There are a few things that define an ideal summer: sandy toes, hot weather, and, of course, frozen cocktails. While many of us think of sunscreen-scented, saccharine beverages when we think of frozen drinks, there are many icy cocktails that are balanced, refreshing, and ideal for cooling us off on sunny days.
Looking for some frosty drink inspiration? Look no further than these nine frozen cocktails. From popsicles, to slushies, to frozen riffs on classic drinks, these recipes are guaranteed to complete your summer and quench your thirst.
The Pinot Freez-io Recipe
If you’re tired of frozé, we feel you. Lucky for you, rosé isn’t the only wine that can be slush-ified. This recipe combines Pinot Grigio, frozen pineapple, and lemonade ice cubes for a boozy summer treat you’ll want to sip by the beach.
The Negroni Pops Recipe
This boozy treat is worth the brain freeze. Combine strawberry grapefruit juice, gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth for a sweet and sour flavor you’ll adore. And while we love strawberry and grapefruit flavors combined with the classic Negroni ingredients, feel free to play around with different juice varieties to fit your preferences.
The Frozen Mango Piña Colada Recipe
This take on the classic beach drink adds fresh mango to the requisite piña and coconut for even more tropical twist. Combine rum, pineapple juice, coconut cream, lime juice, and fresh mango for a tropical concoction ideal for porch sipping.
The Gin and Tonic Sorbet Recipe
Thought you couldn’t love your G&T any more? Think again: This cocktail combines this classic cocktail’s flavors with the fruity tastes of your favorite sorbet. Combine gin, tonic (but you knew that already), lime juice, and a couple scoops of sorbet for a decadent drink that can be easily suited to your individual tastes.
The Too-Tempting Melon Spiked Popsicles Recipe
The name says it all. This fruity and boozy adult popsicle will have your quaranteam coming back for more. Combine cantaloupe, watermelon, and vodka — or whatever spirit you’re craving — and freeze in popsicle molds (or paper Dixie cups, if you don’t have a mold). And if you want to upgrade this concoction, serve these popsicles in a glass of Champagne for a bubbly twist.
The Salty Watermelon Recipe
Watermelon, combined with outdoor day drinking, is basically synonymous with summer fun. For a fruity Margarita riff, combine watermelon with tequila, lime juice, agave, and salt. And for an array of melon flavors, try this recipe with cantaloupe or honeydew.
The Basil Piña Colada Recipe
Turns out, basil is the secret ingredient for the perfect Piña Colada. The addition of basil’s fresh herbal taste to the sweet, tropical flavors of the Piña Colada makes for a balanced, fragrant drink you’ll want to make again and again. Blend pineapple, rum, lime juice, coconut cream, agave, and basil, and sip with delight.
The Spicy Avocado Coconut Margarita Recipe
Sounds strange, tastes amazing. Avocado gives this drink its creamy texture, while tajin — a Mexican spice mix — adds a salty and tangy flavor that complements the Margarita’s classic flavors. To make this drink, combine avocado, tequila, lime juice, coconut milk, agave nectar, orange juice, and jalapeño in a blender. Once smooth, rim the glass with tajin. Sip and be transported to a Mexican restaurant on the sand.
The Mango & Strawberry Gin Slush Recipe
You’re never too old for a slushie. That’s why we added gin to this one. Strawberries, mango sorbet, gin, and thyme are combined to create a bold yet balanced drink full of nostalgia. Make this cocktail in small or large batches depending on the size of your fiesta, and garnish with a sprig of thyme.
