11 Essential Cocktails for your July Parties

Gin’s complex herbal flavors play off tart lime and grapefruit in this bubbly tipple that’s just as good with brunch as it is as a pre-dinner drink. Pineapple syrup adds a hint of tropical sweetness and summery flavor, while bitters and dry prosecco keep things light enough to enjoy even the hottest days.

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This cocktail is summer served in a pineapple. Rum and rye whiskey get a tropical twist from pineapple and lemon juices, while cinnamon syrup, almond extract and bitters add a signature Tiki richness. A Lemon Hart or Hamilton 151 rum floater keeps the party going.

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Tiki lovers go crazy for this tropical classic. White rum and dark rum get a citrusy kick from orange curaçao, while orgeat adds a delicate almond flavor to round it out. Garnish with a lime wheel and a mint sprig, and pretend you’re relaxing on a white sand beach.

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If you’re making cocktails for a crowd, a big-batch drink like this one is the way to go. Tequila gives the Sangria a south-of-the-border twist and tastes especially good when mixed with lemon and lime juices and a variety of tropical fruits. Mix it all in a pitcher with ice, then top individual servings with Champagne for an extra bubbly finish.

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Hot peppers and fresh peaches add a spicy-sweet element to smooth cognac in this easy drinking refresher. Make a batch of homemade peach-jalapeño syrup and keep it in the fridge to mix with cognac, mint and lemon juice whenever the mood strikes all month long.

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Looking for something light? This cocktail is here to make your day. Summer ale is a light and refreshing base for Aperol, rosemary syrup and fresh lemon juice. The resulting cocktail is supremely sippable and perfect for lazy afternoons in the backyard.

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Consider this southern Italian classic a ticket to the Mediterranean coast. Sweet vermouth, limoncello and Campari bring a combo of sweet, bitter and citrusy, while soda water lightens up the mix. Don’t skip the fresh thyme garnish, which adds an extra herbal layer to an already complex cocktail.

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A cross between a Margarita and a Paloma, this tequila cocktail is ideal for pairing with a light summer dinner. Simply shake tequila, dry curaçao, guava syrup, and grapefruit and lime juices together, then strain into a Martini glass. Garnish with a piece of guava fruit leather for an extra dose of tropical sweetness.

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The summer months call for vodka drinks. Answer with this herbaceous beverage. Though the sesame-infused vodka and cucumber ginger syrup each require some effort to make, they’re well worth the time when they’re combined with fresh lime juice and salt.

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You don’t have to garnish this Tiki-inspired drink with a cocktail umbrella, but no one will blame you if you do. Mango rum and cachaça are sweet and sippable when mixed with Dole soft-serve, pineapple juice, coconut cream and cinnamon syrup. Serve poolside in a Hurricane glass with a pineapple leaf garnish.

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This boozy iced tea is a gorgeous addition to any Fourth of July spread and delicious enough to drink all month long. Muddle fresh strawberries with lemon, then shake with rich simple syrup and spike with an extra shot of bourbon. Top with iced tea for a drink that’s a perfect blend of boozy and refreshing with a hint of sweetness.

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