For summertime sipping, we love cocktails on the rocks. There’s a time and a place for drinks served up, like a martini, Cosmopolitan, or a Rob Roy, but we like ice when the sun is shining.
Cocktails served on the rocks can be sophisticated and refined, relaxed and beachy, or anything in between. From spicy to sweet and fruity to flavorful, you can make these amazing cocktails for any occasion.
What’s great is that many of these drinks can be made easily at home but taste like premium cocktails from your favorite bar.
These rocks cocktails can be made with premium spirits or whatever you happen to have around the house.
If you’re planning to have a party, for the sake of convenience you can batch a cocktail (make a large amount in advance) and then pour it over the rocks to serve.
Whether you’re going with a classic cocktail, a simple cocktail, a popular cocktail, or just mixing up some new kind of different drink from an original recipe that you came up with on the spot, there are few wrong ways to make a cocktail on the rocks.
Equipment Needed
You can get by with very little equipment when making cocktails, as you’ve probably learned. But it’s nice, especially when entertaining, to have a set up. This Cocktail shaker set has everything you need to have a proper bar set up, including a bamboo stand to keep everything together and organized.
We have a really nice fridge, but the ice maker hasn’t worked for years. We picked up this counter top ice maker and it works great! It was the third brand we had tried and cost less than fixing the fridge, too.
We created this list of recipes for our favorite kinds of cocktails served over ice to help get you started. Take a look to find your perfect drink for your next happy hour.
1
Jamaican Rum Punch Recipe
This is one of our favorite rum punch recipes, partially because it’s easy, mostly because it’s delicious!
This raspberry mojito recipe is one of my favorite summertime drinks. Though usually made with rum, we freshened this up with vodka instead and it’s so delicious!
Love a good margarita but not a fan of tequila? We’ve got you! This Vodka Margarita has the fruity flavor of a margarita without the taste of tequila.
This refreshing mango mojito recipe is a delicious, tropical spin on the Cuban classic, with a wonderful combination of flavors from sweet mango, fragrant mint, and tangy lime.
If you love an Arnold Palmer, you’ve got to try this Spiked Peach Arnold Palmer cocktail bursting with fresh peach, sweet tea, and lemonade flavors, spiked with vodka and rum.
This Blackberry Mint Gin Bramble is a classic gin cocktail that is perfect for summer sipping. A little bit sweet and a little bit tart, you’ll love this refreshing drink.
There’s a big history debate behind how this cocktail got its name. But one thing is certain, it is tasty and quick to make. You can whip it up in under 5 minutes and with 4 ingredients!
The classic mint julep is the signature drink for Derby Day, but don’t let that stop you from enjoying it all summer long! It is cool, refreshing, and delicious on any hot summer day.
Hot honey for a margarita? Once you’ve tried it, this may be a new favorite drink. Smooth and sweet, and just the right heat to delight your tastebuds.
Out of limes? Try this recipe for a lemon-based margarita instead. You still get those classic flavors from the triple sec and cane sugar, but with a lemony twist.
If you love a good Mai Tai, you’ll want to try the Tipsy Mermaid. Tropical fruit and rum will carry you away to white sand beaches and ocean breezes.
This orange creamsicle drink is a grown-up version of that classic frozen treat. It’s easy to make with freshly squeezed orange juice, gin (or vodka), and a splash of vanilla almond milk.
Fresh blood orange juice gives this drink a rich color, and the whiskey matches it with a lively flavor. This drink is easy to make and looks gorgeous.
This skinny margarita is made with just fresh lime juice, fresh orange juice, agave nectar, and tequila. This margarita is incredibly light, refreshing, and low-cal!
Do you love candy? Like, really love candy? Well then you’re really going to love this Candy Kiss Cocktail – an epic candy-inspired cocktail for the sweet tooth. The alcohol content in
This Orange Pomegranate Manhattan includes the traditional whiskey (bourbon or rye) and red vermouth, but gets a modern twist with the addition of pomegranate molasses and orange bitters. The pomegranate molasses brings subtle tart fruit to a smooth and drinkable cocktail!
Fruity, smoky and fizzy this blackberry bourbon smash is an easy and delicious bourbon cocktail for summer. Discover the best blackberry bourbon smash recipe.
Don’t shake or stir too long as you’ll water down the drink. You want to blend the ingredients, but not cause the ice to melt.
Use a high-quality jigger to measure out ingredients. This will allow for a precise blend of the ingredients so your drink is perfectly balanced.
Chill your glasses ahead of time. Using a chilled glass will mean the ice in your drink won’t melt as quickly, keeping the drink cool and refreshing and not instantly watered down.
FAQs
Do cocktails expire?
While unopened liquors are shelf-stable for years, once they are open, alcohols have about 8 months before they start to lose their peak flavor. If you’re mixing a batch of cocktails at home, keep them in the fridge. Drinks that contain fruit juices should be consumed within a day or two. Any drinks with perishable ingredients like egg whites or milk should be consumed right away.
What is the most common alcohol used in cocktails?
Vodka is the most popular spirit in the US, with gin, rum, whiskey, and tequila being other must-haves for your bar setup.
What is the best ice for cocktails on the rocks?
One-by-one-inch standard cubes are the most versatile and can be used in any drink. Crushed ice, large cubes, ice spheres, and Collins spears can dress up certain cocktails but aren’t absolutely necessary.Â
What a great list of cocktails to go through this summer (and fall)! They all look fab!
Thanks, Christina! I love your Limoncello cocktail!