6 drinks that are in this summer and 4 that are out, according to bartenders and mixologists (2024)

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You can’t go wrong with a margarita.

James Grant, bartender and director of beverage at Fairmont Royal York in Toronto, loves a classic margarita to cool off in the summer.

"This is literally never going out of style," he told BI. "It's adaptable, versatile, and the standard bearer for agave spirits that are absolutely on fire right now."

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There’s nothing like a good punch to get the summer started.

Whether you're out at a bar or hosting a party at home, you can't go wrong with punch.

"A classic punch is always great when you want to share a drink with friends," Grant said. "Something like the Philadelphia Fish House punch is a great starting point."

The recommended batch co*cktail is typically made from cognac, Jamaican rum, and peach and lemon flavorings.

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Add a frozen co*cktail to the mix.

Frozen co*cktails are a no-brainer in the summer. But the possibilities extend beyond frozen margaritas or daiquiris, according to Panji Wisrawan, head mixologist at Pinstripe Bar at Viceroy Bali.

"One of the best co*cktails I've encountered is the frozen gimlet, made by blending gin with cordial and crushed ice, resulting in a smooth, frozen yet floral and punchy take on the classic gimlet," he told BI.

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It's still cool to order a refreshing spritz.

A spritz, also known as an apéritif or aperitivo, is typically a mix of sparkling wine, digestive bitters (e.g., Aperol), and soda water.

"The choices are diverse, whether you prefer floral options like the Hugo spritz or something more serious like the Campari spritz," Wisrawan said.

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Nonalcoholic options are also on the rise.

Nonalcoholic beverages and mocktails are more popular than ever.

Sunshine Foss, founder and CEO of boutique liquor store Happy Cork, told BI, "Nonalcoholic drinks, like alcohol-free beers, botanical-infused sparkling waters, and sophisticated mocktails that mimic the taste and experience of traditional co*cktails, are on the rise."

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A spicy drink is always a good option if you're up for it.

Phil Collins, mixologist and beverage director at both Table One Hospitality & Kin Gin, said spicy drinks are a summer staple.

One of his favorite orders is a spicy mezcalita (a margarita made with mezcal instead of tequila).

"I think it's time to bring in heat and smoke from mezcal, which pairs perfectly with all of the watermelon, strawberry, passion fruit, and tropical goodness," he told BI.

Plus, spicy flavors may actually help you stay cool since they typically increase perspiration.

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On the other hand, it's time to ditch the piña coladas.

Many people know and love piña coladas, but there are so many other drinks to choose from these days.

"Skip the piñas and give yourself some color," Collins told BI.

According to the bartender, the classic tropical drink may even make hangovers worse.

"Oftentimes the creaminess of the Coco Lopez and all that sugar — plus being out in the sun — can be a nightmare," he said.

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Smoked co*cktails are on their way out.

Although smoked co*cktails are Instagram-worthy, Paul Barcelo, a bartender at Lazy Bear in San Francisco, said they've run their course.

"I think the smoke-gun bubbles are out," he told BI. "People want more simple preparations these days."

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Frosé should be frozen in time.

Tyler Chauvin, assistant general manager of food and beverage at Swingers NoMad, said the era of frosé (frozen rosé) has ended.

"The never-ending combination of pink wine, lavender, and fruit juice every summer is getting boring," she told BI.

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Say goodbye to espresso martinis.

Although the rich coffee flavors of an espresso martini can boost energy on a night out, bartenders and mixologists are coming up with more creative takes.

Justin Goo, bartender and general manager at Abacá, believes the trendy martinis will be replaced with other variations, like a boozy sparkling Americano, this summer.