Pineapple Princess to Mango Daiquiris: Escape the summer heat with these 3 fresh, tropical cocktail recipes

As the temperature skyrockets and summer takes its full swing, it’s time to beat the heat the best way we known how — with a bunch of crisp, fruity cocktails.

So, if you’re ready to trade in your sweaty summer afternoons for something more enjoyable, here are three truly delicious cocktail recipes that will make your hot days a little more forgettable!

The Pineapple Princess

If you’re longing for a tropical escape, look no further than this Pineapple Princess cocktail. This refreshing drink combines the sweet, tangy goodness of pineapple with the bright zing of lime, balanced out by the rich flavors of tequila, orange liqueur and Aperol. It’s like having your own little paradise in a glass!

Ingredients: 5 to 6 big bite-sized chunks of pineapple, 3 ounces (2 big shots) lime juice, 3 ounces (2 big shots) tequila, 1.5 ounces (1 big shot) orange liqueur, 1.5 ounces (1 big shot) Aperol, lime wheels for garnish.

Recipe: Grab your cocktail shaker, and get ready to shake things up! Start by muddling the pineapple chunks and lime juice together until you have a tangy, tropical mix. Strain this mixture through a fine-mesh strainer into your glass, pushing through any extra juice with your muddler. Toss the solids aside, or save them for a smoothie later! Next, return the juice to the shaker, add the tequila, orange liqueur, and Aperol, and fill it up with ice. Shake it like you’re at a summer dance party for about 30 seconds. Finally, pour the vibrant concoction into two rocks glasses and garnish with a lime wheel.

Watermelon Basil Cocktail

Nothing screams summer quite like watermelon, and when you pair it with fresh basil, you get an herbaceous cocktail that’s as refreshing as it is unique. This Watermelon Basil Cocktail is a perfect way to stay cool during the hottest days, with the sweet juiciness of watermelon and the fragrant pop of basil.

Ingredients: 1 cup watermelon, 4 to 6 basil leaves, 2 ounces vodka, 1 ½ ounces lime juice, 1 tablespoon honey, 1 cup ice cubes, 1 tbsp sugar

Recipe: Start by making the watermelon-basil puree. Cube the watermelon and remove any seeds, then blend it with the basil leaves until smooth. If you like a strong basil flavor, start with 4 leaves and taste the puree, add a few more if you want to amp up the herbaceous notes! Once your puree is ready, pour 6 ounces of it into a cocktail shaker, along with vodka, lime juice, and honey. Stir everything together, then add ice and shake for about 20 seconds to chill it all down. For the finishing touch, brush the rim of your glass with lime juice and roll it in sugar for a sweet, sparkling finish. Strain the drink into the glass and garnish with a couple of basil leaves and a small piece of watermelon. Now, you’ve got a garden-fresh, cool cocktail that’s perfect for any summer occasion!

Tropical Mango Daiquiri

If you’re a fan of tropical fruits, this Mango Daiquiri will quickly become your go-to cocktail this summer. With the creamy sweetness of ripe mangoes, the crispness of lime, and the smoothness of Bacardi rum, this daiquiri is everything you need for a laid-back summer sip.

Ingredients: Large ripe mango (1 ¼ cups), 90 ml or 3 oz white rum, 2 tbsp sugar syrup (adjust to taste), ¼ cup fresh lime juice, 1 heaped cup of ice cubes (or 1 cup crushed ice), plus more to serve

Ingredients for sugar syrup: ¼ cup white sugar, ¼ cup boiling water

Garnish: Strawberries, lime slices, mint.

Recipe: Toss all your ingredients into a blender in the order listed (trust us, ice last is key for the perfect blend). Blend until smooth, then taste it; add more lime for extra tartness or a little more sugar syrup for sweetness if you need it. Pour this tropical mix into martini glasses (this recipe makes just the right amount for four glasses) and garnish with a slice of lime, a sprig of mint, and a strawberry. Serve it cold and watch your guests smile as they take their first sip!

Summer can be brutal, but it doesn’t have to be! With these delicious, fruit-packed cocktails, you’ll stay cool and refreshed no matter how high the temperature climbs. So, pour yourself a glass, take a sip, and let the summer fun begin!