How to Make the Best Summer Cocktails

Stock up at your local fruit stand and cool down this summer with one of our easy-to-make, delicious summer cocktail recipes.

By Jane Lawson

Woo Woo
2 ounces vodka
1/2 ounce peach schnapps
Lime wedge
Cranberry juice
Ice cubes

Half fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Squeeze in lime, then add the vodka and schnapps. Shake, then strain into an old-fashioned glass half filled with ice. Add the squeezed lime wedge and top up with cranberry juice.

Caipirinha
2 ounces cachaça (a clear Brazilian spirit made from sugarcane)
1 whole lime, chopped
1 tablespoon superfine sugar
1/2 ounce sugar syrup
Ice cubes
Mint sprig

Mash up lime, sugar, and sugar syrup in a cocktail shaker. Add a scoop of ice and the cachaça. Shake vigorously and strain into a chilled tumbler; garnish with mint.

Chapala
5 small chunks watermelon
1 lime, chopped
1/2 ounce sugar syrup
1 1/2 ounces gold tequila
Apple juice
Ice cubes

Mash up watermelon, lime, and sugar syrup in a cocktail shaker. Add a scoop of ice, then the tequila. Shake vigorously and strain into a tall, chilled glass 1 inch from the rim; top with apple juice.

Melonde
1 ounce Midori
1 ounce vodka
Lemonade
Club soda
Sprite

Pour Midori and vodka into a highball glass. Fill with lemonade and float a splash of club soda and a splash of Sprite on top. Garnish with a lemon twist.