Nothing says summer like sipping a colorful, ice-cold cocktail in your backyard oasis. Whether you're hosting friends or enjoying a quiet evening on the patio, these vibrant drinks are perfect for pairing with By the Yard's outdoor bar furniture. Explore five of our favorite summer cocktail recipes you can easily make at home.

1. Mandarin Mojito

A citrusy twist on the classic mojito, this cocktail blends sweet mandarin with cool mint and a splash of lime. It’s refreshing, tropical, and perfect for warm weather gatherings.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups mandarin or tangerine juice (from 8–10 mandarins)
• ¼ cup fresh lime juice
• 1 cup sugar cane juice or ½ cup simple syrup
• 8 ounces fresh mint leaves
• 1 to 1½ cups white rum (adjust to taste)
• 1 to 1½ cups club soda
• Ice

Garnishes:

• Mandarin slices
• Fresh mint leaves

Directions:
Muddle mint with sugar cane juice or syrup. Add rum, lime juice, and mandarin juice. Stir well and adjust for taste. Fill glasses with ice, pour in the mixture, top with club soda, and garnish.

2. Hibiscus Margarita

This floral take on the classic margarita blends tangy hibiscus with tequila and citrus for a bold summer drink.

Ingredients:

• ¼ cup tequila
• 2 tablespoons fresh-squeezed lime juice
• 2 tablespoons Cointreau or orange liqueur
• 2 tablespoons hibiscus simple syrup (see below)
• Ice

Hibiscus Syrup:

• 1 cup water
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup dried hibiscus flowers

Garnishes:

• Lime slices
• Margarita salt for glass rim

Directions:
Shake tequila, lime juice, Cointreau, and hibiscus syrup with ice. Strain into a salt-rimmed glass over large ice cubes. Garnish with lime.

To make hibiscus syrup:
Simmer water, sugar, and hibiscus flowers over medium heat until sugar dissolves. Cool to room temperature and strain.

3. Rosé Aperol Spritz

This modern take on a vintage Italian cocktail is light, slightly bitter, and full of floral and fruity notes.

Ingredients:

• ½ cup chilled rosé wine
• ¼ cup Aperol
• ¼ teaspoon rose water
• ¼ cup sparkling water or club soda
• Ice

Garnish:

• Edible rose petals

Directions:
Fill a wine glass with ice. Add rosé, Aperol, and rose water. Top with sparkling water and stir gently. Garnish with rose petals.

4. Cucumber Gimlet

Cool, crisp cucumber adds a refreshing twist to this gin-based favorite, making it perfect for hot summer evenings.

Ingredients:

• 3 thin slices cucumber
• 1½ tablespoons fresh lime juice
• 1½ tablespoons simple syrup
• ¼ cup gin
• Ice

Garnish:

• Cucumber ribbon or slice

Directions:
Muddle cucumber slices with lime juice and simple syrup in a shaker. Add gin and ice, shake well, and strain into a glass over ice. Garnish with cucumber.

5. Strawberry Whiskey Lemonade

This sweet and tangy cocktail is a backyard favorite, mixing fresh strawberries with the bold warmth of whiskey.

Ingredients:

• ⅔ cup whiskey
• ⅓ cup homemade strawberry syrup (see below)
• ⅔ cup fresh lemon juice
• Ice

Strawberry Syrup:

• 1 cup sliced fresh strawberries
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup water

Garnishes:

• Fresh strawberry slices
• Lemon slices

Directions:
Shake whiskey, lemon juice, and strawberry syrup with ice. Pour into glasses over ice and garnish.

To make strawberry syrup:
Simmer strawberries, sugar, and water over low heat for 15 minutes. Let cool, then strain.

Prep Your Patio for Summer with By the Yard

Great cocktails deserve great furniture. At By the Yard, we create durable outdoor bar sets and patio seating that are stylish, maintenance-free, and made from recycled materials. Enjoy your summer in comfort and confidence with furniture that lasts a lifetime and helps protect the environment. Shop our luxury outdoor collection at bytheyard.net and make every backyard moment a little more refreshing.