51 Cocktails For Summer Slideshow

Who says margaritas have all the fun? Summer deserves a night of tequila; here are five new  ways to serve it. 

• The Pomegranate Paloma
• The Smoky Paloma
• The Aperol Paloma
• The Tequila Julep
• The Culture Clash Cocktail

What, did you think margaritas were only for Cinco de Mayo? There's no better time to whip up a margarita than the hot days of summer. Perfect the traditional margarita recipe, and then get crazy with spicy, sweet, and fruity margarita recipes.

• The House Margarita
• The Spicy Margarita 
• The Strawberry Basil Margarita
• The Grapefruit Margarita

Rum is the spirit of summer — and why shouldn't it be? Made in the Caribbean and sun-loving countries like Puerto Rico, it's perfect for the warm weather, so go ahead and perfect any and all rum cocktails this summer. Start with the classic Dark and Stormy or rum and Coke (with a twist), and work your way up to the punches and fruity cocktails. 

• The Dark n' Stormy Cocktail
• The Rum Fix Cocktail
• The Rum and Coke Remixed
• The Basil Strawberry Rum-Ade

Gin and tonics are sweeping the bars this summer, and there's no shortage of ways to update the classic cocktail. With summer's best fruits, try a new G&T and you won't be sorry. 

• The Gin Gin Cocktail
• The Cucumber Gin and Tonic with Blueberries
• The Gin and Tonic Remixed
• The Pink Gin Cocktail

It's the summer of punch — and there are plenty of options to choose from. One of these punches will surely make the rounds at your next big party. 

• The Passion Lemonade Punch
• The Bajan Rum Punch
• The Sparkling Watermelon Punch 
• Dale's Rainbow Planter Punch

Don't forget those who want a non-boozy beverage — now's the time to whip up some great mocktails that everyone can enjoy. If you need inspiration for a kid's party or a baby shower, look no further than these three mocktails.

• The Spiced Orchards Mocktail
• The Banane et Orange Mocktail
• The Jardin des Fraises Mocktail

If you like piña coladas... and finding new ways to make them, try these new takes on the classic tropical cocktail. 

• The Piña Colada
• The Funky Monkey Cocktail 
• The Angostura Piña Colada
• The Coconut Colada

No other drink signifies the start of summer better than the mojito. Minty and sweet, muddled and fun, the mojito is the signature drink of summer — and there are lots of ways to serve it. (After all, who doesn't want a mojito jelly shot?) 

• The Perfect Mojito
• The Mojito Jelly Shot
• Blood Orange and Cardamom Mojitos with Basil
• The Pineapple Mojito
• The Mexican Mojito

If a summer night doesn't scream for sangria, we don't know what does. Try it with white wine, champagne, sake, and new fruits you've never thought of to add to your sangria. 

• Basic Sangria
• Champagne Sangria
• White Peach Sangria
• Sake Sangria

Don't worry, weight-watchers — we didn't forget about you. There are plenty of ways to imbibe while watching your waistline this summer, like with these light and sweet cocktails. 

• The Watermelon Cooler
• The Blushing Brunch Recipe
• The Blueberry Pomegranate Shimmy

As if you needed another reason to eat an ice pop or frozen treat, now you can add booze to them! 

• Mango Rum Granita
• Spiked Watermelon Balls
• Daiquiri Lime Ice Pops
• Blood Orange Margarita Ice Pops