooth. Use a strainer and pour the blend into a glass. Add the vodka and ice, stir to combine. Use a slice of watermelon to garnish! 

4. Cucumber Smash Cocktail

Cucumbers are refreshing and hydrating so they make a perfect summer cocktail ingredient! This classic cocktail is a classic for a reason-the flavor and simplicity withstand the seasons! 

2 Cucumber Slices

4 Mint leaves

3/4 OZ Simple Syrup

1 OZ Lemon Juice

1 1/4 OZ Vodka

Mint Leaves and Cucumber Slice to Garnish

Put fresh ingredients into a shaker and muddle, add in vodka and ice and shake well. Strain and serve over ice. Garnish with mint leaves and a cucumber slice!

5. Hippie Juice

This drink is perfect to have while on the beach or poolside and it super easy to put together! Make sure to serve in a mason jar for the full “hippie juice” experience! 

4 OZ Lemonade Powder

1 OZ Watermelon Vodka

1/2 OZ Malibu Rum

1/2 OZ Triple Sec

Sliced Strawberries or Mint Leaves to Garnish

Put all ingredients into a shaker, add ice and shake to combine. Serve over ice with sliced strawberries and mint leaves to garnish! 

6. Salty Dog Cocktail

This is a classic and easy summer cocktail that only has three ingredients so it is as easy as it is refreshing and delicious! 

3 OZ Grapefruit Juice (Ruby Red is Yummy!)

1 OZ Vodka

1/4 OZ Lemon-Lime Soda or Lime La Croix

Salt for Rim

Lime or Grapefruit Slices to Garnish

Rim glass with salt and fill with ice. Add the juice and vodka. Top with the soda and a slice of lime, then stir before enjoying! 

7. Cranberry Mango Lemonade Cocktail

This drink will take you away to somewhere tropical and will give you the chance to try and learn to make a layered looking drink!

2 OZ Vodka

2 OZ Mango Lemonade (Simply Brand is Great!)

2 OZ Cranberry Juice

Basil to Garnish

Fill glass with ice and pour in vodka. Next, add in the lemonade and stir. Then, slowly pour in the cranberry juice over an ice cube or the back of a spoon to get the layered effect. Don’t stir or you will lose the layers. Garnish with basil then enjoy!

8. Ocean Breeze Cocktail

This drink will have you feeling like you are sitting ocean-side and it is just as refreshing! The curacao envokes the image of a tropical vacation even if you are just making this drink after work in the city! 

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3 OZ Vodka

2 OZ Fresh Lemon Juice

1 OZ Blue Curacao

Ice

Fresh Blueberries to Garnish

Mix all the ingredients in a shaker with ice. Serve in a tall glass with ice and blueberries to garnish/decorate the glass. 

9. Rosemary Honey Spritzers

This drink may seem a little more complicated but it just looks fancy. Whip these up when you have guests over for summer BBQs or for Memorial Day/Labor Day for a special twist on a summer party drink!

1 OZ Vodka

1/2 Lemon, Juiced

1/2 OZ Honey

1 Sprig of Rosemary

Club Soda

Rosemary and Lemon Slices to Garnish

In a shaker, add the vodka, lemon juice, honey and rosemary with ice. Shake for 30 secs to combine and to get the rosemary flavor into the drink. Strain well into a glass with ice. Top with club soda to taste and garnish with a rosemary sprig and lemon slices. 

10. Hawaiian Party Punch

Finally, you can’t have a good summer without a batch drink that everyone will love. This is a fun, tropical cocktail that you can make in a pitcher and bring wherever you go! With all the fruit juice, you can totally get away with drinking this at summer brunch…we won’t tell!

1 Can Pineapple Juice

2 Cups Orange Juice

1/2 Lime Juice

1 Cup Vodka

1 Cup White Rum

1 Cup Coconut Rum

3 Limes, Sliced

1 Can Pineapple Slices

Maraschino Cherries to Garnish

Mix all the ingredients in a pitcher, stir well to combine. Serve over ice with slices of lime, pineapple and maraschino cherries to garnish. 

Do you have a go-to summer drink? Share the recipe in the comments below!