What better way to embrace the season than by exploring the world through its flavors as summer unfolds with its warmth and vibrant energy? This article takes us on a delightful journey around the globe, showcasing some of the best summer cocktails from around the world. The drink captures the essence of its origin and the use of local ingredients to create refreshments that cool the palate and enliven the spirit.

From the citrus-infused classics of the Mediterranean to the sweet, rum-soaked concoctions of the Caribbean, get ready to stir, shake, and sip through some of the world's most iconic and refreshing summer sips!

5 Summer Cocktails Around the World

Pisco Sour - Peru
Regarded as the most famous cocktail from South America, the Pisco Sour originated in Peru and was crafted by an American bartender in the early 20th century. This strong drink is primarily made with pisco, a type of brandy distilled from grapes, and achieves its distinctive sour taste from lime juice, simple syrup, and egg whites. With a tart yet refreshing and bubbly character, the Pisco Sour makes an excellent pre-dinner drink, offering a blend of sweetness, tanginess, and a frothy texture from the whipped egg whites.

Mai Tai - Hawaii
Mai Tai began in 1944. Victor Jules Bergeron, known widely as Trader Vic, who owned a tiki restaurant, is credited with creating this tiki-inspired cocktail. The Mai Tai, often associated with Hawaii and considered a quintessential Polynesian drink, frequently appears at the top of bar menus in various interpretations. It blends white and dark rum, orange Curacao, pineapple juice, Orgeat syrup, and lime juice. The aged dark rum contributes a deep, caramel-like flavor to the cocktail, adding both smoky and sweet notes.

Sangria - Spain
More than 2,000 years ago, the Romans journeyed across the Iberian Peninsula and established vineyards in their wake. Since water was often unsafe to drink, people commonly added alcohol to drink to eliminate bacteria. Sangria is usually prepared with red wine, brandy, and an assortment of fresh fruits such as peaches, melons, citrus fruits, or berries, resulting in a sweet, fruity flavor with a tangy citrus kick.

Jungle Bird - Malaysia
The Jungle Bird cocktail was invented by Jeffrey Ong, the beverage manager at the Kuala Lumpur Hilton's “Aviary Bar” during the 1970s. He concocted it as a welcome beverage for guests, drawing inspiration from the tropical birds visible from the bar overlooking the pool area. This tiki drink is distinctive because it includes Campari, an Italian liqueur typically found in upscale bars and usually featured in aperitif cocktails, not tropical mixes. Nevertheless, the blend of Campari's citrusy orange and grapefruit flavors with pineapple and black rum introduces a novel twist to the tropical cocktail genre, enhancing its complexity.

Summer Shandy - Australia
Franz Kugler, a Bavarian taproom owner, came up with Shandy spontaneously in 1922 when he noticed his beer supplies running low. As a solution, he started blending his beer with citrus soda, catering to the needs of thirsty cyclists. Summer Shandy is a cocktail made from beer and sparkling lemonade. The appearance of this drink varies based on the mix, typically showing colors from light gold to deep amber. It is usually highly carbonated, and the sharp lemon flavor transforms this traditional wheat beer into a summer essential, complete with a frothy foam head.

As the sun sets on another vibrant summer, embracing the world's bounty of flavors through these global cocktail recipes can transport you from your backyard to distant shores. Whether you're mixing a tangy Brazilian Caipirinha under the sun, a smooth Spanish Sangria for a group gathering, or a sophisticated French Martini for a quiet evening, each sip offers more than just refreshment—it provides a taste of summer from across the continents. So, shake up your cocktail routine, experiment with exotic ingredients, and let each drink be a toast to the endless possibilities and joys of summer. 

Cheers to a world of flavors at your fingertips!