The 10 Best Fruity Cocktails to Serve this Summer

Fruity cocktails are the ultimate crowd-pleasers. They’re bright, versatile, and bursting with flavour, making them perfect for summer gatherings, festive parties, or even just an indulgent treat at home. Whether you’re soaking up the sun by the pool, hosting friends for a celebratory bash, or unwinding after a long day, these drinks bring a splash of fun and flavour to any occasion.

From zesty citrus blends to tropical fruit medleys, there’s a juicy clinker to match every mood and moment. Plus, let’s be honest—half the fun is how stunning they look in the glass. A drink that doubles as eye candy? Yes, please! Here’s our curated list of 20 sensational sippers that are guaranteed to impress and delight.

What makes a cocktail fruity?

Well, some fruit in the mix, of course! But it’s more than just tossing in an orange slice or splash of juice. Fruity cocktails are all about bold, lively flavours that highlight the natural sweetness, tang, or tropical essence of fresh fruit, purees, or juices. Whether it’s the zest of citrus, the lushness of berries, or the sunny brightness of mango or pineapple, these drinks celebrate fruit in every sip.

What makes these drinks even more exciting is how adaptable they are. Spirits like vodka, rum, tequila, and gin are natural partners for fruity ingredients, each bringing its own personality to the mix. Vodka lets the fruit flavours stand out, rum enhances tropical charm, tequila adds a zesty kick, and gin offers botanical complexity that pairs beautifully with fresh, juicy additions.

The result? Cocktails that are as versatile as they are delightful—perfect for any occasion when you’re craving something fresh and fun.

1. Cosmopolitan

The Cosmopolitan is classy to the core. She’s a lady, but she’s juicy. Combining SKYY Vodka Infusions (Citrus), Grand Marnier, cranberry juice, and lime juice, it was most recently made famous by the TV series Sex and the City, but it’s actually been super popular for far longer than that. 

If you want to give your DIY Cosmo an extra burst of zesty flavour at home, try peeling the citrus fruit you use to garnish the drink straight over the glass. This way the oils spray out and land in the drink. 

2. Tequila Sunrise

Arguably one of the best orange juice cocktails out there, the Tequila Sunrise is delightfully retro in its layers of bright yellow and red. It combines orange juice, tequila, and grenadine that come together in a perfectly tangy serve. It’s also very easy to transform into a mocktail for when you’re entertaining sober-curious friends – simply leave out the tequila. 

Grilled seafood like prawns and squid pair very well with this mixed drink. Keen to keep things veggie? Whip up a creamy bowl of guacamole and add a selection of fresh, summery crudités for dipping. Bonus points if you spice up the guacamole with chipotle for a hint of deeply flavourful fire.  

3. Pina Colada

Almost always cited as one of the best beach cocktails to enjoy within earshot of crashing waves, the Pina Colada is essentially a very grown-up milkshake that comes to the party with captivating coconut and pineapple flavours.  

To make it at home, pour it shaken up on the rocks for a silky serve, or blend that baby up to go super creamy. This is also another cocktail that can nudged into mocktail territory quite easily – you just forgo the light rum and keep the rest of the ingredients exactly as is.  

4. Aperol Spritz

We love easy summer cocktails, and the Aperol Spritz is one of those drinks that is just as effortless to enjoy as it is to assemble. It also happens to be bang on trend right now. Combining 3 parts Prosecco, 2 parts Aperol and 1 part club soda, it’s a cinch for even beginners to pour and tastes like summer in a glass. 

We love serving it with nacho chips and an array of fresh summery salsas like tomato, onion, and cilantro; mango, shallot, and parsley; strawberry, spring onion, and basil; etc. It’s the ideal choice for lingering veranda sessions with your besties.

Read next: 11 Fruity Martini Recipes to Add Some Colour to Your Next Party

5. Strawberry Daiquiri

No list of delicious fruity sippers would be complete without the iconic Strawberry Daiquiri, which has always been one of the undisputed best drinks for the beach. Shaken on the rocks, this supremely fruity drink is a great way to enjoy all the fresh strawberry flavours of summer in one satisfying sip. We love making it with a white rum like Wray & Nephew, but you can also make it with vodka.    

Oh YUM! 22 of the Freshest Strawberry Cocktails to Make All Year Round

6. Zombie

If easy-peasy drinks recipes are something you want to have on hand, it’s time to get to know the Zombie. This tiki bar classic is shaken up with equal measures of Appleton Estate Jamaica Rum and Wray and Nephew overproof rum, lime juice, pineapple juice and grenadine. A rather potent retro drink with its double rum kick is rounded off by the seriously sweet juice and grenadine combo. Sip slowly for an exquisite sundowner, particularly when you happen to have your toes in the sand.   

Also see: 18 Grenadine Cocktails to Try in 2024

7. Mojito

Most fruity sips tend to be on the sweet side, but if you are looking for something with a greener, less saccharine flavour profile, the Mojito cocktail will be right up your alley. Combining white rum, lime juice, soda water, sugar, and freshly muddled mint, sipping it is like opening a window of a beach house on a sunny morning to be met with a fragrant summer breeze.  

8. Raspberry

If a Mojito is so your vibe this summer, then raise the stakes with a berry version. Muddling jammy raspberries into this cocktail is an effortless twist. Lime and raspberry are a magical combo, making this one of the most delicious seasonal clinkers to pour this summer. It’s the ideal choice for lingering picnic sessions in the garden with your besties.  

Flower power: 13 Tasty Elderflower Cocktails You’ll Adore

9. Sangria

If you are looking for cocktail ideas that make great pitcher drinks to easily serve a crowd, the Sangria cocktail is a fantastic fit. Combining red wine and seasonal fruit juice with fresh fruit slices, it looks and tastes amazing on an alfresco table! 

10. Gin Bramble cocktail

One of those classic clinkers that never seems to go out of style, the picture-perfect Gin Bramble is a lovely homage to the summery flavours of berries. One sip and you are a kid again, tumbling over fences with sticky fingers as you gather basketsful of sun-ripened berries straight from the bush, sneaking it straight from the vine. Ah, bliss.  

11. Pomegranate Martini

Sweetly tart, fruity and light, the Pomegranate Martini is easy to whip up (even in batches), and adds a hint of sophistication to just about any gathering. This lovely drink contains vodka, pomegranate juice, Grand Marnier, and lemon juice. Add a few pomegranate rubies to the glass, and it’s the star of the show on any table. 

12. Key Lime Martini

One of the most utterly indulgent fruity gin Martini recipes out there has got to be the Key Lime Martini. It’s one of those drinks that always have guests raising their hands for seconds. Made with vanilla vodka, key lime juice, cream of coconut, pineapple juice, and heavy cream, this dessert-inspired cocktail always goes down an absolute treat. Insider tip? Serve your Key Lime Martini with a few Graham crackers on the side for some indulgent dipping. 

14. Mango Daiquiri

A Mango Daiquiri is just one of those cocktails that immediately transports you to a tropical frame of mind. Creamy, sweet, and amazing from the very first sip, it’s one of the best seasonal sippers to serve if you want to treat your guests to something that looks super fancy, but is actually incredibly simple to make.

15. Pineapple Paloma

What is a Paloma, if not an excuse to sip a little bit of paradise? This pineapple-tinged version is a complete treat, and ideal for cocktail lovers who love their drinks on the sweeter end of the spectrum. It pairs well with easy eats like tacos or ceviche, and goes down very easy on sunny days.

Stay sunny: 15 Totally Tropical Pineapple Juice Cocktails

16. Banana Daiquiri

Beat the summer heat with the best recipe for a Banana Daiquiri. Once you taste it, you’ll never look at a banana the same way again. An indulgent twist on the classic Daiquiri, this tiki drink will make you feel like you’re lazing on a sandy beach, no matter where you are.

Go bananas: 10 Beautiful Banana Liqueur Cocktails

17. Bourbon Peach Schnapps

If you’re looking for a delicious hot-weather drink then the Bourbon Peach Schnapps cocktail will be pure delight. This super simple cocktail is a delicious combination of bourbon, sweet peach schnapps, and fresh orange juice. We suggest serving this juicy delight at your next barbecue.

Read next: 30 Seasonal Cocktails to Make the Most of Fruit and Vegetables

18. Cranberry Orange Whiskey Sour

The Cranberry Orange Whiskey Sour gives the traditional Whiskey Sour a holiday outfit, with added fruitiness and flavour. Whether you’ll serve it to tickle your guests’ appetites or as an indulgent drink throughout your feasts, it will be an absolute winner!

19. Raspberry Martini Recipe

With just a few ingredients and a jiggle of your cocktail shaker, the Raspberry Martini comes together easily. The blushing red hue is seductive and inviting, and it hits all the right notes as it glides across your palate. It’s sweet yet tart, and oh-so-romantic with a lingering fresh berry burst.

Berry delicious! 18 Raspberry Cocktails to try in 2024

20. Apple Dream Cocktail

Our gin-based Apple Dream Cocktail has all the comforting autumnal flavours of apple, elderflower, and blackberry your heart desires for a cosy cocktail night in, snuggled up by a crackling fireplace. It kinda reminds us of a baked cobbler, making this one of our best Fall Cocktails and a warming drink you’ll adore at first sip.

Something blue: 13 Best Blueberry Cocktails to Try This Summer

Easy fruity cocktail variations

Looking to shake things up? Fruity sippers are endlessly customisable, so you can tweak them to suit your cravings or what’s in your fridge. Start with the classics and give them your own twist by swapping or adding fruits, juices, or garnishes.

• Change up the fruit: Add a tropical vibe to a Margarita by blending in mango or pineapple. Or switch out the strawberries in a Daiquiri for raspberries or blackberries for a deeper, tangy note.
• Play with juices: Freshly squeezed juices like watermelon or pomegranate can bring a unique flavour to cocktails like Mojitos or Spritzes.
• Mix and match: Combine two or more fruits to create a new flavour profile—think orange and cranberry for a Cosmo or peach and passionfruit for a Sangria.
• Elevate with garnishes: A quick sprinkle of grated citrus zest, a sprig of mint, or a skewer of fresh fruit can make all the difference.

For non-alcoholic variations, it’s just as easy to whip up something delicious:

• Swap the spirits: Replace vodka, tequila, or rum with soda water, tonic, or a splash of ginger beer.
• Highlight the fruit: Double down on fresh juices and muddled fruits for a flavour-packed mocktail. For example, try a virgin Piña Colada or a fruity Mojito with no rum.
• Add fizz: Top your drink with sparkling water or soda to keep it light and bubbly.

Best fruity cocktails for specific occasions

Summer poolside occasions

Nothing says summer quite like lounging poolside with a fruity cocktail in hand. For ultimate tropical vibes, the Piña Colada is a creamy, coconut pineapple dream that feels like a mini vacation. The Tequila Sunrise adds a splash of retro fun with its vibrant layers of orange and grenadine.

If you’re feeling adventurous, the Mango Daiquiri brings a sunny sweetness to the mix, while the Pineapple Paloma delivers a tangy twist with a tropical edge. And of course, the ever-popular Aperol Spritz is a fizzy, light delight that’s practically made for sipping under the sun.

Food pairings:

• Canapés: Tropical fruit skewers with a drizzle of honey-lime glaze, or crispy coconut shrimp with a tangy mango dipping sauce.
• Mains: Grilled fish tacos served with a zesty pineapple salsa or marinated tofu skewers with a citrus-herb dressing.
• Desserts: Creamy lime sorbet or mini pavlovas topped with fresh tropical fruit and whipped coconut cream.

Romantic evenings

Set the mood with cocktails that are as seductive as the occasion. The Strawberry Daiquiri is a luscious choice, with its vibrant colour and sweet strawberry essence. For something a little more elegant, the Gin Bramble pairs gin with the rich, summery flavour of blackberries.

A Raspberry Martini offers a sweet-tart balance that’s both bold and romantic, while the Pomegranate Martini brings sophistication to the table with its jewel-like hue. For a playful twist, try the Cranberry Orange Whiskey Sour, which combines whiskey with a fruity kick, perfect for cosy evenings.

Food pairings:

• Canapés: A charcuterie board with brie, dried fruits, and fig jam, or roasted red pepper and walnut dip served with pita chips.
• Mains: Herb-crusted salmon with a side of beetroot risotto or a roasted vegetable lasagna with a creamy cashew béchamel for a plant-based option.
• Desserts: Dark chocolate mousse with fresh raspberries or a flourless almond cake drizzled with pomegranate syrup.

Brunch gatherings

Fruity cocktails and brunch are a match made in heaven. Start with the Sangria, a crowd-pleasing pitcher drink packed with fruit and red wine. The Banana Daiquiri adds a creamy tropical vibe to the table, while the Apple Dream Cocktail brings comforting autumnal flavors of apple and blackberry. For something bright and refreshing, serve the Raspberry Mojito, or keep it classic with a Key Lime Martini for a dessert-inspired treat that pairs perfectly with brunch indulgences.

Food pairings:

• Canapés: Avocado toast with pomegranate seeds, or mini quiches filled with spinach and feta.
• Mains: A savory shakshuka with crusty bread for dipping, or gluten-free pancakes topped with caramelised bananas and maple syrup.
• Desserts: Mixed berry parfaits with granola and yogurt or a light almond tart with fresh fruit.

There you have it – our go-to list of the best fruity cocktail recipes to enjoy all summer long. Although, it has to be said that a fruity drink is also a great way to perk up a grey winter day… Visit the SKYY Vodka, Appleton Estate, and Bulldog Gin websites for more recipe ideas, and remember to sign up for our newsletter to stay in the mix!