There’s just something about sipping a beautiful drink under the sun that feels like a summer ritual. Whether you’re hosting a backyard hangout, celebrating a weekend with friends, or just enjoying golden hour solo, signature summer cocktails set the tone.
At Fruitful Find, we love drinks that are equal parts pretty and purposeful—crafted with fresh ingredients and just enough flair to feel special. Here are 5 unique summer cocktails you’ll want to keep on repeat all season long.
1. Blushed Basil Berry Fizz
Think: Fruity, garden-fresh, lightly sparkling.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup muddled strawberries
- 1 oz fresh lemon juice
- 1.5 oz gin (or elderflower liqueur for a floral twist)
- 3–4 basil leaves
- Sparkling water or prosecco to top
- Crushed ice
Instructions:
Muddle strawberries, lemon juice, and basil together in a shaker. Add gin and shake with ice. Strain into a glass over crushed ice and top with sparkling water or prosecco. Garnish with a basil sprig and a sliced berry.
2. Hibiscus Paloma Twist
Think: Tart, floral, citrusy with a hint of pink.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz tequila blanco
- 1 oz hibiscus syrup (or brewed hibiscus tea + honey)
- 2 oz fresh grapefruit juice
- 0.5 oz lime juice
- Grapefruit soda or sparkling water to top
- Salt for the rim (optional)
Instructions:
Rim your glass with salt (if you’re feeling fancy). In a shaker, combine tequila, hibiscus syrup, grapefruit juice, and lime juice. Shake with ice and pour over fresh ice in a glass. Top with soda and garnish with a grapefruit wedge and dried hibiscus petal.
3. Cucumber Mint Glow
Think: Refreshing, spa-vibes, crisp and clean.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz vodka or gin
- 1 oz lime juice
- 1/2 oz honey syrup (equal parts honey + warm water)
- 4 slices cucumber
- 4 mint leaves
- Club soda to top
Instructions:
Muddle cucumber and mint in a shaker. Add the rest of the ingredients (except soda), shake with ice, and strain into a chilled glass. Top with soda water and garnish with a mint sprig or cucumber ribbon.
4. Cherry Thyme Sparkler
Think: Sweet, herbaceous, and oh-so elegant.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 oz bourbon or dark rum
- 3 muddled cherries (fresh or frozen)
- 1 oz lemon juice
- 0.5 oz thyme simple syrup (simmer equal parts sugar + water + fresh thyme)
- Sparkling rosé or soda to top
Instructions:
Muddle cherries in a shaker with lemon juice and syrup. Add bourbon, shake with ice, and strain into a glass. Top with sparkling rosé and a small thyme sprig.
5. Peachy Sunset Sangria
Think: Summery, fruity, and perfect for batching.
Ingredients (for a pitcher):
- 1 bottle chilled white wine (Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc)
- 1/2 cup peach liqueur or brandy
- 2 sliced peaches
- 1 orange, sliced
- 1/2 cup raspberries
- Sparkling water or ginger ale to top
- Mint for garnish
Instructions:
Combine wine, liqueur, and fruit in a pitcher. Chill for at least 2 hours. Just before serving, add sparkling water to taste. Pour over ice and top with mint.
Sip, Share, Repeat
Whether you’re sipping under string lights or bringing something unique to a summer gathering, these cocktails are a sweet little reminder to slow down, celebrate, and find beauty in the simple things.