We’ve gotten totally hooked on Drink Masters on Netflix, and now we’re captivated by the world of expert mixologists. And craft cocktails. So, what better time than late summer to consider what the best cocktails of the summer season have been this year? The most popular cocktails of the summer highlight the key trends that mixologists are setting in 2023, including the spicy margarita, delicious mocktails, and the return of the espresso martini. Here’s our edit of the best, most refreshing “It” cocktails of Summer 2023.
hang onto the summer season with the lightest and most refreshing craft cocktails
Summertime and the livin’ is easy. And it’s even easier with a cocktail in hand. At Dandelion Chandelier, we’re all about staying on top of the trends, and there’s no exception when it comes to sipping on your favorite spirits. As summer heads to an end, we’ve rounded up a list of the contenders for the “it” summer cocktails below so that you can enjoy the rest of this sizzlin’ season with the trendiest spritz’ by your side. The good news? These cocktails never go out of style, so you can carry them straight into Autumn. Cheers!
7 most popular cocktails of summer 2023
1. Spicy Margaritas
Keep things spicy with a twist on a classic margarita. Spicy margs are the perfect summertime drink, combining your favorite tequila, lime, jalapeno, and syrup.
If you can’t handle the heat, add your favorite fruit, like muddled pineapple or watermelon to balance out the spice and provide some extra sweetness.
2. Ranch Water
Does tequila always equal a good time? We think so! Easy to make, the ranch water won’t stay Texas’ best-kept secret for much longer as the drink took the cocktail world by storm this summer. The ingredients are basic. Add your favorite tequila, fresh lime, and Topo Chico for this light drink without all the added sweetness.
If sweet is your thing, the drink is customizable, so you can throw in simple syrup or fruit for a more sugary taste.
3. Espresso Martini
Gin or vodka, pick your poison. James Bond may have made martinis famous, but we all know they’re never going out of style.
The most popular cocktails of the summer highlight trends mixologists are following in 2023, including spicy margarita and espresso martini.
Straight to the point, a martini can be jazzed up with a twist (citrus peel), extra dirty with olive juice, or give you the caffeine boost you need as an espresso martini.
4. Lillet Spritz
Lillet is having a moment this summer. The French aperitif is made of fortified wine, various grapes that depend on the blend, and citrus liqueurs.
Pairing it with sparkling wine like Prosecco, bitter liquors, and soda water creates a tart, refreshing, and bubbly spritz that can be enjoyed in the summer sun or during a girl’s night out.
5. Limoncello spritz
European girl summer had us churning out content in florals, pastels, and linens. Whether we actually made the trip overseas or not, there’s no doubt that we spent a lot of time bringing Europe to the States with chic outfits, extended lunch breaks, and limoncello spritzes.
The best lightest and most refreshing “It” cocktails of Summer 2023.
Spritzes are light, refreshing, and generally have a lower ABV, making them a popular cocktail for those who want to enjoy a drink without consuming something too strong. These can be easily made with limoncello, prosecco, club soda, and garnishes so that you can have a taste of the Almalfi Coast right in your own backyard.
6. Blue Cocktails
Not specific to one drink, blue/aqua cocktails came in hot…or cool… this summer. In fact, we did an entire round-up of trending blue drinks, featuring turquoise margaritas, blue lagoons, and red, white, and blue layered cocktails.
The most popular cocktails of the summer highlight trends mixologists are following in 2023, including spicy margarita and espresso martini.
While we may start slipping into browns, oranges, and earthy greens, let’s pour one out for the blue cocktails that got us through the scorching heat and into a festive mood.
7. No-alcohol mocktails
Whether zero-proof or half-proof, low-ABV cocktails are a hit this summer with sober curiosity peaking. Many people are jumping aboard the sober train, and limiting alcohol intake can be challenging when a lot of socializing relies on drinking.
With sober curiosity taking off, low or no-ABV cocktails have become popular, with most bars offering their own takes on your favorite spritz’, seltzers, and mocktails. You can replace liquor with non-alcoholic versions like Seedlip, ArKay, and Ritual, or skip the “liquor” altogether and enjoy the flavors of fresh fruits, simple syrups, and club soda for booze-free festivities.
most popular cocktails of Summer 2023
Summer may be winding down, but it’s important to remember some things never go out of style (cocktails being top of that list). The most popular cocktails of the summer highlight the key trends mixologists are setting in 2023, including the spicy margarita, the delicious mocktail and the return of the espresso martini.
While you may be looking forward to cozy fall drinks like hot toddies and apple ciders, don’t get too far ahead of yourself. The heat often lasts well into September. So having this list on hand will be perfect for when you need a refreshing drink and a reminder of easy living in the summertime.
