15 Summer Vodka Cocktails Perfect For Sunny Days

When the summer heat hits, a refreshing vodka cocktail can be the perfect way to cool down. Summer vodka cocktails offer a wide variety of flavors and styles, from fruity twists to classic blends. Whether you’re a fan of the Moscow Mule or prefer something more adventurous like a Salty Dog with a salted rim, there’s a vodka cocktail out there that’s perfect for you.

Explore the endless possibilities of summer vodka cocktails and find your new go-to drink.

Vodka Lemonade

Vodka Lemonade is a perfect summer cocktail. Its simplicity and refreshing taste make it a favorite. You can prepare it as a single serving or in a large pitcher for gatherings.

Ingredients (Single Serving)

• 2 ounces vodka
• 6 ounces lemonade
• Ice cubes
• Lemon slices for garnish

Ingredients (Pitcher)

• 32 ounces vodka (4 cups)
• 96 ounces lemonade (12 cups)
• Ice
• Lemon slices for garnish

Instructions

1. Single Serving: Add ice to a glass. Pour in vodka and lemonade. Stir well. Garnish with lemon slices.
2. Pitcher: Combine vodka and lemonade in a large pitcher. Stir thoroughly. Add ice just before serving. Garnish each glass with lemon slices.

Tips for the Best Flavor

• Fresh Lemonade: Use freshly squeezed lemons for the lemonade. This enhances the flavor.
• Chilled Ingredients: Ensure both the vodka and lemonade are chilled before mixing.

Variations

• Pink Vodka Lemonade: Add a splash of cranberry juice. This gives it a vibrant pink hue.
• Sparkling Lemonade: Use lemon-lime soda instead of regular lemonade. Adds a fizzy twist.

Screwdriver

A classic summer vodka cocktail, the Screwdriver is simple yet refreshing. This drink combines the tangy sweetness of orange juice with the smoothness of vodka.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz vodka
• 4 oz orange juice
• Ice cubes

Pour the vodka into a glass filled with ice. Add the orange juice. Stir gently to combine. You can use a spoon or a stirring stick.

You can customize your Screwdriver. Add a garnish of orange slice or a sprig of mint. Some variations include peach, orange blossom-flavored vodkas, or ginger liqueurs for added depth.

Cosmopolitan (Cosmo)

The Cosmopolitan, or “Cosmo,” is a famed vodka cocktail. It’s popular for its refreshing and tangy taste. This drink gained widespread recognition thanks to its feature on Sex and the City.

Key ingredients make the Cosmo stand out. Here’s what you need:

• 2 oz vodka
• 1 oz cranberry juice cocktail
• 3/4 oz fresh lime juice
• 3/4 oz triple sec or Cointreau

To prepare a Cosmo, follow these steps:

1. Combine vodka, cranberry juice, lime juice, and triple sec in a cocktail shaker.
2. Fill the shaker with ice.
3. Shake vigorously until the liquid is well-chilled.
4. Strain into a chilled martini glass.

Garnish your Cosmo with a lime wheel or wedge. This adds a decorative touch and enhances the lime flavor.

Moscow Mule

The Moscow Mule is a classic summer cocktail. It’s refreshing and easy to make. You need just three main ingredients.

Ingredients

• 2 oz vodka
• 1/2 oz fresh lime juice
• 3 oz ginger beer
• Lime wedge and mint sprig for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Fill a copper mug with ice. Add the vodka and lime juice. Top with ginger beer.

Stir gently to combine. Garnish with a lime wedge and mint sprig if desired.

Tips for the Best Moscow Mule

Use a high-quality vodka. Fresh lime juice enhances the flavor. Choose a strong ginger beer for a spicier kick.

Sea Breeze

The Sea Breeze is a quintessential summer cocktail. It is light, refreshing, and simple to make. This drink combines vodka with cranberry juice and grapefruit juice. The flavor is both tart and slightly sweet, making it an ideal choice for warm days.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 ounces vodka
• 3 ounces cranberry juice
• 1 ounce grapefruit juice
• Ice
• Lime wedge (optional, for garnish)

Steps:

1. Fill a glass with ice.
2. Pour the vodka over the ice.
3. Add the cranberry juice and grapefruit juice.
4. Stir gently to combine.
5. Garnish with a lime wedge if desired.

The Sea Breeze can be served in a highball glass. You can also use a lowball glass for a more compact presentation. This cocktail is a favorite for outdoor gatherings, beach parties, and poolside relaxation. It’s easy to prepare and uses just a few, budget-friendly ingredients. 

Bloody Mary

A Bloody Mary is a classic vodka cocktail. It’s known for its savory taste and complex flavors.

To make a Bloody Mary, you will need:

• 1.5 ounces vodka
• 3 ounces tomato juice
• 0.5 ounce lemon juice
• 2 dashes of Worcestershire sauce
• 2 dashes of hot sauce
• 1 pinch celery salt
• 1 pinch black pepper
• 0.25 teaspoon horseradish (optional)

Start by filling a shaker with ice. Add vodka, tomato juice, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, celery salt, black pepper, and horseradish. Shake well for about 20 seconds.

Prepare your glass by wetting the rim with a lemon wedge. Then, dip the rim into a mix of celery salt and kosher salt. Fill the glass with ice. Pour the mixture from the shaker into your glass.

Garnish with a celery stalk, pickles, or olives if desired. Experiment with your favorite garnishes to add a personal touch.

The Bloody Mary is versatile and can be adjusted to your spice preference. Adjust the hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and horseradish to taste. 

Cape Codder

The Cape Codder is a classic summer vodka cocktail. You’ll appreciate its simplicity and refreshing taste.

Ingredients

• 1.5 oz vodka
• 4 oz cranberry juice
• Lime wedge for garnish

Instructions

1. Fill a highball glass with ice.
2. Pour in vodka and cranberry juice.
3. Stir gently.
4. Garnish with a lime wedge.

This cocktail is also called a Cape Cod. It gets its name from Cape Cod, Massachusetts, known for its cranberries. The Cape Codder is perfect for summer gatherings or lounging by the pool.

White Russian

The White Russian is a classic vodka cocktail. It’s rich and creamy, perfect for summer evenings.

Ingredients

• 2 oz vodka
• 1 oz coffee liqueur (like Kahlúa)
• 1 oz heavy cream

Start with a rocks glass. Fill it with ice to the top.

Pour the vodka into the glass. Follow it with the coffee liqueur.

Slowly pour in the heavy cream. Stir gently to achieve a swirl effect.

Tips

Use heavy cream. Avoid low-fat or skim milk, which will curdle. For a dairy-free alternative, try coconut milk.

Serve immediately to enjoy the balance of flavors. Adjust the ratios to suit your taste.

Blue Lagoon

The Blue Lagoon cocktail is a vibrant, refreshing drink perfect for summer. This vodka-based cocktail mixes sweet and tangy flavors for a delightful experience.

Ingredients

• 1 oz vodka
• 1 oz blue curaçao
• 4 oz lemonade

Instructions

1. Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice.
2. Add the vodka, blue curaçao, and lemonade.
3. Shake until well-chilled.
4. Strain into a hurricane glass filled with ice.

Garnish Options

• Lemon wheel
• Maraschino cherry
• Fresh baby basil sprig

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Blue Lagoon with a straw and enjoy while cold. This striking blue drink is visually appealing and perfect for any summer gathering.

Bay Breeze

The Bay Breeze is a refreshing summer cocktail. It combines vodka, cranberry juice, and pineapple juice. This drink is easy to make and enjoyable.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 oz Vodka
• 3 oz Cranberry Juice
• 1.5 oz Pineapple Juice
• Lime Wheel (for garnish)

To prepare, fill a highball glass with ice. Pour the vodka, cranberry juice, and pineapple juice over the ice. Stir gently to combine.

Garnish your drink with a lime wheel. This adds a touch of freshness.

For a slightly different taste, you can try flavored vodkas. Coconut rum also works well as a substitute for vodka.

Bay Breeze is great for brunches and casual gatherings. You can easily scale up the recipe for a pitcher.

Pitcher Recipe:

• 1.5 cups Vodka
• 4 cups Cranberry Juice
• 1.5 cups Pineapple Juice

Mix the ingredients in a large pitcher. Serve over ice in individual glasses.

Lemon Drop Martini

A Lemon Drop Martini is a refreshing summer cocktail with a perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors. The key to this drink is the combination of fresh lemon juice and vodka, creating a zesty and invigorating experience.

First, gather your ingredients:

• 1 ½ oz vodka
• ½ oz Cointreau or triple sec
• ½ oz fresh lemon juice
• ½ oz simple syrup
• Granulated sugar for rimming the glass
• Lemon zest or wedges for garnish

Start by preparing the lemon sugar for the rim. Moisten the rim of a chilled martini glass with a lemon wedge. Dip the rim into granulated sugar spread on a small plate to coat it evenly.

Next, fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice. Add the vodka, Cointreau, lemon juice, and simple syrup. Shake vigorously for at least 30 seconds until the mixture is well chilled.

Strain the mixture into the prepared martini glass. Garnish with a twist of lemon zest or a lemon wedge.

Vodka Tonic

The Vodka Tonic is a refreshing, simple cocktail perfect for summer.

The main components of a Vodka Tonic are vodka, tonic water, and a garnish. This drink delivers a crisp and clean taste.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz vodka
• 4 oz tonic water
• Ice cubes
• Lime wedge or slice for garnish

Instructions:

1. Fill a highball glass with ice cubes.
2. Pour in the vodka over the ice.
3. Slowly add tonic water to the glass.
4. Stir gently to combine.
5. Garnish with a lime wedge or slice.

Experiment with different garnishes like lemon or cucumber. Adjust the vodka-to-tonic ratio to suit your taste.

Frozen Vodka Lemonade

Frozen vodka lemonade is perfect for a hot summer day. It’s easy to make and refreshing. You need just a few ingredients.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups lemonade
• 1 cup vodka
• 1 to 2 cups ice (depending on your preferred consistency)
• 1 tablespoon simple syrup (optional, for extra sweetness)
• Lemon slices (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Prepare simple syrup (optional): Combine 1 cup water and 1 cup sugar in a saucepan. Heat until sugar dissolves. Let it cool.
2. Blend ingredients: Add lemonade, vodka, ice, and simple syrup (if using) into a blender.
3. Blend until smooth: Ensure all ice is crushed and the mixture is slushy.
4. Serve immediately: Pour into glasses. Garnish with lemon slices.

Tips:

• To make lemonade, mix 1 cup fresh lemon juice with 1 cup water and 1/2 cup sugar.
• For a twist, add a splash of cranberry juice.
• Adjust the vodka to taste.

Sex on the Beach

Sex on the Beach is a classic summer vodka cocktail. It’s fruity, refreshing, and easy to make. This drink is perfect for hot days by the pool or beach.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ ounces vodka
• 1 ounce peach schnapps
• 2 ounces orange juice
• 2 ounces cranberry juice or grenadine
• Ice
• Orange slices and cherries (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Fill a highball glass with ice. A hurricane glass can also be used.
2. Add the vodka and peach schnapps. Pour them directly over the ice.
3. Add orange juice. Follow with cranberry juice or grenadine.
4. Stir gently. Mix until all liquids are combined.
5. Garnish. Use orange slices and cherries.

This cocktail has a beautiful sunset hue. It’s both visually appealing and delicious.

Pear Vodka Mojito

The Pear Vodka Mojito is a refreshing twist on the classic mojito. This cocktail brings a unique flavor with a fresh and fruity kick.

Ingredients

• 2 ounces pear vodka
• 1 ounce fresh lime juice
• 1 ounce simple syrup
• 10 fresh mint leaves
• Club soda
• Ice
• Fresh pear slices (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Muddle the Mint Leaves: In a glass, gently muddle the mint leaves with the simple syrup and lime juice.
2. Add Pear Vodka: Pour in the pear vodka and give it a quick stir.
3. Add Ice: Fill the glass with ice cubes.
4. Top with Club Soda: Add club soda to top off the glass, and stir gently.
5. Garnish: Garnish with fresh pear slices and additional mint leaves.