The 20 best summer cocktails

I mean, come on. This is the first thing you think of when it comes to summer cocktails. And with the exception of Aperol, it's hard to think of a cooler, more refreshing drink to enjoy with a seaside view. Not by the beach? Grab one of these cocktails at any restaurant with outdoor seating. 

Like any tiki drink, you're gonna want to have one of these by the beach. Along with a lounge chair and umbrella, these rum floats are best served on a tropical beach with a turquoise backdrop. Its mix of citrus and sweetness is perfect for a sunny day. 

You're at a nice restaurant or country club. The air conditioning is on, but you're still a little sweaty from the day's activities. What do you order? How about a Tom Collins — a fizzy mix of lemon, sugar and gin that is usually served cold. 

Pro tip: save your leftover wine in the freezer and make a sangria with the frozen reds. Just pour into an ice tray and then serve with the normal ingredients. It will be a huge hit with those who like their wine cold. 

The mojito is a classic that works well in any situation. In the summer, it becomes a nice breeze at your rooftop bar that takes your mind off the sweltering sun. The minty flavor only adds to the refreshing vibe. 

Fresh watermelon juice gives this cocktail a splash of sweetness, the kind that goes well with a refreshing pool. You can order it on vacation or make it yourself, that way you can sip with your friends at a pool of your choosing.

Many European countries offer this for free after a meal, but you don't have to book a flight to Italy to enjoy this liquor. Many stores have it in stock, while some of you may want to make a batch of your own. However you drink it, the lemon flavors will swirl on your tongue like a whirlpool of zest. 

You don't have to be on the beach to have Sex on the Beach — the drink, that is. You can enjoy this tropical cocktail anywhere you want, even if the drink isn't on as many menus as it used to. It's still a colorful concoction that goes well at a summer party. 

Cliche? Maybe. A nice drink to have on vacation? Absolutely. While some places make them a little too sweet, this coconut drink can be a treat when done properly.

Palomas should come with a warning label. You might drink 10 of these and still think you're on your first. They are so sweet — so loaded with grapefruit — that you might find yourself lost in their pink, savory flavors. At least until you look up and realize what a nice day it is. 

Cucumber drinks often feel like a spa day, with their fresh aromas and clear liquor. You feel relaxed just sipping on one of these spritzes. In whatever environment you choose, their cucumber, basil and syrupy mix is a massage to the soul. 

How do the words "frozen strawberry" sound? Pretty nice in this summer heat, huh? If you want to give your margarita a more fruity vibe, turn the cocktail into a fruit smoothie with some frozen strawberries. 

The Pimm's Cup is like a fruit bowl with alcohol. It's got fruits, gingers and herbs, along with herbal spirits that tie it all together. They may not be everyone's cup of tea, but they are made for summer. 

These may not be on your favorite restaurant's menu. But you can make your own blackberry mojito with the simple addition of crushed blackberries to a classic recipe.

You're on a tropical beach. On vacation with people you love — be it a girlfriend, boyfriend or group of friends — you watch as the sun sets into a pastel memory of the day's activities. The orange drink next to you glows with wonder. You clank glasses with the loved one (or ones) next to you and sip your tequila sunrise till the sun sets. It may sound too good to be true, but is easily possible for anyone who loves to travel. 

From a tropical beach to your local bar, we now move onto a cocktail that can be ordered at many breweries. This is an easy choice for those trying to get in the summer mood. 

Long Island Iced Teas can be very strong, mixing vodka, white rum, tequila and liquor into what many people call a summer drink. They are your grandpa's favorite cocktail for a reason. He can sip on one of these for hours and still get a buzz. 

Cold and refreshing? Check. Extremely colorful? Check. The kind of drink that makes you think of summer in Italy? Check. The Campari may not be as sumptuous as Aperol, but it remains an Italian classic for a reason. 

Strawberries, agave and rum make for a fine summertime cocktail, which is kind of obvious given the ingredients. I mean, the words "strawberry" and "coolers" are in the title. 

My favorite cocktail ever. Aperol Spritz remains the ultimate cocktail for any occasion — an Italian mix of liquor, Prosecco, soda water and orange that just makes you feel great.