Beat the blistering San Antonio heat with these refreshing cocktails, ideal from Summer Sipping

To jumpstart the scorching season, we present four cocktail recipes perfect for the summer heat.

Indulge in the ultimate Texas summer experience by cooling off with a delicious cocktail, allowing you to fully savor the lazy summer days. Whether you prefer the zesty allure of freshly squeezed lemons, the delectable sweetness of ripe strawberries, or a tantalizing blend of mango and pineapple, summer fruits are the perfect ingredients to muddle and juice for a refreshing alcoholic beverage. While fruits often take the spotlight in cocktails meant for hot weather, let's not overlook the addition of fresh herbs. Hand-picked mint, thyme, and basil not only enhance the flavors but also contribute aromatic complexity to fruit-forward concoctions. Additionally, lemongrass possesses the added benefit of naturally repelling mosquitoes, making it a versatile herb that serves dual purposes.

Embrace the scorching season with these four cocktail recipes perfectly suited for summer. Whether you're lounging by a shimmering pool, escaping to a sandy beach paradise, or simply relaxing indoors with the comfort of air conditioning, these recipes have got you covered. And for those seeking a non-alcoholic option that doesn't compromise on taste, we've included a flavorful zero-proof recipe for refreshing hydration.

Cheers To You

Shared by Mercedes Garrett, CEO of San Antonio mobile bartending business Raise the Bar Inc., this sparkling tipple relies heavily on the tartness of fresh lemon made into a simple syrup. We suggest adding a sprig of fresh thyme if you have it on hand.

2 ounces vodka or gin
3 ounces lemon serum (see recipe below)
Sparkling water

Shake spirit of choice with lemon serum and ice, then strain over fresh ice in a rocks or Collins glass. Top with sparkling water.

Lemon Serum

2 cups sugar
2 cups water
Juice of 2 lemons
Bring all to a boil. Cool and store.
Bourbon Peach Smash

A bourbon smash is the quintessential summer cocktail for whiskey lovers, but the addition of freshly muddled fruit takes it up a notch, especially if you're using uber-local Texas peaches — and you should be, because Hill Country peach season begins right about now and runs through mid-August. This recipe calls for a ginger beer topper, which adds a refreshing, slightly spicy note.

1/2 ounce simple syrup
Half a large peach, diced
3-4 large mint leaves
2 ounces bourbon
Splash of ginger beer
Fresh mint and peach slice for garnish

Add peaches, mint leaves and simple syrup to the bottom of a cocktail shaker. Gently muddle to release the peach juices and mint oils. Note that over-muddling the mint will cause it to become bruised and bitter. Add bourbon, fill the shaker with ice and shake until well-chilled. Strain into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice and top with ginger beer. Garnish with fresh mint sprigs and a peach slice.

Watermelon Daiquiri

The term "daiquiri" is usually reserved for the lime-forward cocktail staple served on beaches all over the globe. This slightly sweeter watermelon version from Food & Wine Magazine uses fresh watermelon and agave syrup to create a "rum drink for margarita lovers," replete with a salted rim.

One 2-pound seedless watermelon, chopped
2 1/2 ounces white rum
1/2 ounce fresh lime juice
1/4 ounce agave nectar
Kosher salt and watermelon slice for garnish

Process chopped watermelon flesh in a blender until smooth, about 45 seconds. Pour processed watermelon through a fine wire-mesh strainer into a medium bowl and discard solids. Chill juice until ready to make drinks. Salt half the rim of a chilled coupe glass. Fill a cocktail shaker with white rum, lime juice, agave nectar, and 1.5 ounces watermelon juice. Shake vigorously with ice until well-combined. Strain into coupe glass, and garnish with a watermelon slice.

Zero-Proof Basil Lemonade

Basil and lemon sing together in most culinary applications — think pesto, pasta and sorbet — so it's no surprise that the combo also lends itself to a refreshing summer sipper. Sweetened with just a touch of honey, this recipe can easily be made ahead for pool or porch parties. Allowing the mixture to infuse for 30 minutes to an hour before straining creates a stronger basil flavor.

8 lemons, juiced
4 ounces honey
8 ounces packed fresh basil leaves, plus more for garnish
24 ounces cold water
Lemon slices and basil leaves for garnish

Place lemon juice, honey and basil in a blender and whir them together until very smooth. Pass through a strainer into a pitcher or large jar and add water. Chill until ready to serve, then do so over ice, garnished with lemon slices and basil leaves.