5 Refreshing Poolside Drinks for Summer 2020

There’s nothing like spending a hot summer day by the pool with a cool, refreshing drink in your hand. There’s no need to settle for plain water or your basic cola, though – there are countless mixed drink recipes out there that you can make in just a few minutes. We’ve listed 5 of them below to help you get started this summer.

1. Piña Colada Sangria

Piña colada is a classic summer flavor – mix it with the light fruity notes of sangria, and you’ve got a hit. This drink combines white wine, pineapple juice, seltzer, and coconut rum, all topped off with fresh pineapple and maraschino cherries. You can find the full recipe by Delish here.

2. Watermelon Fizz Mocktail

Drinks don’t have to have alcohol in them to be delicious. This kid-friendly mocktail by Homegrown Provisions is mainly made up of fresh lime and watermelon juice, with sparkling water and mint mixed in for a little excitement. It’s not too different from a slushie, but the more complex flavors make it appealing to adults as well.

3. Champagne Party Punch

Punch is a tried-and-true crowd-pleaser, and adding champagne to it gives it some extra panache. This recipe by Taste of Home mixes a multitude of fruit juices (including apple, orange, pineapple, lemon and lime) with ginger ale, champagne, and sugar water for a sparkly sweet concoction that evokes the joy of summer.

4. Cucumber Margarita

Not in the mood for fruit? You can still enjoy a refreshing drink with this recipe for a cucumber margarita by Food and Wine. To make it, simply combine cucumber-infused tequila with lime juice and simple syrup – and don’t forget the cucumber slice for the edge of the glass. You’ll end up with a smooth, subtly sweet beverage that is sure to remind you of the cool oasis of your pool.

5. Rainbow Spritzer

Sometimes a drink’s visual impact is just as important as how good it tastes. This non-alcoholic creation by Taste of Home suspends fresh kiwi, berries, and pineapple in ginger ale, lemonade and pineapple juice, resulting in brightly colored layers that remain distinct while sitting in the glass. The final product looks a lot like a liquid rocket pop, making it an appropriately festive choice for a special occasion like a birthday.

You put a lot of work into building your poolside paradise; you deserve to enjoy it as much as possible. Take a few minutes to whip up one of these delightful drinks and make the most of your time at the pool this year.