Summer Drinks That Carry You From Coffee to Campfire

It’s hard to believe, but summer is actually approaching. In honor of the warm weather finally showing up, we’ve put together four summer drinks that take you from coffee to campfire—no complicated recipes, no obscure ingredients, and definitely no chemistry degree required.

When I’m looking for a summer cocktail, I have three priorities: easy to make, tastes incredible, and makes me feel like I’m actually on vacation—not just sipping it in my tanning pool while strategically ignoring my “bored” teen children.

Thankfully I have the internet and don’t need to be creative.

So rather than experimenting and hoping for the best, we went straight to the source. These recipes come from the brands themselves—which feels like the smartest move when your goal is “delicious” and not “learning experience.”

Here are a few of our favourite recipes to help you feel like you’re lounging at the cottage all day long—even if you’re not.

Coffee, But Make It Summer

This is for the mornings when you still need caffeine, but also wouldn’t mind a little personality.

This Cold Brew from Dorda Liqueurs is smooth, slightly indulgent, and feels like something you’d order on a patio somewhere—but instead, you’re making it at home in under two minutes.

Ingredients:

• 1 part Dorda Coffee Liqueur
• 2 parts Cold Brew
• Ice
• Cream or Whipped Cream to taste (I personally like to add a little flavored creamer to take it a little over the top)

Instructions:

Shake ingredients with ice and strain over a glass filled with fresh ice.

Shortcut version:
No cold brew? Use whatever coffee is sitting in the pot and call it “homemade.”

Lemonade, But Make It Grown-Up

This is what happens when lemonade grows up—less sugar, more balance, and significantly less likely to leave you feeling like you made a Mike’s Hard–level decision. No need to fear for your life if you get “iced” with this version.

This Figlia Not Your Kid’s Lemonade it’s the absolute right spot on a hot summer afternoon.

Ingredients:

• 4 oz Sole aperitivo
• Meyer lemon (sliced)
• 5-6 fresh basil leaves
• 1 tsp maple syrup or honey
• Soda water

Instructions:

1. Muddle the basil leaves in a cocktail shaker to release the juices
2. Add the Sole aperitivo and maple syrup, and fill the shaker with ice.
3. Shake gently and strain into a glass filled with ice cubes.
4. Top with sparkling water or soda water.
5. Garnish with a basil sprig and a slice of Meyer lemon.
6. Sip while reading a book and hiding from your children for optimal pleasure.

If alcohol in the afternoon is more likely to make you want to nap, then continue on with your day, then here’s an alcohol free Watermelon Basil Refresher from Blind Tiger.

Ingredients:

• 2oz Seedlip Grove 42 
• 3oz Bee’s Knees 
• 2oz Fresh Watermelon Juice 
• 1-2 Fresh Basil 

Instructions 

Add Seedlip Grove 42, Bee’s Knees, fresh watermelon juice, basil and ice into a cocktail shaker. Shake and strain into a collins glass over ice. Garish with a sprig of mint and slice of watermelon.

A Little Effort, But Still Chill

This is the drink you make when you want something that feels a bit more intentional—but still not complicated enough to ruin your evening.

This Chili Citrus Spritz from Figlia is citrusy, slightly bitter, with just enough heat to make it interesting. The kind of drink that makes it look like you tried, even if you really didn’t.

Ingredients:

• 1 can Fiore Frizzante
• .25 oz chili oil
• Juice from 1 orange
• 4 dashes orange bitters

Instructions:

1. In a cocktail glass, combine the orange juice, orange bitters, and chili oil. Stir gently to blend the flavors.
2. Add ice to the top of your glass. Pour in Fiore Frizzante, stirring gently to combine without losing the fizz.
3. Garnish with an orange slice or an orange rose for a bold presentation.
4. Sip and enjoy the refreshing citrus with a subtle heat that lingers on the finish! At least your drink is spicing up your night.

End the Night Right

This is the one you make when the day is done, the sun’s gone down, and you’re finally sitting still for five minutes.

It’s rich, a little indulgent, and has just enough nostalgia to make it feel like a proper “treat yourself” moment—no actual campfire required (but highly recommended).

This Campfire Cocktail featuring Chopin vodka leans dessert-adjacent in the best way—think cozy, slightly over-the-top, and exactly what you want when the night slows down.

Ingredients:

• 3 ounces Chopin Potato Vodka
• 1 ounce Dorda Double Chocolate Liqueur
• 1 teaspoon chocolate syrup
• 3 ounces half & half
• Crushed graham crackers & toasted marshmallow

Instructions:

1. Pour ingredients into shaker, fill with ice, shake well.
2. Rim glass with crushed graham crackers, pour into glass and top with marshmallow.
3. Sip and enjoy. The easiest part of your day.

You don’t need a fully stocked bar cart or a complicated recipe to pull off a good summer drink—just something cold, easy, and a few minutes where no one is asking you for anything. Whether you’re starting your day with a coffee that has a little extra personality or ending it with something rich by the fire, these are the kinds of drinks that fit real life, not some aspirational version of it.

If you’re looking for more easy, actually-makeable drinks, you can find more of our favourites here — because one good drink is great, but having options is better.