Bold & Refreshing: what’s everyone drinking this summer?

By Nathalie Baylaucq 8.07.2025

What Are the Summer Cocktail Trends 2025? As temperatures rise and terraces fill up, the world of mixology is shaking things up in all the right ways.

Summer cocktail trends 2025 are all about bold reinventions, playful twists on the classics, and drinks that match the mood—whether you’re craving something refreshing, herbal, smoky, or low in alcohol.

From spritz variations to mezcal margaritas, clarified concoctions to minimalist mixes, this season’s sips are vibrant, thoughtful, and anything but predictable.

The heat is on and the shakers are shaking, so what’s everyone drinking this summer?

Spritz Variations

I tried one of those spritz variations the other day—the Hugo—but it was so sweet I couldn’t even finish it. Then I found another spot serving a limoncello-based spritz with piment d’Espelette and a touch of ginger for some kick, and suddenly I believed in the power of a good spritz remix.

The classic Aperol spritz is getting all kinds of creative makeovers lately—one of the standout movements in summer cocktail trends 2025.

Think dry cava instead of prosecco, or swap the Aperol for sweet vermouth, crème de cassis, grapefruit aperitivo—even a delicate Hugo with elderflower, bubbles, and mint.

The world of spritz is officially wide open!

Agave & Mezcal Renaissance

Among the most exciting summer cocktail trends 2025 is the rise of agave spirits, led by mezcal’s smoky comeback.

Agave spirits are having a major glow-up—and it’s way beyond the party-shot stereotype. The mezcal revival is about smoky depth, artisanal production, and getting back to roots.

Margaritas are still everywhere, but bartenders are giving them a mezcal twist, making the flavor earthier and more complex.

What’s happening with agave isn’t just about taste—it’s about honoring traditional methods, protecting native plants, and ditching mass production for small-batch soul.

From Oaxaca to cocktail bars across the globe, agave is now the choice for those who want bold, authentic flavor.

We’re seeing a whole new wave of mezcal margaritas and agave-driven drinks that blend heritage with fresh, modern twists.

Botanical & Savory Sips

Another highlight of summer cocktail trends 2025 is the shift toward savory and herbaceous profiles—think dirty martinis infused with basil oil or unexpected umami touches.

Savory is having a moment. Dirty martinis infused with herb oils or umami elements are adding a whole new layer of sophistication.

The pickle-juice martini? Surprisingly salty, tangy, and refreshing.

Does the herb oil really give the dirty martini a kick? Absolutely. It deepens the drink’s flavor and aroma—think fresh basil or thyme softly weaving into the briny olive notes and crisp spirit.

The result is silky, savory, and rich, elevating the classic into something truly memorable.

Exotic & Tropical Flavors

Tropical profiles are taking center stage in the summer cocktail trends 2025, with passion fruit, prickly pear, and watermelon leading the charge.

Passion fruit is everywhere right now—mojitos, spritzers, you name it. Fruity, electric, and sun-drenched, these tropical notes are bringing retro summer vibes back hard.

Highballs with pink prickly pear, juicy watermelon, or blood orange keep things vibrant and playful.

It’s like stepping into a neon-tinted Florida postcard: bold colors, fruity drinks, and feel-good nostalgia. Who knew cocktails could feel like time travel?

Clear, Elegant Clarified Cocktails

Clarified cocktails are rising fast—think crystal-clear drinks with smooth, rounded flavors. The trick is milk washing, where milk is added to a citrusy cocktail, curdling the proteins and pulling out the harsh bits.

After straining, what’s left is a drink that’s silky, transparent, and surprisingly mellow.

This isn’t just showy—it makes cocktails more sippable, reducing bitterness while preserving complexity. It’s science meets elegance in a glass.

Minimalist Mixes

One of the most refined directions in summer cocktail trends 2025 is the rise of minimalist mixes—drinks with just a few ingredients that deliver maximum flavor and refreshment.

Less is more. Two to four ingredients are all you need for maximum refreshment. A mezcal and grapefruit radler? Done. A sauvignon blanc martini with lemon and elderflower?

Effortless. This pared-back trend proves that simplicity can still surprise.

Spa Spritz & Herbaceous Refreshers

The Spa Spritz—bright with citrus, cucumber, and basil—was recently crowned the summer’s best drink. And no wonder: it’s light, green, and just the right amount of crisp.

Other honorable mentions include spicy blood-orange margaritas, elderflower gimlets, cucumber collins, and the jungle spritz.

If you’re worried about sweetness, don’t be. You can always tweak: ease up on the simple syrup, or replace it with soda water.

Use less elderflower in a gimlet to keep it dry, add lime or a pinch of salt to tame a sweet margarita, or moderate the syrup in your spritz for a cleaner finish.

Low/No-ABV & Sparkling Teas

Low-alcohol and booze-free drinks are officially cool, and they’re playing a big role in summer cocktail trends 2025, especially for mindful drinkers who want flavor without the buzz.

and booze-free drinks are officially cool, especially when they come with intention and flavor. Sparkling teas, herbal spritzes, and functional sipping are catching on with drinkers who want to keep things light but interesting.

When I’m in that mode, I’ll go for a splash of dry vermouth on ice with tonic and a lemon twist—herbal, refreshing, no fuss. Or a white port and soda, garnished with mint or cucumber.

For something slightly bitter, try Cappelletti or Select with sparkling water and blood orange. It’s all about being crisp, subtle, and session-friendly.

What people are ordering ?

A ToastTab survey reveals that 42% of drinkers name margaritas their top summer pick, 35% favor tequila-based drinks, 66% love frozen cocktails, and 58% tend to choose watermelon-flavored options

Dont’t drink and drive. Enjoy responsibly.