Summer Cocktails to Try Instead of Your Usual Beer

Summer in Boston has a way of making even the most loyal beer drinkers look for something a little lighter, a little fruitier, and a little more refreshing. If you are spending time on the patio or settling in at the bar, these cocktails are a great way to switch things up without losing that easygoing pub feel.

At Cheers Boston, summer drinks are all about balance, refreshing flavors, seasonal ingredients, and cocktails that fit just as well with a casual bite as they do with a night out with friends.

Here are a few summer cocktails worth trying instead of your usual beer.

Blackberry Mule

A bright twist on a classic mule. Grey Goose Berry Rouge Vodka is mixed with lime juice and blackberry purée, then topped with ginger beer for a crisp finish. It is refreshing, slightly tart, and familiar enough for anyone who usually sticks to beer, but with a more fruit-forward summer profile.

Spiked Peach Tea

This is pure summer in a glass. Deep Eddy Sweet Tea Vodka blends with peach schnapps, lemon juice, and unsweetened iced tea for a drink that is smooth, lightly sweet, and incredibly easy to sip on a warm afternoon or early evening.

Spicy Coconut Margarita

For guests who like a little heat with their refreshment, this margarita brings Ghost Tequila, triple sec, lime juice, and coconut purée together for a creamy, tropical drink with a subtle kick. It is bold but still balanced enough for a long patio session.

Maple Bourbon Cider

This one leans into that perfect mix of summer and early fall energy. Bully Boy Bourbon, lemon juice, and maple syrup are topped with Downeast cider for a drink that is slightly sweet, slightly tart, and very easy to drink slowly on a warm night.

Strawberry Rose Sangria

Light, floral, and built for lingering. Rosé wine, Bacardi Dragonberry rum, fresh strawberries, and a splash of soda water come together for a refreshing sangria that fits perfectly with long afternoons and golden hour on the patio.

Cucumber Mint Spritz

Clean and crisp, this is the kind of cocktail that works when the weather is at its hottest. Ketel One Cucumber & Mint Vodka, elderflower liqueur, Prosecco, lime juice, mint, and soda create a refreshing spritz that feels light from the first sip to the last.

Whether you are meeting friends after work, catching a game, or just looking for something different from your usual beer order, these summer cocktails bring a fresh way to enjoy the season in Boston.