As the summer approaches and we all begin planning our afternoons in the sun, we want to find our favourite summer cocktail of the year. Whether you’re looking to impress your friends and family or try something new and fruity, we have seven easy summer cocktails for you this summer. We've also included a couple of our favourite non-alcoholic cocktails.

We've invited expert mixologists, bartenders, and our own glassware specialist to comment and provide insider tips on making, elevating and serving these drinks! Those could be adjusting quantities and techniques, or adding a secret special ingredient - check for yourselves!

Our Top 7 Cocktails:

Waterloo Sunsets

Limoncello Gin Fizz

Irish Whiskey Old Fashioned

Watermelon Daiquiri

Aperol Spritz

Non-Alcoholic Passion Fruit Martini

Non-Alcoholic Amaretto Sour

Our Contributing Experts

Emanuele Mensah (Lele)

Author, content creator, photographer, mixologist and all round cocktail extraordinaire. Lele has been collaborating closely with Urban Bar over the last year creating regular cocktail recipes and offering expert advice. 

Lele has worked for some of the best cocktail bars in the world, including Disrepute in London and Eau-de-Vie Sydney, and he was named one of the World Class Top 100 Bartenders by Diageo Reserve. Winner of countless cocktails competitions  worldwide. On Instagram and YouTube, you can find him at Cocktails with Lele (@CocktailsWithLele).

He is all about sustainability and applies a zero-waste policy to his ideas and concepts.

Owen Williams 

Owen Williams is a mixologist and bartender from Wales who spent ten years devising an extensive and experimental cocktail list for several restaurants, but it is his instagram posts and recipes that have really garnered attention. His personal Instagram (@my_cocktail_bible) has 344k followers, and he also has an account where he shares other people's recipes with over 600K followers (@the_cocktail_bible).

Author of “The Dry Bar” cocktail recipe book which focuses on drinks for a sophisticated palate and show-off entertaining – finely curated and expertly crafted. This is the a go-to book for anyone wanting to enjoy the feeling of having a 'proper' drink without any of the downsides of alcohol.

Luke Slater

Luke Slater is The Cask Connoisseur’s in-house beer connoisseur. Growing up in the brewing capital of the world (Burton-upon-Trent), Luke knows a thing or two about beer. From the taste all the way to how the beer was made, Luke knows each step that is needed. 

Having also worked in hospitality and behind the bar for several years, he has a keen understanding of what consumers want from their drinks, what sells best and what are the common thoughts that a drinker will have.

Xhulio Sina

Xhulio Sina is the founder of the bottled cocktails business ‘Bottle Bar and Shop’ which he started in 2017.

He has over 20 years of experience in the bars industry (previously bars manager at Sketch and the Royal Opera House to name a few) and is the creator of their range of award winning cocktails.

Last year, he received the coveted accolade of ‘Great Taste Producer’ from the Guild of Fine Food.

Sam Vince 

Sam is responsible for Urban Bar Global operations at both our UK and BV offices working closely with all divisions in the business to ensure maximum efficiency, compliance and customer satisfaction. 

This guide will tell you everything you need to know on how to make your staple summer cocktails -

Waterloo Sunsets

Key Ingredient - Vodka

The Waterloo Sunset is the perfect addition to your evening as you watch the sunset from the comfort of your home this summer. Our recipe gives you enough to share with your family and friends.

Ingredients

•       200ml Vanilla vodka
•       100ml Peach schnapps
•       500ml peach juice
•       Lemonade
•       Grenadine
•       Raspberries

Instructions

1. In a jug, add vanilla vodka with your peach schnapps and juice, stir, then divide between eight glasses.
2. Add ice cubes to each glass then top up with lemonade.
3. Using a teaspoon down the side of the glass pour grenadine into each glass, so it settles at the bottom for the perfect ombre effect. Add raspberries for garnish and a straw to stir.

Expert Tips

"The Waterloo Sunset - Champagne cocktail that is made in layers. Great for summer entertaining.

In a mixing glass add ice and then add 35ml gin, 15ml elderflower liqueur and stir. Then pour it into a champagne glass and top up with  65ml champagne (any sparkling wine can be used)

Then using a bar spoon, add 10ml black raspberry liqueur. This will create the sunset effect with the black raspberry liqueur seating at the bottom of the glass."

Xhulio Sina

This is a sweet cocktail. If you want something a bit more sour, add 150ml lemon juice, freshly squeezed, that will bring brightness to the drink making it very refreshing. Always put the glassware in the freezer for 20 minutes before serving the drinks, so that it will be chilled.

(50ml vanilla vodka, 10ml grenadine, 25ml lemon juice, 15ml peach puree, top up lemonade. Garnish: raspberries. Method: shake. Glassware: highball)

Lele 

Add eight dashes of vanilla bitters or extract to help enhance the beautiful spice vanilla flavour coming from the vodka. You can also add a slice of fresh peach in each glass.

Owen

The Perfect Glass - Highball glass

The Highball Glass is the perfect vessel for enjoying a Waterloo Sunset. Their slim shape and brilliant clarity allow the drinks to take centre stage. The thin lip of a highball glass enhances the drinking experience and their larger capacity lends itself to a decidedly generous refreshing drink. These glasses are practical and versatile, perfect for everyday soft drinks or serving spirits with a mixer and ice. 

Sam- Urban Bar

Limoncello Gin Fizz

Key Ingredient - Gin

This cocktail is the perfect refreshing addition to the classic gin fizz. Limoncello is an Italian liqueur that gives this cocktail recipe the perfect atmosphere for lounging in your back garden this summer.

Ingredients

•       45 ml Gin
•       15ml Limoncello
•       15ml Lime or lemon juice
•       Simple Syrup
•       2 sprigs of mint or thyme for garnish
•       Sparkling water

Instructions

1. Fill your mixing glass with ice and add your gin, limoncello, lime or lemon juice, simple syrup and your sprigs of thyme or mint.
2. Stir to combine your ingredients, then strain into a rocks glass filled with ice and top up with sparkling water

Additionally, you can serve this drink over crushed ice in a highball glass.

Expert Tips

If you don’t have Limoncello, you can still make it by adding 25ml lime juice and 20ml simple sugar. Stir between 10 to 20 seconds.

Make sure that sparkling water is cool before serving so that it doesn’t dilute the drink too much.

(45ml gin, 10ml limoncello, 30ml lemon juice, 15ml simple syrup, 12 mint leaves. Method: shake and double strain. Top up with soda water. Glassware: highball. Garnish: mint spring )

Lele

Great summer drink, its not that fizzy, but it's very refreshing. Add 40ml gin, 25ml limoncello, fresh 5ml lemon juice, 10ml sugar syrup and fresh mint into a mixing glass. Stir well and then strain into a glass over ice and top with sparkling/soda water. Add some thyme as garnish.

Replace the simple syrup with elderflower cordial which will give the serve a subtle floral finish.

Owen

The Perfect Glass - Highball Glass

The tall glass showcases the cocktail’s layers beautifully, the vibrant yellow hue of limoncello displays brilliantly through the clear glass. Highball glasses are used to serve “tall” cocktails and other mixed drinks that contain a large proportion of mixer and ice. Making this a perfect companion for the Gin Fizz

Sam- Urban Bar

 

Irish Whiskey Old Fashioned

Key Ingredient - Irish Whiskey

Our next summer cocktail is less fruity but has a modern twist to the classic old-fashioned. The floral notes of this cocktail add a new and refreshing addition. 

Ingredients

•       40ml Irish Whiskey
•       10ml Elderflower Cordial
•       10ml Sauternes
•       Ice
•       Pared lemon zest for garnish

Instructions

1. Add all your ingredients into your glass and stir to combine everything. Then add your lemon zest to garnish.

Expert Tips

You can’t beat this one for a classic vintage cocktail, it’s been around for ages (the name really does give this away) and it’s one that is traditionally made from bourbon or rye whiskey. It’s the perfect drink for those looking for something that is sweet and bitter. It was originally the whisky cocktail (and I do mean whisky not whiskey), but over the years has adapted and evolved depending on the bartender serving it. 

When making an Irish Whiskey Old Fashioned, here's a tip to enhance the experience: Experiment with different Irish whiskies. While traditionally made with bourbon or rye, using Irish whiskey in an Old Fashioned adds a unique twist. Try different Irish whiskey brands and styles to find the one that complements the cocktail's flavours best. Some Irish whiskies may have sweeter or lighter notes, which can influence the overall taste of your Old Fashioned. 

 Do a long still of 25 seconds and make it on the rocks.

Add 25ml of lemon juice.

(60ml Irish whisky, 5ml demerara syrup, 2 dash angostura bitters, 1 dash chocolate bitter. Method: stir. Glassware: old fashioned glass. Garnish: lemon zest)

Lele

Add 2 dashes of orange bitters which will help lift all the other flavours and add a delicious bitter finish. You can also change the garnish to an orange peel and express the oils over the top of the cocktail. 

Owen

Add sugar syrup, 5 drops of Angostura bitters and 1 orange zest at the bottom of an cocktail shaker and give it a gentle muddle.

Add 75ml Irish whiskey and stir well. Then strain  in to ice filled old fashioned glass . Garnish with a cherry and orange zest.

 

The Perfect Glass - Old Fashioned glass

Named after the iconic cocktail served in them and sometimes referred to simply as a rocks glass, these short tumblers are available in a wide selection of shapes and sizes. These versatile glasses with their wide rim are perfect for serving your whiskey neat or in this case as a cocktail over ice. The sturdy base prevents tipping, safeguarding your precious whisk(e)y from accidental spills.

 

Watermelon Daiquiri

Key Ingredient - White rum

Watermelon is known as the perfect summer fruit, known for being a thirst quencher. Which is why we recommend this daiquiri for your summer cocktail this year. Another reason why this cocktail is the perfect refresher is it's similarity to a slushie texture. This means that this drink lasts while you’re lying in the sun.

Standard Ingredients

•       50ml White rum

•       25ml Watermelon Liqueur (or you can use a watermelon-flavoured spirit such as gin)

•       10ml lime juice

•       Ice

•       100g of watermelon

•       An extra wedge of watermelon to garnish.

Instructions

1. Add a handful of ice to a blender, then add your rum, watermelon liqueur or spirit, lime juice and watermelon.
2. Blitz the ingredients until smooth.
3. Add ice to your glass and pour your cocktail into the glass. Add your wedge of watermelon for decoration.

Expert tips

With summer just around the corner, this drink has the potential to be hot this season! It should be a refreshing cocktail made with fresh watermelon, rum, lime juice, and simple syrup. It’s perfect for those who fancy a tropical treat. You could even go one step further and make it into a frozen watermelon daiquiri, just know you’ll have to wait a bit for this, so maybe this is an option if you’re hosting a party this summer and really want to impress? 

One tip I would give for this drink is that fresh ingredients are key. Opt for ripe, juicy watermelon to get the best flavour. Using fresh watermelon juice instead of pre-made mixes will elevate the taste of your daiquiri and give it a vibrant, natural sweetness. Additionally, freshly squeezed lime juice will provide a zesty kick that balances the sweetness of the watermelon.

Luke Slater 

Add around 50gr/70gr watermelon in the shaker and give it a gentle muddle. Then add 60ml of white rum, 10ml fresh lime juice, 10ml agave syrup (I prefer 10ml passion fruit syrup),and few ice cubes.

Give it a good shake and double strain in to a martini glass. Garnish with watermelon.

 

Instead of the watermelon Liqueur, use 15ml Simple Syrup, 20ml Lime juice, and 100 grams watermelon. Blend it and then strain it to avoid the flesh in the glass. Serve it with crashed ice to make it more refreshing.

(50ml white rum, 25ml lime juice, 15ml watermelon syrup (or simple syrup if you don’t have it), 60gr watermelon (cut), blend for 15 seconds, double strain into the coupe glass. Garnish: watermelon wedge)

Lele

Adding 25ml of coconut milk will add a creaminess and tropical twist, which works beautifully with rum cocktails.

Owen

 

The Perfect Glass - The Coupe Glass

The Coupe glass with its vintage charm and elegant shape is perfect for sipping a refreshing Watermelon Daiquiri. It’s shallow, wide bowl showcases the vibrant colours of your cocktail & enhances the release of aromas and flavours. The long stem keeps your hand away from the bowl, preventing unnecessary warming of the drink. Store in the freezer to ensure it is well chilled prior to use. 

Aperol Spritz

Key Ingredient - Prosecco

Aperol Spritz has always been associated with an Italian Summer, commonly enjoyed by the Venice canal. It’s simple and easy for those who prefer a bubbly drink. This cocktail is considered a classic and we believe it’s timeless.

Ingredients

•       50ml Aperol
•       75ml Prosecco
•       Soda to top up
•       Ice

Instructions

1. Simply add the Aperol and Prosecco in a glass with ice, then top up with soda if preferred.

Expert Tips:

Add the ice to the glass after pouring the liquids so that they will be well mixed. Use orange wedge or olives as a garnish.

(50m Aperol, 75ml Prosecco, 25ml Soda.)

Lele

This is a drink that has gained popularity in the last year or so, perhaps because of its light and bubbly nature, making it a perfect drink for social gatherings or leisurely afternoons.  

This classic cocktail is made with Aperol, a bitter orange liqueur, sparkling wine, and a splash of soda water, typically served over ice. Just make sure to balance your proportions if you are planning on making this drink. While the classic recipe calls for equal parts Aperol and prosecco topped with a splash of soda water, you can adjust the ratios to suit your taste preferences. If you prefer a slightly sweeter or more bitter flavour, you can tweak the amounts of Aperol and prosecco accordingly.

 Add the 75ml prosecco, 50ml Aperol and 25ml soda to a wine glass filled with ice and stir.

Garnish with an orange slice and one olive. Why not try negroni Spritz by swapping Aperol with negroni.

 

Adding 25ml of pink grapefruit juice will help enhance the bittersweet flavour from the Aperol and add a beautiful freshness.

 Owen

The Perfect Glass - Wine glass 

A wine glass is the ideal choice for this classic Italian cocktail. The wide bowl of a wine glass provides ample space for ice cubes without compromising the cocktail’s proportions. A robust wine glass can handle the clinking of ice cubes and the occasional toast without fear of breakage. You can choose a modern, stemless style or even opt for vintage glasses. The key qualities are clarity, durability, and a touch of elegance. 

 

We understand that alcoholic beverages aren’t for everyone. Which is why we have included some easy non-alcoholic cocktails you can enjoy this summer.

Non-Alcoholic Passion Fruit Martini

This non-alcoholic passion fruit martini means that you or your friends can join in your summer toasts without the alcohol but with the same fruity taste.

Ingredients

•       50ml Passionfruit Puree
•       Lemon juice
•       1 Egg white
•       100ml Alcohol-free spirit
•       2 tsp sugar syrup
•       Ice
•       Sparkling grape juice

Instructions

1. Add the passion fruit puree, lemon juice, egg white, spirit, and syrup and shake.
2. After combining the ingredients add ice and shake again until the shaker is cold.
3. Strain your mixture into your martini glass then top up your glass with grape juice

Expert Tips:

Replacing the sugar syrup with vanilla syrup will add a subtle spice in the background and works especially well with passionfruit.

Owen

Do a dry shake first to emulsifier the egg white. Put all the ingredients in the shaker without ice. Then you can add it for a wet shake.

Once shaken, double strain it to remove all the exceed ice.

(50ml alcohol-free spirit, 20ml lemon juice, 15ml egg white, 15ml simple syrup, 15ml passion fruit puree, method: shake, glassware: Martini glass. Garnish: half passion fruit)

Lele

Add 75ml pineapple juice, 25ml lemon juice, 1 egg white (optional), 15ml almond syrup (nut free) in to a shaker with ice . Then strain  in to ice filled old fashioned glass . Garnish with a cherry and orange zest.

Add some cherry juice if you happened to have any as it will make it more tastier.

Xhulio Sina

The Perfect Glass - Martini

A classic martini glass is the perfect match for this delightful cocktail. You can keep these martini glasses in a freezer so they are well chilled before use, keeping your drink colder for longer. The wide rim of the glass allows the aromas to escape and reach your senses. The martini glass provides ample space for garnishes with their perfectly sloping sides and presentation matters! A high quality premium martini glass allows you to showcase and elevate your cocktail artistry. 

Sam- Urban Bar

Non-Alcoholic Amaretto Sour

A non-alcoholic twist on a classic, this Amaretto Sour is made with pineapple juice for a refreshing taste. This means you’re not missing out on enjoying cocktails with your friends and family this summer.

Ingredients

•       100ml Pineapple juice
•       50ml Lemon juice
•       ½ Egg White
•       10ml Syrup from Cocktail Cherries
•       Cocktail Cherries for garnish
•       Almond extract

Instructions

1. Add the pineapple juice, lemon juice, egg white, cherry syrup, and a few drops of almond into a cocktail shaker.
2. Once the ingredients are mixed, add ice, and shake again until the cocktail shaker is cold.
3. Pour into your old fashioned glass and garnish with cherries.

Expert Tips:

Add the inside of the 2 passion fruit in to a shaker along side 50ml pineapple juice, 15ml passion fruit syrup, 15ml lime juice and ice. Shake well and pour in to a chilled martini glass.

Option – 50ml non alcoholic spirits can also be used

Replace half of the pineapple juice with a non-alcoholic malt spirit, adding flavours of vanilla, toasted nuts and herbal notes which works perfectly with the almond.

Owen

Instead of the almond extract, use almond syrup that you can easily find in any supermarket.

(50ml orange juice, 25ml lemon juice, 15ml almond syrup or simple syrup, 20ml egg white, method: shake. Glass: old fashioned, garnish: cherry)

Lele

The Perfect Glass - Old Fashioned Glass

The old-fashioned glass is the perfect choice for sipping an Amaretto Sour. This straight, short glass, sometimes called a low-ball tumbler or a rocks glass is used for short drinks or straight spirits on the rocks, hence the origin of its name. The old-fashioned glass lets the cocktail speak for itself, no frills, just flavour. The wide opening of the old-fashioned glass allows the aromas to escape. As you lift the glass, the citrusy notes from the lemon juice greet your senses. 

Check our Alcohol Free Cocktail Recipes for some more alcohol free inspirations.

We hope you enjoy your summer with these easy at-home cocktail recipes.  Remember to tag Urban Bar on your social media if you try any of these recipes.