When summer heat hits, frozen cocktails offer a refreshing escape. These icy drinks blend spirits, fruits, and other tasty ingredients into frosty concoctions perfect for sipping poolside or at backyard barbecues.
From classic daiquiris to creative new recipes, frozen cocktails come in many delicious varieties.
You can easily make frozen cocktails at home using a blender and some basic bar tools. With the right ingredients and techniques, you’ll be whipping up restaurant-quality frozen drinks in no time.
Whether you prefer fruity, creamy, or boozy flavors, there’s a frozen cocktail recipe to suit your taste. Grab your blender and get ready to cool off with these fun and frosty drinks.
1. Frozen Margarita
The Frozen Margarita is a cool twist on the classic cocktail. It blends tequila, lime juice, and orange liqueur with ice for a slushy texture.
This frosty drink was created in Dallas, Texas in the 1970s. It’s perfect for hot summer days when you need something extra refreshing.
To make one, mix tequila, triple sec, fresh lime juice, and simple syrup in a blender. Add ice and blend until smooth.
Pour into a salt-rimmed glass and garnish with a lime wedge.
You can easily change up the flavor by adding fruits like strawberries or mango. For a fancy touch, try using premium tequila or a flavored liqueur.
2. Piña Colada
The piña colada is a classic frozen cocktail that brings tropical vibes to any occasion. This creamy drink blends rum, pineapple, and coconut for a refreshing taste of paradise.
To make a frozen piña colada, mix white rum, pineapple juice, and cream of coconut in a blender with ice. Blend until smooth and frosty.
Pour into a hurricane glass and garnish with a pineapple wedge and cherry.
For extra coconut flavor, try using coconut rum. You can also add a splash of lime juice for a zesty twist.
If you prefer a non-alcoholic version, simply leave out the rum and enjoy a virgin piña colada.
3. Strawberry Daiquiri
The strawberry daiquiri is a sweet and refreshing frozen cocktail perfect for warm days. You can easily make this drink at home with a few simple ingredients.
To create a strawberry daiquiri, blend frozen strawberries, white rum, lime juice, and sugar until smooth. The frozen strawberries give it a slushy texture without needing extra ice.
Pour the mixture into highball or hurricane glasses. Garnish each glass with a fresh strawberry slice for a nice touch.
This recipe is great for parties. You can make a big batch in a pitcher to serve multiple guests.
It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to cool everyone down on hot summer days.
4. Frozen Mojito
The Frozen Mojito puts a cool twist on the classic Cuban cocktail. You’ll love this frosty version on hot summer days.
To make it, blend white rum, fresh lime juice, mint leaves, simple syrup, and ice. The result is a slushy, minty drink that’s super refreshing.
You can easily customize your Frozen Mojito. Try coconut rum for a tropical flavor, or add cream of coconut for richness.
This cocktail works great for pool parties, beach trips, or backyard barbecues.
For the best taste, use plenty of fresh mint and lime. The frozen texture makes it extra cool and enjoyable to sip.
5. Blue Lagoon
The Blue Lagoon is a pretty frozen cocktail with a bright blue color. You can make it with vodka, blue curaçao, and lemonade.
To make it frozen, blend the ingredients with ice. This gives the drink a slushy texture perfect for hot days.
The Blue Lagoon has a sweet and tangy taste. The blue curaçao adds orange flavor, while the lemonade makes it refreshing.
You can garnish your Blue Lagoon with a lemon slice or cherry. For a fun twist, try using tequila instead of vodka to make a Blue Lagoon margarita.
6. Frozen Sangria
Frozen sangria is a cool twist on the classic Spanish drink. It’s perfect for hot summer days and parties.
To make it, blend red wine with frozen fruit. Add some orange juice and a splash of rum for extra flavor. You can use berries, peaches, or any fruits you like.
Pour the mix into glasses and top with fresh fruit.
For a fun look, layer frozen margarita with frozen sangria in the same glass.
This slushy drink is easy to make in big batches. It’s great for backyard BBQs or pool parties. Your guests will love this frosty, fruity cocktail.
7. Mango Mai Tai
The Mango Mai Tai is a tropical twist on the classic cocktail. It blends the rich flavors of rum with sweet, juicy mango.
To make this frozen treat, you’ll need light rum, dark rum, mango puree, lime juice, and orange liqueur. Blend these ingredients with ice until smooth.
Pour the mixture into a tall glass. Garnish with a slice of mango and a sprig of mint for a pop of color.
This refreshing drink is perfect for hot summer days. It pairs well with grilled seafood or coconut chicken dishes.
8. Peach Bellini
A Frozen Peach Bellini is a cool twist on the classic Italian cocktail. You’ll love this refreshing drink on hot summer days.
To make it, blend frozen peach slices with peach schnapps and a touch of sugar. Pour the mixture into a glass and top with chilled Prosecco or Champagne.
For extra flavor, add a splash of vodka or lime juice. You can also use fresh peaches, but frozen ones give a better slushy texture.
Want a non-alcoholic version? Simply swap the sparkling wine for club soda and use peach juice instead of schnapps.
Either way, this peachy treat is sure to impress your guests at your next gathering.
9. Frozen Cosmopolitan
The Frozen Cosmopolitan is a cool twist on the classic cocktail. It’s perfect for hot summer days when you want something refreshing.
To make this slushy drink, you’ll need vodka, cranberry juice, lime juice, and triple sec. Blend these ingredients with ice until smooth.
For the best flavor, use a citrus vodka. The tartness of the cranberry and lime juices balances nicely with the orange notes from the triple sec.
Serve your Frozen Cosmopolitan in a chilled martini glass. Garnish with a lime wedge or fresh cranberries for a pretty touch.
This frozen cocktail is easy to make and sure to impress your friends at your next gathering. It’s a fun way to enjoy a popular drink with a frosty twist.
10. Raspberry Lemonade Slush
This frozen cocktail blends tart and sweet flavors for a refreshing summer drink. Mix fresh lemon juice, frozen raspberries, and vodka in a blender for a quick and easy slush.
You can make a big batch ahead of time and store it in the freezer. Pour into quart containers so it’s ready whenever you want a cool drink.
For extra flavor, try adding orange juice or steeped tea to the mix. Rim your glass with crushed dehydrated raspberries for a pretty presentation.
This icy treat is perfect for sipping by the pool or serving at backyard parties. It’s a grown-up version of a classic lemonade slush.
11. Watermelon Frosé
Watermelon frosé is a refreshing frozen cocktail perfect for hot summer days. You’ll love this icy blend of frozen watermelon and rosé wine.
To make it, freeze cubed watermelon overnight. Then blend the frozen fruit with rosé wine, lime juice, and a splash of vodka if desired.
The result is a slushy pink drink with a light, fruity flavor. It’s less boozy than regular frosé, thanks to the added watermelon.
Serve your watermelon frosé in chilled glasses. Garnish with a small watermelon wedge for extra flair.
It’s an easy crowd-pleaser for summer parties and backyard barbecues.
12. Blueberry Gin Fizz
The Blueberry Gin Fizz is a refreshing frozen cocktail that combines gin, blueberries, and fizzy soda. You’ll love its vibrant purple color and fruity flavor.
To make it, blend frozen blueberries with gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup. Pour the mixture into a glass and top with club soda for some fizz.
You can use fresh or frozen blueberries to make a homemade blueberry syrup. This adds natural sweetness and color to your drink.
Garnish your Blueberry Gin Fizz with fresh mint leaves and a lemon wedge.
It’s perfect for summer parties or anytime you want a cool, fruity cocktail.
13. Frozen Paloma
The Frozen Paloma is a refreshing twist on the classic Mexican cocktail. You’ll love this icy drink on hot summer days.
To make it, blend tequila, grapefruit juice, lime juice, and simple syrup with ice. The result is a slushy, citrusy delight.
For extra flair, rim your glass with chili powder and salt. This adds a spicy kick to balance the sweet and tart flavors.
Garnish with a grapefruit wedge to make it picture-perfect. The Frozen Paloma is sure to be a hit at your next outdoor gathering.
14. Lemon Basil Vodka Slush
This refreshing frozen cocktail blends zesty lemon with aromatic basil for a unique twist. You’ll love how the herbal notes complement the citrus flavors.
To make it, mix vodka, fresh lemon juice, and a simple syrup infused with basil leaves. Blend this mixture with ice until slushy.
Pour the frosty concoction into chilled glasses. Garnish with a sprig of fresh basil and a lemon wheel for an eye-catching presentation.
This drink is perfect for summer parties or relaxing on hot days. The bright flavors and icy texture will cool you down in no time.
15. Frozen Irish Coffee
Frozen Irish Coffee blends the rich flavors of coffee and Irish whiskey into a frosty treat. This cocktail is perfect for coffee lovers who want a cool, boozy twist on their favorite drink.
To make it, you’ll need coffee, Irish whiskey, and ice cream. Blend these ingredients until smooth and creamy. Some recipes add Irish cream liqueur for extra richness.
The drink originated in New Orleans in the 1980s. It quickly became popular and is now a staple in many bars, especially during St. Patrick’s Day celebrations.
You can easily make this cocktail at home with a blender. It’s a great choice for hot summer days or as a dessert drink after dinner.
16. Coconut Lime Rum Slush
This frozen cocktail blends tropical flavors into a refreshing slush. You’ll need coconut rum, lime juice, cream of coconut, and ice.
Combine the ingredients in a blender until smooth. The cream of coconut adds richness, while lime juice provides a zesty kick.
Pour the slush into glasses and garnish with lime wedges. You can adjust the consistency by adding more ice for a thicker drink.
This cool treat is perfect for hot summer days. The coconut and lime combo will transport you to a sunny beach with each sip.
17. Frozen Pineapple Bourbon
This icy drink mixes the tropical sweetness of pineapple with the rich warmth of bourbon. It’s a cool twist on classic cocktails.
To make it, blend frozen pineapple chunks with bourbon, pineapple juice, and ice. Add a splash of lemon juice for balance.
The result is a frosty, smooth drink perfect for hot days. The pineapple adds natural sweetness while the bourbon gives a nice kick.
Garnish with a pineapple wedge or cherry for a fun look. You can adjust the amount of bourbon to suit your taste.
This frozen cocktail is sure to be a crowd-pleaser at your next summer party.
18. Frozen Lavender Lemonade
You’ll love this refreshing frozen cocktail on a hot day. It blends the tartness of lemonade with the floral notes of lavender.
To make it, mix lavender syrup, lemon juice, and vodka in a blender with ice. Blend until smooth and frosty.
Pour the mixture into a tall glass. For an extra touch, float some Empress Indigo Gin on top. The purple gin adds a beautiful color.
Garnish your drink with a sprig of fresh lavender. This cocktail looks great and tastes even better.
It’s perfect for sipping by the pool or serving at summer parties.
19. Frozen Aperol Spritz
A frozen Aperol Spritz is a cool twist on the classic Italian cocktail. It’s perfect for hot summer days when you want something refreshing.
To make this slushy drink, blend Aperol, Prosecco, and ice. Some recipes add orange juice or frozen strawberries for extra flavor.
You can whip up this frozen cocktail in just 5 minutes. No need to pre-freeze ingredients, though some people like to freeze Aperol in ice cube trays first.
Pour the blended mixture into glasses and enjoy.
It’s a quick, easy way to cool down and relax in the summer heat.
20. Mango Tango Daiquiri
The Mango Tango Daiquiri is a tropical treat that blends two classic frozen cocktails. It combines a strawberry daiquiri with a mango daiquiri for a fruity flavor explosion.
To make this drink, you’ll need white rum, strawberry liqueur, lime juice, grenadine, and orange juice for the strawberry layer.
For the mango layer, use dark rum, fresh mango, lime juice, triple sec, and sugar.
Blend each layer separately with ice.
Pour the strawberry mix into a hurricane glass first, then top with the mango layer. The result is a two-toned frozen delight that looks as good as it tastes.
This refreshing cocktail is perfect for hot summer days by the pool or anytime you want a taste of the tropics.
The mix of sweet and tangy flavors will transport you to a beachside paradise.
21. Cherry Amaretto Sour
This frozen cocktail adds a fruity twist to the classic Amaretto Sour. You’ll need amaretto, tart cherry juice, lemon juice, and sweet and sour mix.
Fill a blender with ice and add the ingredients. Blend until smooth and frosty.
Pour into a chilled glass and garnish with a fresh cherry.
The sweet almond flavor of amaretto pairs well with the tartness of the cherry juice. The lemon and sweet and sour mix balance out the drink.
This icy treat is perfect for summer parties or anytime you want a refreshing cocktail.
It’s easy to make and sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
22. Strawberry Kiwi Colada
This tasty frozen cocktail blends the best of tropical flavors. It combines strawberries, kiwi, coconut cream, and rum for a refreshing twist on a classic piña colada.
To make it, blend frozen strawberries, chopped kiwi, coconut cream, white rum, and ice until smooth. The result is a pretty pink drink with flecks of green kiwi.
Serve it in a tall glass and garnish with a strawberry and kiwi slice. You can rim the glass with shredded coconut for extra flair.
This frozen treat is perfect for hot summer days by the pool or beach.
Understanding Frozen Cocktails
Frozen cocktails offer a refreshing twist on classic drinks. They blend alcohol with ice and other ingredients for a slushy, cold treat.
History of Frozen Cocktails
Frozen cocktails gained popularity in the 1950s. The invention of the electric blender made it easy to mix ice with drinks.
Traders Vic’s restaurant in California created the first frozen daiquiri in 1954. This sparked a trend of icy cocktails across the U.S.
By the 1970s, frozen margaritas became a hit. The first frozen margarita machine was invented in Dallas, Texas in 1971.
Today, frozen cocktails are a staple at bars and restaurants. They’re especially loved during hot summer months.
Popular Ingredients
Frozen cocktails use a mix of liquors, fruits, and other flavors.
Common spirits include rum, vodka, and tequila.
Fresh fruits add natural sweetness and color. Popular choices are strawberries, watermelon, and peaches.
Other key ingredients include ice (for texture), simple syrup (for sweetness), fruit juices, and cream or coconut milk (for creamy drinks).
Frozen cocktails often use blended ice to create a slushy texture. This makes them cool and refreshing on hot days.
Tips for Perfect Frozen Cocktails
Making tasty frozen cocktails takes skill and know-how. You’ll need the right tools and techniques to create smooth, flavorful drinks that stay frosty.
Choosing the Right Equipment
A good blender is key for frozen cocktails. Look for one with at least 500 watts of power and sharp blades. This will crush ice smoothly and mix ingredients well.
Use crushed or small ice cubes. Large cubes won’t blend as easily. Fill the blender only 3/4 full to leave room for mixing.
Clean your blender right after use. Leftover bits can affect the next drink’s taste.
Enhancing Flavors
Frozen drinks need extra flavor to shine through the ice. Use more fruit, juice, or syrup than you would in a regular cocktail.
Chill ingredients before blending. This keeps the drink colder longer.
Freeze fruit ahead of time for an extra frosty boost.
Add alcohol last and use less than normal. Too much can make the drink slushy instead of smooth. Start with half the usual amount and adjust to taste.
Try layering flavors. Blend the base, then swirl in syrups or purees for visual appeal and taste variety.