Top 10 Summer Cocktails to Enjoy on the Beach

Here it is. It’s what you’ve been waiting for. The most anticipated Top 10 List of the Summer. The Top Summer Cocktails to Enjoy on the Beach. And more specifically, Venice Beach!

There’s something about sipping a perfectly chilled cocktail with your toes in the sand that makes summer feel complete. Whether you’re cruising the Venice Boardwalk, lounging under an umbrella, enjoying a beach bonfire, or watching the sunset over the water, the right drink can take your beach day to the next level. Here’s a roundup of the top summer cocktails that are easy to make, refreshing to sip, and perfect for enjoying on the beach, or for a relaxing unwind at our cozy hotel by Venice Beach.

1. Classic Mojito

Few drinks scream summer quite like a Mojito. With its crisp mix of lime, mint, and rum, it’s a beach favorite for a reason.

Ingredients:

  • White rum

  • Fresh mint leaves

  • Lime juice

  • Simple syrup

  • Soda water

  • Ice

Muddle the mint and lime juice, add rum and simple syrup, then top with soda water and ice. It’s light, citrusy, and super refreshing after a swim.

2. Piña Colada

If you like piña coladas—and really, who doesn’t on a beach day?—this creamy, tropical cocktail delivers vacation vibes in every sip.

Ingredients:

  • White rum

  • Coconut cream

  • Pineapple juice

  • Crushed ice

Blend it all up for a slushy, sweet cocktail that tastes like sunshine in a glass. Garnish with a pineapple wedge or maraschino cherry if you’re feeling extra festive.

3. Tequila Sunrise

A cocktail that’s as beautiful as the beach itself. With its layered look, the Tequila Sunrise is simple to make and big on flavor.

Ingredients:

  • Tequila

  • Orange juice

  • Grenadine

Pour tequila and orange juice over ice, then drizzle grenadine slowly so it sinks to the bottom. No stirring—just enjoy the stunning gradient and sweet citrus punch.

4. Frozen Margarita

Nothing says “beach party” like a Frozen Margarita. Tangy, icy, and endlessly customizable, it’s perfect for cooling off on a hot day.

Ingredients:

  • Tequila

  • Triple sec

  • Fresh lime juice

  • Simple syrup

  • Ice

Blend until smooth. You can toss in fresh fruit like strawberries or mango for a twist. Serve in a salt-rimmed glass and enjoy that zesty kick.

5. Mai Tai

Looking for a beach drink with a bit more depth? The Mai Tai brings bold flavors with a tropical edge.

Ingredients:

  • Light rum

  • Dark rum

  • Orange curaçao

  • Lime juice

  • Orgeat syrup

Shake the light rum, curaçao, lime juice, and orgeat with ice, then pour over fresh ice and float dark rum on top. It’s a layered drink with a rich, fruity taste.

6. Aperol Spritz

Perfect for beachgoers who want something light and bubbly, the Aperol Spritz is crisp, slightly bitter, and incredibly refreshing.

Ingredients:

  • Aperol

  • Prosecco

  • Soda water

  • Orange slice for garnish

Mix in a wine glass with ice—3 parts Prosecco, 2 parts Aperol, and a splash of soda water. It’s low in alcohol, so you can sip it slowly while you soak up the sun.

7. Watermelon Vodka Cooler

Nothing says summer like fresh watermelon. This cocktail is hydrating, simple, and packs a fruity punch.

Ingredients:

  • Fresh watermelon juice

  • Vodka

  • Lime juice

  • Mint leaves

  • Ice

Shake all the ingredients together and strain over ice. Garnish with mint and a watermelon wedge. It’s crisp, light, and ideal for long beach days.

8. Coconut Rum Punch

Sweet, tropical, and easy to batch for groups, Coconut Rum Punch is a must for beach parties.

Ingredients:

  • Coconut rum

  • Pineapple juice

  • Orange juice

  • Splash of grenadine

Stir together and serve over ice. The mix of coconut and citrus gives this drink a laid-back island flavor that’s hard to beat.

9. Strawberry Daiquiri

Frozen, fruity, and a little bit flirty, the Strawberry Daiquiri is always a crowd-pleaser on hot beach days.

Ingredients:

  • White rum

  • Fresh or frozen strawberries

  • Lime juice

  • Simple syrup

  • Ice

Blend until smooth. Serve in a chilled glass with a strawberry or lime slice on the rim.

10. Blue Lagoon

Vibrant and playful, the Blue Lagoon adds a splash of color to your beach cooler and delivers citrusy sweetness with a vodka kick.

Ingredients:

  • Vodka

  • Blue curaçao

  • Lemonade or lemon juice + simple syrup

  • Ice

Shake or stir with ice and pour into a tall glass. Garnish with a lemon wheel or a cherry for fun.

Tips for Beach-Ready Cocktails

  • Pre-batch your drinks in large bottles or jugs for convenience. Just pour over ice at the beach.

  • Use insulated tumblers or stainless steel cups to keep your drinks cool longer.

  • Bring fresh garnishes like lime wedges or mint in a small cooler—they make a difference.

  • Stay hydrated—alternate cocktails with water, especially under the sun.

Final Sip

Summer and cocktails go hand in hand, especially at the beach. Whether you’re into rum-based classics, citrusy refreshers, or frozen favorites, there’s a drink here for every taste. So pack your cooler, grab your shades, and toast to sunny days with the perfect beach cocktail in hand.

PW