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Holi is a festival of joy, colour, and togetherness, and what better way to enhance the festive spirit than with vibrant, refreshing cocktails? With the heat of early summer setting in, a well-crafted cocktail not only adds a cooling effect but also brings a burst of flavour and energy to your celebration. Whether you’re dancing under a shower of colours or indulging in festive delicacies, a chilled summer cocktail is the perfect way to keep the mood light and refreshing.
Summer cocktails for Holi should be as bold and lively as the festival itself, featuring fresh fruits, fragrant herbs, and bright colours that make every sip a delight. Ingredients like juicy mangoes, zesty citrus, crisp cucumbers, cooling mint, and aromatic basil add a natural sweetness and freshness to drinks, keeping them light yet flavourful. These elements not only enhance the taste but also help beat the heat, making your Holi party even more enjoyable.
To cater to everyone’s tastes, it’s important to offer a variety of cocktails made with different spirits like tequila, rum, gin, whisky, and vodka. While a tropical rum-based cooler might be perfect for a relaxed afternoon, a spicy tequila cocktail can bring a bold kick to the festivities. Gin-based drinks with citrus and herbs will offer a respite from the afternoon heat, while whisky and vodka-based creations add a classic touch to this traditional festival. By including a mix of spirits and flavours, you ensure that every guest finds a drink that suits their palate.
With the summer season kicking in early, the focus should be on serving cocktails that are cooling and refreshing, and keep the spirit of the festival alive throughout the celebration.
Also Read: 5 Must-Try Tequila Cocktails
Best Summer Cocktails for Holi
Tequila Sunrise – Vibrant and Festive 
A colourful cocktail that matches the bright hues of Holi!
Ingredients:
✔️ 60ml Maya Pistola Agavepura Reposado Tequila
✔️ 120ml fresh orange juice
✔️ 15ml grenadine
✔️ Ice cubes
✔️ Orange slice & cherry for garnish
Instructions:
1️⃣ Fill a glass with ice and pour in tequila and orange juice.
2️⃣ Slowly pour grenadine over the mix (it will settle at the bottom due to higher density and create a gradient effect).
3️⃣ Garnish with an orange slice and cherry.
Pro Tip: Stir before drinking for a perfect mix of flavours.
Watermelon Mojito – Cool and Refreshing
A tropical twist on the classic mojito, using juicy watermelon!
Ingredients:
✔️ 60ml EMBARGO Añejo Blanco Rum
✔️ 4-5 watermelon cubes
✔️ 10 mint leaves
✔️ 15ml fresh lime juice
✔️ 10ml simple syrup
✔️ Soda water
✔️ Ice cubes
Instructions:
1️⃣ Muddle watermelon and mint in a glass.
2️⃣ Add rum, lime juice, and simple syrup.
3️⃣ Fill with ice and top with soda water.
4️⃣ Garnish with a mint sprig and watermelon wedge.
Pro Tip: Swap soda for ginger ale for a spicier kick.
Cucumber & Gin Fizz – Light and Herbaceous
A refreshing gin cocktail perfect for daytime Holi celebrations!
Ingredients:
✔️ 60ml Great Indian Gin
✔️ 15ml fresh lime juice
✔️ 10ml honey syrup
✔️ Soda water
✔️ 4-5 cucumber slices
✔️ Ice cubes
Instructions:
1️⃣ Muddle cucumber slices in a shaker.
2️⃣ Add gin, lime juice, and honey syrup.
3️⃣ Shake well and strain into an ice-filled glass.
4️⃣ Top with soda water and garnish with cucumber ribbons.
Pro Tip: Add fresh basil or mint for extra freshness.
Also Read: Best Indian Red Wines Under ₹2000
Mint Julep – A Classic Cooling Cocktail
The ultimate cooling whisky cocktail, perfect for a warm Holi afternoon.
Ingredients:
✔️ 60ml Sterling Reserve ‘B7’ Rare Blended Whisky
✔️ 10 mint leaves
✔️ 15ml simple syrup
✔️ Crushed ice
Instructions:
1️⃣ Muddle mint leaves and simple syrup in a glass.
2️⃣ Fill with crushed ice and pour in whisky.
3️⃣ Stir well and garnish with fresh mint.
Pro Tip: Serve in a copper mug to keep it extra cold.
Appletini – A Tart and Colorful Delight
A green cocktail that adds Holi colours to your bar!
Ingredients:
✔️ 45ml AMG Vodka Smooth
✔️ 15ml green apple liqueur
✔️ 10ml fresh lemon juice
✔️ Ice cubes
✔️ Apple slice for garnish
Instructions:
1️⃣ Shake vodka, apple liqueur, and lemon juice with ice.
2️⃣ Strain into a chilled martini glass.
3️⃣ Garnish with a thin apple slice.
Pro Tip: Rim the glass with coloured sugar for a Holi-inspired look!
Looking for amazing spirits recommendations? Click here to check out the winners of the India Wines And Spirits Award 2024 edition.
