The best classic and contemporary cocktails to try this summer

It’s the first day of summer, the mercury is finally rising and it’s time to relax into the festive season with a drink in hand. Here’s the ultimate cocktail list to try this silly season.

Nothing beats a refreshing sangria in summer.

Summer is officially here and the thought of relaxing with a delicious cocktail in hand is no longer a dream but a reality.

So, we’ve put together a list of some of the best classic cocktails to get you through these sweltering days, and thrown in a few newbies to get those tastebuds tingling (we even included the recipes — you’re welcome).

FIVE OF THE BEST PIZZA JOINTS SOUTH OF THE YARRA

THE HIP NEW WAY TO MAKE AN OLD FASHIONED COCKTAIL

WHAT’S ON IN MELBOURNE THIS WEEKEND

A classic cocktail, the mojito is a refreshing drink for a hot summers day. Picture: Alix Sweeney

MOJITO

If you haven’t had a mojito, you haven’t lived. This traditional Cuban highball consists of five ingredients — white rum, sugar, lime juice, soda water and mint. It’s as simple as that. The combination of citrus and sweet with mint is one that will keep you coming back for more. If you’re feeling adventurous you can add blueberries or strawberries for a berry tasty twist.

Sangria, the ultimate Spanish beverage.

SANGRIA

Originating in Spain this alcoholic thirst quencher is a crowd-pleaser. Made and served in a large pitcher the main ingredients include brandy, lemon juice, orange juice, red wine, sugar, fruit and ice. Lemonade, soda water or ginger ale can be added for that extra fizz. Nothing like a glass of sangria to start the weekend.

The French 75 cocktail, made from gin, Champagne, lemon juice and sugar.

FRENCH 75

An oldie but a goodie, the French 75 cocktail, also known as the 75 Cocktail or in French a Soixante Quinze, this beauty is a combination of gin, Champagne, lemon juice and sugar and dates back to World War 1.

The mighty margarita.

MARGARITAS

One tequila, two tequila, three tequila, floor. Yes, the mighty margarita may be a classic but a few too many of these and the mighty may fall. Margaritas are a cocktail combining tequila, orange liqueur and lime juice and is served shaken with or without ice and often with salt on the rim of the glass.

A traditional Italian cocktail, Aperol Spritz. Picture: Richard Gosling

APEROL SPRITZ

Ice cubes are key when it comes to one of these vibrant beverages. Three parts prosecco, three parts Aperol, a dash of soda and garnished with a slice of orange and voila — your drink is served. It’s as easy to make as it is to drink.

The espresso martini front and centre. Picture: Jerad Williams

ESPRESSO MARTINI

Coffee and alcohol — what’s not to love? The classic espresso martini is a cold coffee flavoured drink made with vodka, espresso coffee, coffee liqueur and sugar syrup and usually garnished with coffee beans. A great start to a fun-filled night or the perfect end to an evening.

Cosmopolitan cocktails have been around since the ‘70s. Picture: Jerad Williams

COSMOPOLITAN

Affectionately known as a cosmo, this brew is a combination of vodka, triple sec, cranberry juice and lime juice and the perfect mix of sweet and sour. Cosmopolitans have been around since the 1970s but made famous by American romantic comedy-drama television series Sex and the City.

Old Fashioned ($16) from the new cocktail and tapas menu. Picture: Australian Hotel and Brewery

OLD FASHIONED

Made by muddling sugar with bitters and adding alcohol (the choice is generally between whiskey and brandy) and finished with a twist of citrus rind. Often referred to as the OG of cocktails, the Old Fashion can be found on almost every cocktail list in town — but can be one of the hardest to master.

Le Grand Fizz cocktail by Grey Goose.

LE GRAND FIZZ

The Le Grand Fizz is a Grey Goose special, using their own vodka mixed with Elderflower liqueur, lime juice and soda water — a simple yet spritzy drink perfect for summer.

Recipe:

35ml Grey Goose vodka

25ml Elderflower Liqueur

20ml freshly squeezed lime juice

50ml soda water

The Bellini aperitif at Harry's Bar in Venice, Italy where it was invented. Picture: Alamy

BELLINI

A mix of prosecco sparkling wine and peach puree, this little number is the ultimate sweet treat to try this summer. Simply pour the peach puree into a chilled glass and add prosecco.

MORE NEWS

JAIL FOR BODYBUILDER WHO THREATENED GANG RAPE

DOWNBALL: THE POPULAR SPORT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT

BATTLE ON TO SAVE MT WAVERLEY FOOTY CLUB FROM EXTINCTION