5 summer cocktails that are perfectly refreshing on a hot day

Summer is here and summer cocktails are the perfect way to cool off on a hot day. Ready to mix up one of these refreshing cocktails?

From backyard barbecues to lazy days by the pool, summer cocktails can make any occasion even more festive. Since summertime can be quite hot, it can be helpful to find cocktails that are light, refreshing and easy. Are you ready to get shaking?

While everyone can have a favorite cocktail, summer can be a time to try something new. From a bold flavor to a twist on a favorite, why not break out of that cocktail rut.

Also, sometimes it can helpful to have a cocktail or two that can be served both with and without alcohol. With the heat, it is always important to hydrate when imbibing. Possibly switching in between a spiked and a non-alcoholic version keep everyone at their best.

When picking a summer cocktail, sometimes it can be helpful to build a beverage off items that are already in the pantry. From bubly to Pure Leaf Tea, those items might already be in your fridge. They can serve as the base for a refreshing, flavorful summer cocktail.

Here are five summer cocktails that provide perfect refreshment on a hot summer day.

Jalapeno paloma, photo provided bubly

Jalapeno Paloma

Right now palomas are a hot cocktail. In this version, it might seem like the spice from the jalapeno would make you hotter on a summer day. Actually, the opposite is true. The heat from the jalapeno can help cool you off.

While this version contains tequila, you could make a non-alcoholic version. The flavors in the drink are bold enough that the spirit can be eliminated and the drink is just as refreshing.

Here’s how to make a Jalapeno Paloma.

"Ingredients:• 3 oz. grapefruitbubly• 1 oz. Tequila• ½ oz. Triple Sec• 1 oz. Lime Juice• Jalapeno Puree• Salted rimMethod:Salt rim of rocks glass and fill with ice. Mix jalapeno puree with lime juice. Add ice, tequila, and triple sec. Shake until mixing tin becomes frosted on the outside. Strain into salted rocks glass filled with ice. Top with grapefruitbubly. Stir and garnish."

Grapefruit margarita, photo provided by bubly

Grapefruit Margarita

Margaritas and summer seem to go hand in hand. While the traditional margarita recipes uses mostly lime juice, this version with grapefruit is tart and refreshing. Plus, the bubbles from the bubly just add to the fun.

Here’s how to make Grapefruit Margarita.

"Ingredients:• 4 oz. grapefruitbubly• 1 oz. Tequila• ½ oz. Orange Liqueur• Splash grapefruit juice• Juice of 2 lime wedges• Salted rimMethod:Salt rim of rocks glass and fill with ice. Squeeze and drop lime wedges into a mixing tin. Add ice, tequila, orange liqueur, and grapefruit juice. Shake until frosted. Strain into salted rocks glass filled with ice. Top with grapefruitbubly. Stir and garnish with a lime wheel."

Frozen Sangria

Frozen drinks are always a popular choice during summer. This version gets a burst of flavor from the Lipton Green Tea Citrus. It is bright and refreshing.

Also, if you don’t want the wine or gin, a non-alcoholic version is equally enjoyable. Plus, you feel good about getting a little extra fruit in your diet.

Here’s how to make frozen sangria.

"Ingredients:• 2.5oz Lipton Green Tea Citrus• 1oz Rose Wine• .5oz Sloe Gin• 3 Strawberries• 3 Blueberries• 10 Ice CubesMethod:Add all items to blender and blend until smooth. Pour into desired glass. Garnish with a lemon wheel and fresh berries."

Citrus Sky, photo provided by Lipton

Citrus Sky

Passion fruit has become a popular flavor trend. In this cocktail, the Lipton Green Tea Citrus and lime juice balance the strong flavor of the passion fruit. With a touch of sweetness from the agave nectar, this cocktail might be the bold flavor that is the perfect summer sipper.

Here’s how to make Citrus Sky.

"Ingredients:• 3oz Lipton Green Tea Citrus• 2oz Passion Fruit Puree• 1.5oz Vanilla Vodka• .5oz Lime Juice• .25oz Agave Nectar• 6-8 Ice CubesMethod:Add all items into a cocktail shaker and shake vigorously. Strain over crushed ice. Pour contents of cocktail into a tall glass followed by the crushed ice. Garnish with lime wheels and a mint sprig"

Maracas Bay Rum Punch, photo provided by Pure Leaf

Maracas Bay Rum Punch

If you haven’t added savory ingredients to a cocktail, the Maracas Bay Rum Punch is a great cocktail to try. The rosemary adds an alluring aroma which entices you to take a sip.

Plus, who isn’t drinking hibiscus tea right now? The floral notes from the hibiscus are amazing on a hot day.

Here’s how to make Maracas Bay Rum Punch.

"Ingredients:• 2 oz Pure Leaf Peach Hibiscus Herbal Iced Tea• 1 oz Dark Rum• ½ oz Honey Bourbon• Two dashes Orange Bitters• ¼ oz Lime• 1 oz Simple Syrup• Splash of Soda• 1 Stalk of RosemaryMethod:In a Collins glass, stack the ice cubes to the brim and nestle a rosemary stalk next to the cubes so you can see it through the glass. Shake all remaining ingredients (except soda). Add a splash of soda and carefully strain over the ice cubes."

What are your favorite summer cocktails? Share your ideas below or tag us in a picture using #FoodSided.