I love when you share my recipes!

What is it about summertime that has me craving vodka cocktails? The smoothness of a good quality vodka with its low flavor profile means it goes with just about any ingredients, so you can let your creativity run wild with fresh, in-season herbs and juicy fruits. It’s also a crowd favorite, making vodka cocktails easy to serve at your summer happy hours.  

A pair of raspberry peach martinis.

There’s no better way to beat the summer heat than with a delicious, ice cold drink in your hand. Full of seasonal ingredients, shopping for summer drink recipes is just as easy to do at the farmers market as it is at the grocery store.  

Vodka is a popular choice for summer cocktails in part because of its versatility. Each of the recipes below feature vodka as the main spirit, yet taste nothing alike.

A good summer cocktail should be refreshing, light, and easy to drink, with a balance of sweet and citrus flavors. Delicious and fresh ingredients are even easier to find in the summertime, so I’ve used flavors like pineapple, peaches, and fresh berries to add a sweet and fruity flavor to these refreshing summer vodka cocktails.

All of these cocktails are designed to be served super cold. So be sure to shake your cocktails well and with lots of ice – at least 10 seconds. When you’re done your shaker should be almost too cold to hold!

Bar Tools for Vodka Cocktails

New to creating cocktails at home? Here are a few of my favorite (and affordable) bar tools to get you started making any of the delicious recipes featured above.

Summertime Vodka Cocktails 

1. Classic Lemon Drop Martini 

A pair of lemon drop martinis.

Made with vodka and fresh lemon juice, this sweet-tart Lemon Drop Martini recipe is a classic cocktail that shakes up in less than 5 minutes. >Get the Recipe

2. Blackberry Vanilla Vodka Martini

Blackberry Vanilla Martini

Fresh mint leaves, ripe summer blackberries, and vanilla vodka combine with bright lime for a fruity summer cocktail that isn’t overly sweet. >Get the Recipe

3. Lavender Lemon Drop Martini

Lavender Lemon Drop Martini

This 5 ingredient Lavender Lemon Drop Martini is a perfectly refreshing cocktail made with homemade lavender syrup, fresh lemon juice and lavender bitters. A grown up version of lavender lemonade, this drink will keep you cool on the hottest summer day. >Get the Recipe

4. Peach Raspberry Vodka Martini

Coupe glasses full of peach raspberry martini cocktail.

The perfect summer drink, a peach raspberry vodka martini is made with fresh raspberries, peach syrup, and raspberry vodka. It’s easy to mix up and a delicious cocktail for your back porch happy hour. >Get the Recipe

5. Fresh Strawberry Pineapple Martini

Pouring a Strawberry Pineapple Vanilla Vodka Martini

Full of fresh fruit and pineapple juice, this refreshing martini uses vanilla vodka to create a flavorful cocktail that’s perfect for summer sipping. >Get the Recipe

6. Peach Pie Martini

Peach Pie Martini

This sweet sipper includes vodka, peach schnapps, homemade peach syrup and a cinnamon sugar rim to bring out all of the flavors of your favorite peach pie. >Get the Recipe

7. Pineapple Vodka Martini

Pineapple Vodka Martini

This refreshing cocktail combines fruit juices from fresh citrus and pineapple with simple syrup and vodka for a tasty mix of sweet and tart flavors. >Get the Recipe

Summer Glassware Ideas

8. Strawberry Moscow Mules

Strawberry Moscow Mules

A summertime twist on the classic Moscow mule, this recipe includes homemade strawberry syrup, vodka, fresh lime and ginger beer for the perfect summer cocktail. Copper mug optional. >Get the Recipe

9. Blueberry Vodka Lemonade Cocktail

Blueberry Vodka Lemonade

Served over plenty of ice, this refreshing vodka lemonade combines your favorite vodka, homemade blueberry syrup, fresh lemon juice, and club soda for an ideal drink on a hot summer day. >Get the Recipe

10. Classic Cosmopolitan Cocktail

Two coupe glasses filled with Cosmos, garnished with cranberries and a lime slice.

Made with cranberry juice, fresh lime, vodka and triple sec, a Cosmo is summer’s most classic cocktail. Served ice cold, make it for your next front porch happy hour. >Get the Recipe

11. Strawberry Vodka Lemonade

Two glasses of layered strawberry lemonade cocktail garnished with mint.

A big step up for your standard vodka soda, we’re using fresh lemon juice, soda water, and homemade strawberry syrup to create a sweet and refreshing summer sip. >Get the Recipe

12. Large Batch Pitcher Cocktails

Glasses filled with red drinks and fruit, with a pitcher of red drinks in the background.

A combo of vodka, triple sec, and frozen fruit juice concentrate, this ridiculously easy cocktail is made in large batches, making it the perfect drink for summer entertaining. >Get the Recipe

13. Espresso Martini

Two glasses filled with espresso martini with foam on top.

This one’s for every Espresso Martini lover without an espresso machine! Cold brew espresso roast coffee gets shaken with your favorite vodka, coffee liqueur, and some chocolate bitters for a not-overly-sweet espresso martini that has lots of creamy foam on top. >Get the Recipe

14. Blue Lagoon Cocktail

Glasses of blue lagoon cocktail garnished with oranges and cherries, with a jar of oranges in the background.

Made with fresh citrus, blue curaçao syrup, and vodka, this Blue Lagoon Cocktail is a tropical-inspired classic that should definitely be on your summer drink menu! It’s light, refreshing and made for a hot day.  >Get the Recipe

Even More Vodka Cocktail Recipes

I love when you share my recipes!