20 Farm-to-Table Summer Cocktails To Enjoy On A Hot Day

Here’s a fresh twist for your summer gatherings! Farm-to-table summer cocktails are all about using seasonal, locally sourced ingredients that bring out the best flavors of summer. Think juicy fruits, fresh herbs, and even surprising veggies—all blended into refreshing drinks perfect for sunny days. Whether you’re hosting a backyard party or want something unique to sip on the porch, these cocktails are perfect for a hot summer evening.

six summer cocktails made with fresh ingredients like strawberries, basil, lemon, and peach.

This list is filled with fresh, seasonal cocktail ideas perfect for anyone looking to try something new with local ingredients!

Cocktail Tips

  • Use in-season fruits and herbs – Look for ingredients like berries, melons, mint, and basil, which are usually at their peak in summer, and add vibrant, fresh flavors.
  • Shop local – Visit farmers’ markets or farm stands to find fresh, locally-grown produce for the best taste and quality.
  • Experiment with unique ingredients – Feel free to try some unusual additions like cucumber, basil, or even edible flowers to add a refreshing twist.
  • Keep it simple – Let the natural flavors shine by keeping cocktails straightforward, with just a few ingredients, so each flavor comes through.
  • Prep ingredients ahead of time – To make entertaining easier, wash and prep your fruits, herbs, and garnishes beforehand so you can quickly mix drinks for guests.
a red drink with a blackberry as garnish.

Blackberry Smash With Crown Royal Blackberry Whiskey

This Blackberry Smash Cocktail is super quick to make with only 5 ingredients and takes just a few minutes to put together. It’s perfect for spring and summer gatherings, with a bold, fresh berry flavor from the new Crown Royal blackberry whiskey.

clear drink with ice cubes and small elderflower petals on top.

Lemon Gin Elderflower Cocktail

This Lemon Gin Elderflower Cocktail is light and refreshing, with a hint of lemon and a touch of gin. It has a clear, floral taste that’s perfect for a spring or summer gathering.

light pink drink with a straw and a yellow and black edible flower on top.

Rhubarb Collins Cocktail

This Rhubarb Collins Cocktail is a pretty pink drink that’s full of spring flavors. It’s made with rhubarb vodka and rhubarb simple syrup for a fresh, tasty sip!

red drink with blackberries and a lemon wedge as garnish.

Blackberry Bramble

Make the most of sweet blackberries this season with this Blackberry Bramble Cocktail! It’s a beautiful summer drink with fresh lemon juice, your favorite gin, blackberry simple syrup, and fresh berries. Top it off with bubbly ginger beer and enjoy it ice cold!

light pink drink with a watermelon wedge on top and lime slices inside.

Watermelon Vodka Cocktail Recipe

These Watermelon Vodka Cocktails are perfect for summer and just right for your next party! Tangy lime juice balances the sweetness of fresh watermelon for an amazing summer flavor.

two glasses of a clear to light green drink with sprigs on basil on top.

Gin Basil Smash

This Gin Basil Smash is the perfect, easy summer cocktail! It’s super refreshing and simple to make!

a deep red drink with a lemon wedge inside and ice cubes on top.

Bourbon Cherry Limeade with Fresh Cherries

Summer is the perfect time for cold, refreshing drinks. For those who want something a bit more grown-up, this Bourbon Cherry Limeade Cocktail is just right! It has the same tasty, bubbly flavor of cherry limeade with a splash of bourbon.

a light orange drink with a large, round peach slice inside and a sprig of mint on top.

The Best Peach Cobbler Cocktail

If you’re after a great summer drink, this Peach Cobbler Cocktail is a must-try! No creamy mixers needed—just the sweet, bold taste of juicy summer peaches with a hint of spice. It’s delicious and strong!

two glasses showing a dark orange drink with a peach slice and sprig of mint on top.

Big Batch Fresh Peach Vodka Tea Cooler

When you need a big pitcher of drinks for a hot summer day, this Big Batch Fresh Peach Vodka Tea Cooler is perfect! Made with Fresh Peach Infused Vodka, it’s cool, refreshing, and delicious!

a red drink with a lime wedge, watermelon wedge and sprig of mint for garnish.

Easy Watermelon Mojito

Don’t throw away the watermelon juice that gathers when you cut up a melon—use it to make an Easy Watermelon Mojito! It’s a delicious way to enjoy summer’s watermelon.

a red drink with a straw and berries and mint leaves on top for garnish.

Mixed Berry Mojito

If you love mojitos and fresh berries, this is the summer cocktail for you! This Mixed Berry Mojito combines sweet summer berries with classic Mojito flavors for a perfect, refreshing sip.

a purple drink with blueberries and mint leaves for garnish.

Blueberry Mojito Cocktail

This Blueberry Mojito Cocktail blends northern blueberries with a classic Cuban cocktail for a fruity twist. It’s a refreshing drink that’s perfect for summer. The recipe makes one cocktail but can easily be made for more.

a light red drink with two straws and a strawberry wedge on top of the glass rim.

Strawberry Vanilla Collins Cocktail Recipe

This Strawberry Vanilla Collins Cocktail is perfect for a hot summer day, made with fresh strawberries and a hint of vanilla from vanilla syrup. Just add lemon juice and your choice of vodka or gin.

a red drink with jalapeno slices inside and strawberry slices on top.

Spicy Strawberry Jalapeno Margaritas

This Spicy Strawberry Jalapeño Margarita brings a kick of heat from jalapeño slices, balanced by sweet strawberries and tangy lime juice. It’s not only delicious but also easy to make, perfect for impressing guests at your next gathering. Make this refreshing cocktail anytime you want to add some spice to happy hour or celebrate Cinco de Mayo!

two mugs of a clear drink with sprigs of basil on top and jalapeno slices beside on the counter.

Spicy Jalapeno Basil Moscow Mule

For a bubbly drink with a kick, try a Spicy Jalapeño Basil Moscow Mule. This vodka cocktail is spicy, fresh, fizzy, crisp, and cool all at once.

a dark purple drink with a straw, and blackberries and mint leaves as garnish.

The Best Fresh Blackberry Mojito

This Fresh Blackberry Mojito is made with fresh mint, lime, blackberries, white rum, and club soda. It’s a delicious drink for one!

a red drink with a straw and raspberries and sprigs of mint as garnish.

Raspberry Mojitos

These Raspberry Mojitos are the perfect refreshing cocktail for summer get-togethers. They’re minty, sweet, and full of raspberry flavor, and will quickly become your favorite party drink!

a light orange drink with ice cubes and strawberry pieces inside.

Strawberry Shortcake Cocktail

This Strawberry Shortcake Cocktail is like a dessert but still refreshing! It combines the taste of whipped cream and fresh berries for a sweet flavor you’ll love.

an amber colored drink with blackberries and orange peel slices for garnish.

Blackberry Old Fashioned

This summer Blackberry Old Fashioned drink takes just a few minutes to make. You’ll love how easy the blackberry syrup is to make and how it adds a sweet touch to your cocktail.

a white and light orange drink with a straw and peach wedge on the glass rim.

Peaches and Cream Cocktail

Sweet, creamy, and totally delicious. This Peaches and Cream Cocktail is quick to make and feels like both a dessert and a drink in one.

FAQs

What makes a cocktail “farm-to-table”?

It’s all about using fresh, locally sourced ingredients—like fruits, herbs, and even veggies—that are in season. This way, you get the best flavors and support local farmers, too!

Do I have to go to a farmers’ market to make these cocktails?

Not necessarily! Farmers’ markets are great for finding fresh ingredients, but you can also check your grocery store or garden if you’re growing herbs and fruits. The key is to use what’s fresh and local whenever you can.

What types of fruits are best for summer cocktails?

Summer is full of amazing fruits for cocktails! Think berries (like strawberries and blueberries), stone fruits (peaches and plums), and melons. Citrus, like lemons and limes, is also great for adding a fresh kick.

Are there any vegetables I can use in summer cocktails?

Yes! Cucumbers are a popular choice because they add a cool, refreshing taste. Bell peppers and tomatoes can work, too, especially if you’re into savory drinks. It sounds different, but it can really improve the flavor!

How can I make my cocktails look as good as they taste?

Garnishes are key! Use sprigs of fresh herbs like mint or basil, fruit slices, or even edible flowers if you have them. It’s all about adding a little visual appeal that hints at the flavors inside.

What’s a good non-alcoholic option for these cocktails?

Just skip the alcohol! Most farm-to-table cocktails work beautifully as mocktails. You can also use sparkling water or tonic to add a bit of fizz and keep things interesting.

I hope these farm-to-table summer cocktails inspire you to get creative with what’s in season! Using fresh, local ingredients makes each drink taste amazing and adds a personal touch to your summer gatherings.

picture of smiling female

By Katie Shaw

Katie lives in Virginia with her husband, three daughters, a chocolate lab, and over thirty chickens. She loves creating simple tutorials for sourdough, bread, and soap. Her recipes, articles, and YouTube videos reach millions of people per year.

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