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    Home » Vodka

    Published: Jun 14, 2023 by Lisa · This post may contain affiliate links.

    5 Refreshing Vodka Cocktails for Summer

    collage of summer vodka drinks

    Summer is here in full swing, and we are ready to beat the heat! Make entertaining easy and serve one (or more) of these 5 Refreshing Vodka Cocktails for summer at your next party, barbecue, or happy hour. 

    titled image: 5 vodka cocktails for summer showing a lowball glass of vodka elderflower lemonade garnished with straws and lemon slices

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    Summer Vodka Drinks

    Summer is always great for spontaneous happy hours and cocktails by the fire. Or at the lake. Or on the deck...pretty much any way we can be outside here in Minnesota!

    So, what to serve for all of your upcoming 21+ guests? Vodka cocktails for summer, of course. They're perfect for cooling down on a hot day, or to spice up an evening party.

    Check out our list below if you're stuck on ideas. You won't have to fret about what to serve with this collection of summer libations we love.

    You'll be ready for whatever comes your way when you stock up on the ingredients for our favorite summer vodka cocktails that you'll find below!

    Jump to:
    • Summer Vodka Drinks
    • Summer vodka cocktails are so much easier to serve than wine
    • Our Top 5 Favorite Summer Cocktails with Vodka
    • FAQS
    • Expert tips for the best vodka cocktails for summer
    • More summer cocktails

    Summer vodka cocktails are so much easier to serve than wine

    Whenever we're having people over, I immediately panic: Do I have enough wine? Is it chilled? Do I have enough of the same kind?

    The easiest way to solve these problems? Serve summer cocktails with vodka for entertaining instead!

    Not only is it easier to serve cocktails than wine, but it’s also more economical. You can get a lot of individual drinks out of a liter of alcohol versus a few glasses of wine out of one bottle.

    So keep things simple, grab that bottle of vodka from the freezer, and toast the summer!

    Our Top 5 Favorite Summer Cocktails with Vodka

    A glass cup on a table, with Lime.
    Bootlegger Drink
    There's nothing like summer in Minnesota, especially when it involves a Bootlegger Drink. It's the perfect way to quench your thirst on a hot summer day. This Minnesota summer staple cocktail comes together in less than 15 minutes. Just measure, shake, and pour!
    Get the Recipe
    Cucumber vodka gimlet in a glass with a cucumber garnish.
    Cucumber Vodka Gimlet recipe
    Brimming with garden fresh flavors like cucumber and basil, this easy, refreshing drink is a slightly sweeter cousin to the martini and perfect for lazy summer nights on the patio.
    Get the Recipe
    elderflower vodka soda featured image
    Elderflower Vodka Soda recipe
    Impress your guests with this easy Elderflower Vodka Soda recipe. It takes your classic vodka soda from average to AWESOME with the addition of one simple ingredient. Make it in minutes!
    Get the Recipe
    elderflower lemonade in tall glass
    Elderflower Vodka Lemonade
    It's summer!! You only need 4 ingredients to change up your traditional cocktail of choice and sip on a refreshing Elderflower Vodka Lemonade cocktail.
    Get the Recipe
    Vodka Strawberry Cocktails
    This fresh Strawberry Cocktail is like sipping summer in a glass! Fresh, juicy strawberries and fragrant basil leaves add major flavor while a splash of sparkling wine keeps every sip light and refreshing.
    Get the Recipe

    FAQS

    Is there a difference between brands of tonic and club soda?

    Believe it or not, the kind of club soda or tonic you mix in your summer vodka cocktails makes a difference — a huge difference.

    The best ingredients give you the best tasting drinks, and this applies to tonic and club soda too.

    Our go-to favorites are Fever Tree and Q Tonic. They both have several different varieties of mixers, and we love them all.

    Try them out, and we bet you’ll never buy the big plastic bottle again.

    Why should I keep my vodka in the freezer?

    That’s easy — it makes the drinks colder! When you start with chilled ingredients, the ice doesn’t have to work so hard. This keeps it cold longer without diluting your drink, and that’s what we call a win, folks.

    It's a must for making refreshing vodka drinks!

    What is the best vodka for summer vodka drinks?

    Make sure you use a high-quality vodka of your favorite brand, not the cheapest stuff at the liquor store.

    Not only do high-quality vodkas taste a lot smoother, but they are also less likely to lead to a hangover if you overindulge. Trust us on this one.

    So be sure to save your pennies to buy better vodka. Some of our favorites are Tito’s, Norseman, Ketel One, and Stoli — all solid brands that will never steer you wrong.

    What’s your current favorite? Let us know. We are always game to try new spirits!

    What juice or soda goes best with vodka?

    Anything fruity and refreshing! If you want to create your own, personalized summer cocktails with vodka here are the best mixers to use:

    - Orange juice
    - Cranberry juice
    - Tonic water
    - Tomato juice

    Or simply use one of our recommended drinks above. They're simple to make, and you can absolutely put your own twist on them if you'd like. We love the idea of adding a splash of cranberry to our Elderflower Vodka Soda Recipe, or a bit of orange juice to the Bootlegger Drink!

    Expert tips for the best vodka cocktails for summer

    ✔️ Make sure to stir well. There is nothing worse than taking a sip of your cocktail only to find a big float of vodka in your glass. 

    ✔️ Chill everything. Keep your vodka, glassware, and mixers chilled to create truly crisp and cool drinks.

    ✔️ Use lots of ice. Can you tell that we like our cocktails ice cold? Use plenty of ice to keep your drinks chilly. It will also dilute them slightly as it melts, giving you a smoother and more enjoyable drink. No one likes lukewarm summer vodka drinks.

    ✔️ Fresh juice is always best. That little bit of prep makes each of these refreshing vodka drinks extra special.

    ✔️ Don't forget the garnish. It may seem extraneous, but fresh herbs, lemon or lime wedges, cucumber rounds, or strawberries add a flavor boost. Check out your local farmer's market to get the freshest produce at a reasonable price!

    titled image: 5 vodka cocktails for summer with lowball glass filled with a strawberry basil vodka cocktail

    More summer cocktails

    • watermelon punch in low ball glass.
      Watermelon Gin Punch
    • Gin and tonic cocktail in lowball glass with ice and lime wedge.
      Elderflower Gin and Tonic recipe
    • high ball glass filled with ice, strawberries and drink.
      Strawberry Mojito
    • tequila mojito in a glass with ice, mint leaves, and lime wedge garnishes.
      Tequila Mojito

    Want to mix it and forget it? We love these Refreshing Rosé Sangria and Tropical White Wine Sangria recipes!

    
    
    Did you make this recipe? We'd love to hear your thoughts! 
    
    Please rate the recipe and leave a comment below. Your feedback helps us and your fellow readers! 
    
    
    
    « What is Elderflower Liqueur and How to Use It - A Complete Guide
    12 Flavorful On the Rocks Margarita Recipes »

    About Lisa

    Hi, I’m Lisa! Looking for the party? It’s probably at my house. Nothing brings me more joy than sharing good food with friends and family. That and a seriously good cocktail.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Brenda says

      June 29, 2019 at 8:39 am

      Y.U.M. I love summertime cocktails! Thanks for the raspberry smash love. Happy Summer!

      Reply

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