When the sun is super hot and the air feels thick, a cold drink with mint can really help. It cools you down and makes you feel fresh. The New York Times shared some tasty summer drinks that use fresh mint.
I love food and drinks, so I picked 7 of the best minty drinks to show you. These are fun, easy to make, and perfect for hot days.
If you’re sitting by the pool, having a BBQ, or just relaxing outside, these drinks will make you smile. They’re cool, yummy, and full of fresh mint. Let’s check out these minty treats!
1. Classic Mojito
A timeless Cuban favorite that’s crisp, zesty, and utterly refreshing.
Ingredients:
- 10 fresh mint leaves
- ½ lime, cut into wedges
- 2 tsp sugar (or simple syrup)
- 2 oz white rum
- Club soda
- Ice
How to Make It:
- In a glass, muddle mint leaves, lime wedges, and sugar until fragrant.
- Fill the glass with ice, then pour in the rum.
- Top with club soda and stir gently.
- Garnish with a mint sprig and lime wheel.
Taste & Look:
Bright, citrusy, and herbaceous with a fizzy finish. The drink looks vibrant with green mint leaves floating among the ice.
2. Southside Fizz
A gin-based cocktail with a refreshing minty kick.
Ingredients:
- 8-10 mint leaves
- 2 oz gin
- ¾ oz fresh lime juice
- ½ oz simple syrup
- Club soda
- Ice
How to Make It:
- Muddle mint leaves with lime juice and simple syrup in a shaker.
- Add gin and ice, then shake well.
- Strain into a glass filled with ice.
- Top with club soda and garnish with mint.
Taste & Look:
Crisp, botanical, and slightly sweet. The drink is crystal-clear with a delicate minty aroma.
3. Mint Julep
A Southern classic that’s bourbon-forward and ice-cold.
Ingredients:
- 10-12 mint leaves
- 2 oz bourbon
- ½ oz simple syrup
- Crushed ice
How to Make It:
- Muddle mint leaves with simple syrup in a julep cup or glass.
- Fill the cup with crushed ice, then pour in bourbon.
- Stir until frost forms on the outside.
- Garnish with a mint bouquet.
Taste & Look:
Sweet, strong, and ultra-refreshing. The frosty silver cup and fresh mint make it look like a winter wonderland—in summer!
4. Watermelon Mint Cooler
A fruity, hydrating cocktail perfect for scorching days.
Ingredients:
- 6-8 mint leaves
- 2 oz vodka
- 1 cup fresh watermelon juice
- ½ oz lime juice
- Ice
How to Make It:
- Muddle mint in a shaker.
- Add vodka, watermelon juice, lime juice, and ice. Shake well.
- Strain into a tall glass over ice.
- Garnish with a watermelon wedge and mint.
Taste & Look:
Juicy, sweet, and slightly tart. The pink hue with green mint makes it Instagram-worthy.
5. Spicy Ginger-Mint Margarita
A fiery twist on the classic margarita.
Ingredients:
- 8 mint leaves
- 2 oz tequila
- 1 oz lime juice
- ½ oz ginger syrup
- ¼ tsp chili powder (optional)
- Ice
How to Make It:
- Muddle mint and ginger syrup in a shaker.
- Add tequila, lime juice, and ice. Shake well.
- Rim a glass with chili-salt (if desired) and strain the drink in.
- Garnish with a mint sprig and lime wheel.
Taste & Look:
Zesty, spicy, and cooling all at once. The golden-green drink with a chili rim is bold and beautiful.
6. Pineapple Mint Daiquiri
A tropical escape in a glass.
Ingredients:
- 6 mint leaves
- 2 oz white rum
- 1 oz pineapple juice
- ½ oz lime juice
- ½ oz simple syrup
- Ice
How to Make It:
- Muddle mint with simple syrup in a shaker.
- Add rum, pineapple juice, lime juice, and ice. Shake well.
- Strain into a chilled coupe glass.
- Garnish with a pineapple leaf and mint.
Taste & Look:
Sweet, tangy, and ultra-smooth. The pale yellow drink looks like sunshine in a glass.
7. Cucumber Mint Gin Smash
A light, garden-fresh cocktail with a crisp finish.
Ingredients:
- 6 mint leaves
- 3 cucumber slices
- 2 oz gin
- ¾ oz lemon juice
- ½ oz simple syrup
- Ice
How to Make It:
- Muddle mint, cucumber, and simple syrup in a shaker.
- Add gin, lemon juice, and ice. Shake well.
- Double-strain into a rocks glass over ice.
- Garnish with cucumber ribbons and mint.
Taste & Look:
Clean, crisp, and ultra-refreshing. The pale green drink looks like a spa in a glass.
Conclusion
These summer cocktails with muddled mint (even loved by the New York Times) are a great way to stay cool and enjoy your drink. Whether you like fruity, spicy, or classic flavors, there’s something here you’ll love.
So grab some fresh mint, get your muddler ready, and start making these tasty drinks. Let the summer fun begin!
