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35 Delicious Drinks to Sip by the Pool

Soak up the warm summer sun with these bright, refreshing cocktail and mocktail recipes — because every hour is happy hour by the pool.

Photo: Jason Kisner ©
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Pineapple Hibiscus Punch

We’re deeming this boozy beverage "summer in a glass." Sweet pineapple juice and white rum layer with complex flavors like ginger, cilantro and hibiscus tea to pack a tasty punch.

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Photo: Cassidy Garcia. From: Chelsea Faulkner
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Honeysuckle Strawberry Slush

Bright, crisp honeysuckle vodka pairs with sweet strawberries in this refreshing grown-up slushie.

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Photo: Cassidy Garcia; Styling by H. Camille Smith. From: H. Camille Smith
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Boozy Bourbon + Peach Summertime Smash

Just one sip and you'll agree: Bourbon + peach = a match made in cocktail heaven. Best of all, this not-too-sweet summery sip is a snap to make by macerating the fruit overnight for a perfectly peachy syrup.

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Sneaky Tequila Cocktail

Not for the faint of heart, this strong tequila and rum cocktail has a smooth taste thanks to the disguising properties of pineapple and cranberry juices.

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Photo: Sarah Busby; Styling by H. Camille Smith. From: H. Camille Smith
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Tipsy Hibiscus + Green Tea Cocktail

Make a splash in a tasty way with a cocktail that is not only full of flavor but also good for you. Because this recipe is relatively low in alcohol, it makes for the perfect day-drinking sip.

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Mocktail: Sips for All

A splash of cranberry juice added to orange-flavored sparkling water gives this drink a fun coral hue. Rim each glass with sugar and garnish with an orange wedge to evoke an adult-beverage aesthetic, sans alcohol.

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Photo: Kayla Kitts. From: Kayla Kitts
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Watermelon Mule

Give your standard mule a summery kick in the glass with the addition of fresh, muddled watermelon.

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Photo: Cassidy Garcia; Styling by H. Camille Smith. From: H. Camille Smith
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Tropical Pineapple Agua Fresca

Fruity and refreshing, this cocktail is ready to party. Whip up a big batch so you can kick back and relax while your guests help themselves to a taste of the tropics.

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Photo: Sam Henderson
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Ginger Grapefruit Bourbon Sour

Get your pool floats ready! Packed with bright citrus flavors, this summery recipe is ideal for all occasions from parties and showers to just good ole relaxation by the water.

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Photo: Cassidy Garcia; Styling by H. Camille Smith. From: H. Camille Smith
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Blackberry + Honeysuckle Spritz

Pair juicy, garden-fresh blackberries with sweet honeysuckle vodka for a colorful cocktail that tastes like sweet summertime.

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Summery Strawberry Mojito

The warmer months are brimming with fresh fruit. What better way to enjoy them than in a refreshing cocktail? Delicious strawberries and tart lemons lend a sweet summertime twist to the classic mojito.

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Photo: Cassidy Garcia. From: Chelsea Faulkner
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Big-Batch Honeysuckle Mimosas

Skip the beer and serve this honeysuckle mimosa at your next brunch and swim. You know you're going to have more than one, so why not make a whole pitcher of this flowery summer sip?

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Photo: Tomas Espinoza. From: Brian Patrick Flynn
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Refreshing Rosemary Greyhound

Sweet and savory, this take on a greyhound is the perfect go-to for poolside sipping. We'll definitely cheers to this complex-yet-compelling cocktail!

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Photo: Jason Kisner; Styling by H. Camille Smith ©. From: H. Camille Smith
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Boozy Berry Patch Lemonade

Cool down this summer with a cold sip of lemonade — boozy lemonade, that is. Fresh blackberries and strawberries combine with tart lemonade and warm whiskey for a crowd-pleasing, big-batch sip.

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Photo: Sam Henderson
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Orange Creamsicle Float

This smooth, creamy drink tastes like you've just chased down the ice cream truck — without ever leaving your beach towel.

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Mocktail: Raspberry Lemon Cooler

Looking for a mocktail that tastes as refreshing as a cocktail? Fresh raspberries add a sweet fruitiness while non-alcoholic ginger beer creates an unexpected spiciness in this aesthetically pleasing drink.

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Photo: Jason Kisner ©
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Coconut Lime Vodka Soda

For your next poolside party, consider a big-batch cocktail recipe to make hosting duties a breeze. A standard vodka soda gets an oh-so-sippable, tropical twist with the addition of bright flavors such as coconut, lime and pineapple.

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Photo: Liz Gray
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Tropical Pineapple Freak-tail

Take your summer sips to the next level with a piled-high masterpiece reminiscent of the iconic fruit-wearing showgirl, Carmen Miranda. Equal parts pretty and delicious, this tropical freak-tail is so Instagram-worthy it hurts.

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Mocktail: Cantaloupe Ginger Spritzer

You just can’t go wrong with a zingy, flavorful spritzer. Incorporate unexpected flavors like cantaloupe and ginger for a conversation-starting sip to enjoy all summer long.

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Photo: Sam Henderson
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No-Blend Piña Colada

Enjoy all the summery, tropical flavors of a pina colada without the hassle of a blender. This boozy concoction combines pineapple soda with coconut ice cream for a grown-up float that's nothing short of paradise.

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Cardamom Berry Smash

Get ready for total relaxation with this chilled cocktail in hand. The deep flavor of fresh blackberries melds with the exotic spice of cardamom syrup and citrusy botanicals of gin to create a refreshing reprieve from the summer heat.

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Photo: Liz Gray
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Boozy Juice Pouches

Adult juice pouches? Say no more. Perfect for no-glass pools and beaches, this lunchtime staple gets a boozy boost with a little bit of alcohol and a whole lot of fun.

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Mocktail: Virgin Grapefruit Mojito

Pink grapefruit, sweet agave and fresh mint are muddled together and topped with flavored soda to create the same great taste of a mojito, just without the alcohol.

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Photo: Flynnside Out Productions. From: Brian Patrick Flynn
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Red, White + Blue Sangria

Feeling patriotic? Break out the fireworks and whip up this deliciously festive red, white and blue sangria.

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Photo: Sam Henderson
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Key Lime Pie Float

Key lime pie is good. Key lime pie with rum and ice cream that you can sip on the patio? Now, that’s a completely different, delicious story.

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Spicy Mango Margarita

This delicious blend of mango, jalapeno and tequila is a fiesta in margarita form.

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Frozen Hurricane Cocktail

This frozen Louisiana favorite tastes just as good by the pool as it does on Bourbon Street.

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Coastal Citrus Punch

This summer sangria makes enough for a crowd, so you won’t be playing bartender all day. Mix up the day before your party, chill and serve on ice with extra fruit.

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Mai Tai

The name Mai Tai actually translates to "out of this world" in Tahitian, and that’s exactly what it is. But to enjoy this tasty concoction, all you really need to know is which dark and light rums you prefer.

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Photo: Cheyenne Mojica Photography. From: Katie Meyers
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Black & Blue Mint Mojito

Brightening up a classic cocktail for summer is as easy as incorporating juicy fresh fruit and aromatic herbs.

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Grapefruit Gin & Tonic

Beat the heat with a crowd-pleasing batch of this summery take on a classic. Full of fresh and bright flavors, this poolside sip is sure to become a quick favorite.

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Festive Pink Flamingo

Feel like you've been transported to the tropics with this fun-in-the-sun, pink flamingo cocktail. Feeling extra? Garnish the glasses with fresh fruit slices and a playful umbrella.

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Photo: Photo by Sam Henderson
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Mocktail: Luxurious Lavender Lemonade

Get those lemonade stands ready! A luxurious twist on a classic, this refreshing lemonade recipe features fresh lavender for a unique flavor.

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Watermelon Margarita

Like its name promises, this fruity cocktail will leave you feeling refreshed and mellow as a melon.

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From: Kristin Guy
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Sol de Flare Cocktail

Some like it hot! Spice up your pool fiesta with this refreshing cocktail made with pepper-infused tequila.

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