The Last Sips of Summer: The Top Cocktails to Make the Most of the Sun

End of Summer Cocktails

We’re hard-pressed for good weather in the UK, which is why you’ll find us firing up the BBQ as soon as the temperature hits 14 degrees. As we move into late summer, there’s still time to make the most of the hot days, long evenings, and balmy nights before they disappear for another year.

Shaken, stirred, built, or batched, freshly made or frozen, we’ve got a mixture of classics and new creations for you to try. Each will take no more than a few minutes from start to serve – and in the case of our ready-to-drink options, even less! Whatever you’re craving to cool off, we’ve got a perfect summer cocktail recipe for you.

Red Punch

A big, thirst-quenching punch is the perfect way to kick off a party, and this is our take on the classic 400-year-old cocktail.

We Recommend: Cihuatán Indigo dark rum from El Salvador, matured for eight years in former bourbon barrels. It delivers hints of vanilla, cappuccino, dark chocolate, lemongrass, and hazelnut, making it a rich, fruity, crowd-pleaser of a punch.

Ingredients:

• 60ml Cihuatán Indigo Rum
• Pomegranate Seeds
• Lime Juice
• Sugar
• Sparkling Water

Method:

1. Crush the pomegranate seeds and sugar in a glass.
2. Add Cihuatán Indigo Rum, lime juice, soda water, and plenty of ice.
3. Enjoy!

Papa Salt Paloma

Australians know a thing or two about summer, and Papa Salt Coastal Gin is a beach day in a bottle. Packed with native botanicals like zesty wax flower, hibiscus, citrus peel, ginger, and peppercorn, this gin pairs perfectly with a Paloma, delivering a simple, refreshing highball with a herbaceous edge.

Ingredients:

• 60ml Papa Salt Coastal Gin
• 30ml Fresh Lime Juice
• Pink Grapefruit Soda
• Rosemary Salt (Optional)

Method:

1. Blitz dried rosemary with sea salt to create rosemary salt.
2. Rim a well-chilled tall glass with rosemary salt.
3. Shake Papa Salt gin and lime juice with ice until well chilled.
4. Pour over ice and top with pink grapefruit soda.
5. Garnish with a rosemary sprig.

Perfect Margarita

The Paloma might be Mexico’s official cocktail, but the Margarita is the heart of Tequila lovers! Cool, crisp, a little spicy, and perfectly balanced, it’s an essential summer drink.

We Recommend: Tequila Tromba Blanco and Alma Finca Orange Liqueur for a premium touch.

Ingredients:

• 60ml Tequila Tromba Blanco
• 30ml Fresh Lime Juice
• 15ml Alma Finca Orange Liqueur
• 15ml Agave Syrup

Method:

1. Fill a shaker with ice.
2. Add all ingredients and shake well.
3. Strain into a salt-rimmed glass with fresh ice.
4. Garnish with a lime wheel.

Ready-to-Drink Cocktails

Nothing says convenience like a ready-to-drink cocktail. Perfect for picnics, parties, and festivals, the RTD market is booming for a reason – they’re affordable, easy to transport, and deliver incredible, perfectly balanced flavors in seconds.

We Recommend: Halisco, World of Zing, and The Drinks Bureau for top-tier flavors without needing a full home bar setup.

Cheers to the final days of summer! For more inspiration and recipes, visit our Mixology Hub.