5 summer evening cocktail recipes perfect for your next house party, from citrusy savoury to tropical sweet

Take your hosting duties to the next level and serve these fancy cocktails that capture the flavours of the summer season effortlessly.

The summer season is officially here, and as the temperature finally becomes bearable by dusk, it is the perfect time for friends and family to gather to catch up. Low-key house parties are having a bit of a moment. With a great spread of appetisers and main courses, well-crafted, summer-friendly drinks truly complete the menu.

Amp up your summer house parties with fancy cocktail drinks. (Picture credit: Freepik)

Go beyond the conventional sodas or standard mixers. You need to put drinks on the menu that capture the tropical essence in a glass. From citrusy and savoury to tropical and sweet, you can draw in all the flavours of the summer season, and even beginners can do it. No pro-level mixology skills are required; it is just about having the right ingredients and following the method.

Jones Kurien, assistant restaurant manager at Unseen, Assagao in Goa, shared with HT Lifestyle 5 summer-inspired drinks.

“Summer cocktails reflect a broader summer trend—drinks that prioritise balance, freshness, and nuanced flavour without compromising on character. Whether built tall with soda or blended with fruit, they are designed for unhurried consumption in warm weather,” he said, revealing how the drinks' profiles are inspired by the notes trending in the summer season.

Summer cocktails carry the signature flavours of the season. (Picture credit: Freepik)

1. Pandan Poppins

Flavour notes: Herbal, bitter, effervescent. Grassy, vanilla-like scent of pandan rounds out the sharp bite of Campari

Ingredients:

• 20 ml pandan vodka
• 20 ml Campari
• 22 ml sweet vermouth
• 45 ml sparkling wine
• 45 ml soda
• 4 drops saline

Method:

• Built-up over ice

Garnish: Pandan leaf

2. Dusk on the Delta (Love Bug)

Flavour notes: Citrusy, savoury, cooling, bright. Clean tequila notes with cucumber and a hint of salt

Ingredients:

• 60 ml tequila blanco
• 20 ml lime juice
• 20 ml cucumber saccharum
• Pinch of kosher salt
• 60 ml soda

Method:

• Shake all ingredients except soda; top with soda

Garnish: Cucumber peel

3. Bombay Orange

Flavour notes: Earthy, smoky, citrusy. Sweetness of blood orange, grounded blood orange with the root flavour of khus.

Ingredients:

• 60 ml khus-infused gin
• 30 ml blood orange syrup
• Smoked paprika and sea salt rim

Method:

• Built-up

Garnish: Orange slice

4. Missionary Downfall

Flavour notes: Tropical, fresh, sweet. Classic pineapple and peach sweetness, with mint's freshness.

Ingredients:

• 30 ml white rum
• Mint leaves
• 60 ml pineapple puree
• 30 ml peach liqueur
• 15 ml lime juice
• 15 ml honey syrup

Method:

• Blended

Garnish: Mint sprig and pineapple

5. Chocolate Old Fashioned

Flavour notes: Rich, spiced. Dark cocoa and muscovado sugar give it a heavy mouthfeel.

Ingredients:

• 60 ml cocoa-infused bourbon
• 7 ml muscovado sugar syrup
• 1 dash orange bitters
• 1 dash aromatic bitters
• 1 dash chocolate bitters

Method:

• Stirred over a large ice block

Garnish: Chocolate chips