Memorial Day is coming, and I think of sunny days with friends and family. We honor those who gave their lives for us. The smell of BBQ and laughter fills the air.
But what makes these moments special are the refreshing drinks we share. Summer is near, and it’s time for Memorial Day drinks. I’ll share 11 recipes that celebrate the day and the season’s flavors.
From zesty margaritas to bubbly sangria, get ready for unforgettable drinks. Let’s toast this special day with amazing sips!
Table of Contents
Mojito
The mojito takes me to sunny Cuban beaches. It’s a mix of refreshing mint, zesty lime, and sweetness. It’s great for quick drinks with friends or a relaxing evening.
To make this cocktail, you’ll need:
- 10 fresh mint leaves
- 1/2 lime, cut into 4 wedges
- 2 tablespoons white sugar, or to taste
- 1 cup ice cubes
- 1 1/2 ounces white rum
- 1/2 cup club soda
Muddle mint leaves, lime wedges, and sugar in a glass. This mixes the mint oils and lime juice. Then, fill the glass with ice and add white rum. Finish with club soda for a crisp taste.
This mojito is more than a drink. It’s for fun gatherings and warm days. It makes any moment feel refreshing and lively.
Margarita
The margarita is a favorite for summer parties. It’s a mix of great tastes. I make a classic margarita for fun. It’s easy to make and always a hit.
Here’s what you need:
- 1 1/2 ounces tequila (preferably Blanco)
- 1 ounce lime juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 ounce triple sec (orange liqueur)
- Salt for rimming the glass
- Lime wedges for garnish
First, rim the glass with salt. This adds a special touch. Rub a lime wedge around the glass, then dip it in salt.
Then, mix tequila, lime juice, and triple sec in a shaker. Add ice and shake hard. Strain it into your glass. A lime wedge is a great garnish.
This recipe is perfect for trying new flavors. It’s great for those who love tequila drinks. Enjoy your drink!
Pimm’s Cup
The Pimm’s Cup is a British summer drink that’s perfect for warm weather. It mixes Pimm’s No. 1 with lemonade or soda. This makes a drink that’s both refreshing and tasty.
It takes me back to sunny afternoons with friends.
To make a great Pimm’s Cup, you need:
- 2 ounces Pimm’s No. 1
- 3 ounces lemonade or lemon-lime soda
- Cucumber slices
- Orange slices
- Strawberries
- Fresh mint for garnish
This mix makes the drink look and taste amazing. The Pimm’s Cup is a hit at barbecues and picnics.
After mixing everything, the Pimm’s Cup is ready. It’s a drink that goes well with summer foods. I serve it in tall glasses with fresh mint.
This makes the drink look even better. Having Pimm’s Cup in my drinks list always makes gatherings fun.
Watermelon Mint Cooler
Summer is coming, and I’m looking for cool drinks. The Watermelon Mint Cooler is perfect. It’s sweet and fresh, and easy to make.
To make this drink, you’ll need:
- 2 cups seedless watermelon, cubed
- 10 mint leaves
- 1 ounce lime juice
- 2 ounces vodka
- Club soda to top
- Watermelon slice for garnish
First, blend the watermelon until it’s smooth. Then, strain it to get rid of the pulp. Next, mix the mint leaves with lime juice in another glass.
Add the watermelon juice and vodka to the mint mix. Finally, top it with club soda and garnish with a watermelon slice. This drink is perfect for summer, offering a refreshing taste with every sip.
It’s great for parties or a quiet night. The Watermelon Mint Cooler is a fun way to enjoy summer.
Strawberry Basil Lemonade
Summer is here, and I love making strawberry lemonade. Adding fresh basil makes it even better. It’s a hit with its bright colors and fresh taste.
To make this drink, you’ll need:
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
- 1 cup lemonade (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 ounces gin
- Soda water to top
- Basil leaf for garnish
First, mash the strawberries and basil in a shaker. This brings out their sweet and herbal flavors. Then, add lemonade and gin, and shake well. Pour it over ice, add soda water, and garnish with a basil leaf.
This drink is great for outdoor fun or a poolside chill. It’s a mix of sweet and herbal that’s perfect for summer. Enjoy every sip!
Frosé (Frozen Rosé)
On hot summer days, nothing beats a refreshing Frosé. It’s a fun twist on rosé wine. It makes one of the best summer drinks.
To make this easy yet tasty Frosé, you’ll need:
- 1 bottle of rosé wine (frozen overnight)
- 1/4 cup vodka
- 2 tablespoons simple syrup (adjust to taste)
- Fresh strawberries for garnish
Start by blending the frozen rosé, vodka, and simple syrup. Blend until it’s smooth. This makes it slushy and perfect for outdoor fun.
Pour it into a cool glass. Top it with fresh strawberries for a pretty look.
This Frosé recipe is not just tasty. It also makes your gatherings more fun. It’s a standout among frozen cocktails with its bright color and taste. Serve it at your next barbecue or picnic to enjoy summer!
Blueberry Lemon Fizz
The Blueberry Lemon Fizz is my top pick for a cool drink. It’s sweet and tangy, making your taste buds happy. It’s great for hot days or fun parties.
To make this fizzy drink, you’ll need:
- 1/2 cup fresh blueberries
- 1 ounce lemon juice
- 2 ounces gin
- Soda water to top
- Lemon slices for garnish
First, squish the blueberries in a shaker to get their juice. Then, add lemon juice and gin. Fill the shaker with ice and shake hard. Pour it into a glass with ice and add soda water.
Finish with lemon slices for color. This drink shows how simple yet fancy a cocktail can be. The mix of flavors and fizz makes every sip fun.
Gin & Tonic with Cucumber
A classic gin and tonic is refreshing. Adding crisp cucumber makes it even better. It’s perfect for warm days or parties.
To make your own gin and tonic with cucumber, you need a few things:
- 2 ounces gin
- 4 ounces tonic water
- Cucumber slices
- Lime wedge for garnish
First, fill a glass with ice. Pour in the gin and tonic water and stir a bit. Then, add cucumber slices. Let them make the drink taste crisp and cool.
This gin and tonic is more than a drink. It’s a fun experience. Enjoy it alone or with friends. It’s great for trying cucumber cocktails or a twist on a classic.
Paloma
The Paloma is a great choice for tequila drinks. It mixes tequila, lime juice, and grapefruit soda. This makes it light and refreshing.
It’s perfect for sunny days or casual gatherings.
To make a Paloma cocktail, you need:
- 2 ounces tequila
- 1 ounce lime juice
- Grapefruit soda to top
- Salt for rimming the glass
- Lime wedge for garnish
First, rim the glass with salt. This adds extra flavor. Then, fill the glass with ice.
Pour in the tequila and lime juice. Top it with grapefruit soda. Finish with a lime wedge garnish.
Lemon Cucumber Collins
Summer is here, and I’m looking for cool drinks. The Lemon Cucumber Collins is my favorite. It’s a twist on the Tom Collins with a refreshing cucumber flavor.
- 1 ounce gin
- 1 ounce lemon juice
- 1 ounce simple syrup
- Soda water to top
- Cucumbers and lemon slices for garnish
Mix gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup in a shaker with ice. Shake well, then pour into a glass with ice. Add soda water and garnish with cucumber and lemon. It’s perfect for hot days or parties.
Sparkling Sangria
Sparkling sangria is a vibrant cocktail that brightens any party. It’s refreshing and easy to make, perfect for summer. It’s great for barbeques or casual gatherings.
To make this drink, you need dry red wine, orange juice, brandy, and simple syrup. Add oranges, lemons, and berries for taste and looks. Club soda adds the sparkle.
Sparkling sangria is a drink for everyone. It’s sweet from the fruits and rich from the wine. It’s refreshing and invigorating. Try it at your next event for fun and memorable moments.