The Most Refreshing Cocktails From Around the World
May 13 is World Cocktail Day, and what better way to acknowledge the arrival of warmer weather than with a summery drink that reminds us of a far-flung place? If your spring and summer cocktails usually consist of two ingredients — rum, meet Coke; gin, meet tonic; and so on — here are some yummy alcoholic beverages from around the world that could inspire you to expand your mixologist repertoire.
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Invented in 1915 at the historic (and still open) Raffles Hotel's Long Bar in, yes, Singapore, this drink has enough sweetness to make sugary drink fans happy, and a dash of bitters to make those who are not fans of sugary drinks not mad.
Recipe: Liquor.com
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This classic Brazilian cocktail has just three ingredients, but the star is a rum called cachaça, made from clear sugar cane juice (whereas darker rums are made using molasses). Those who want something sweeter and don’t mind it being a bit more complicated can check out this Maracuya Caipirinha, with a few extra ingredients that give a sunny hue to this classic cocktail with a twist.
Recipe: Imbibe Magazine
Related: Rums That Will Spice Up Your Summer for Less
A classic Pimm's cup includes less than a handful of ingredients: ginger ale, fresh lemon juice, a cucumber garnish, and, of course, gin-based Pimm's No. 1, which legend has it was invented in the 1800s by a Londonite as a digestive health aid. But if you're feeling adventurous, put an herbaceous spin on it.
Recipe: Bon Appétit
Related: Essential Gins for Every Type of Drinker
This beloved African cocktail — dawa means medicine in Swahili — is sipped in parts of Kenya and is a close cousin of the caipirinha, subbing in vodka for the rum. To be truly authentic, twist a dawa stick into honey and use it to muddle the limes and stir.
Recipe: Parts Unknown
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The Michelada is a Mexican beer-based cocktail that's reminiscent of a bloody mary. It’s easy to mess up if you don't have the right proportion of ingredients: Clamato, lime juice, and Mexican lager with dashes of Worcestershire, soy, and hot sauces.
Recipe: Isabel Eats
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The difference between a gin and tonic and a Spanish gin tonic? Well, for starters, drop the "and," make sure you're using high-quality gin and tonic, and add a whole bunch of complementary garnishes. G&Ts are tasty, but the Spanish spin is both tastier and more aesthetically pleasing. There are quite a few versions out there, but for a truly summery take on it, use citrus, cucumber, fresh herbs, and dried juniper berries and peppercorns.
Recipe: Fox and Briar
The world's No. 2 most-ordered cocktail for six years running, the classic Italian Negroni consists of equal parts Campari, sweet vermouth, and gin. But it's that simple base that inspires so many variations, including the frozen version we’ve selected as perfect for a steamy summer day.
Recipe: Liquor.com
Throwing the German radler together can be as simple as mixing a Bavarian beer with a carbonated lemon soda, but if you want to get a little fancier, try using the flavors of pineapple, lime, and ginger to amp the flavor up a bit.
Recipe: Imbibe Magazine
If you're looking for a new take on sangria, consider the Nigerian Chapman — it’s often referred to as African Sangria. It's sometimes served without alcohol, but it’s common to add vodka, Campari, light rum, or even a white beer.
Recipe: Food 52
This Australian beer-based cocktail takes a bitter beer such as lager and adds rum, citrus, lemonade, and mint for a refreshing and boozy summertime cocktail that'll pair well with lots of barbecue dishes.
Recipe: SBS
Chalk another classic and beloved cocktail up for the Italians. The Aperol spritz consists of Aperol, of course, an aperitif made of sweet and bitter oranges, rhubarb, and a variety of herbs and roots. To get the spritz effect, add prosecco and sparkling water, and garnish with an orange slice. It's summer in a glass.
Recipe: Celebrating Sweets
The Mexican paloma is one of summer's easiest mixed drinks and often considered a less-fussy version of the margarita. It's a particularly good choice if you don't like your cocktails too sugary. Combine tequila, lime juice, and a grapefruit-flavored soda over ice.
Recipe: Imbibe Magazine
Related: Splurge-Worthy Tequilas Perfect for Sipping This Summer
Peru's Pisco-based cocktail is another summer drink that might go down quicker than is prudent on a hot day. It combines citrus, ginger ale, and Angostura bitters with Pisco, a type of brandy produced in the winemaking regions of Peru and Chile.
Recipe: Liquor.com
This rummy Cuban cocktail is already pretty well-known for the magic it creates by combining rum, mint, lime, and simple syrup, and there are so many variations on the recipe that we had a tough time picking just one. But adding white crème de cacao and peppercorn syrup? Next-level boozy goodness.
Recipe: Imbibe Magazine
Grab a bottle of your favorite Spanish red and another of gaseosa — aka lemon-lime soda — and combine over ice. Top with a couple of citrus slices and you've got an uncomplicated ruby-red summer porch drink that the neighbors will envy.
Recipe: Leite's Culinaria
Its beauty is in simplicity, and if you've never paired Coca-Cola with rum and lime and sat in a veranda or sunroom sipping this sweet, icy-cold Cuban goodness, we're pretty sure you haven't lived.
Recipe: Jamie Oliver
Related: Fun and Little-Known Facts About Coca-Cola
This citrusy cocktail is said to have originated in Paris or London near the end of World War I. We like the version that lets the mixologist choose between cognac, Armagnac, or bourbon.
Recipe: The Spruce Eats
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