We’ll always have a soft spot in our hearts for our go-to summer favorites, but these days we’ve been wanting to shake it up a bit. When Mother Nature decides to crank up the heat, we suggest cooling down with a cocktail that’s a bit more unique.

Sorry, margarita, you’ve been replaced.

Tequila-Watermelon Cocktail: Watermelon is everywhere in the summer, and we’re all about using seasonal ingredients whenever we can. This tequila-watermelon creation from chef Bobby Flay is sure to put a festive spin on any backyard barbecue. See recipe

Watermelon Gin Fizz: Make sure to save some of that leftover watermelon, because you’ll definitely be wanting one of these. The season’s favorite snack becomes a refreshing, tangy drink, thanks to gin, ginger ale, and lime juice. See recipe

Strawberry-Lemon Mojitos: In the mood for something girly? (Don’t worry, we’re not here to judge.) With the addition of fresh strawberries and bright lemon, this twist on the classic Cuban cocktail hits all the right notes. See recipe

White Sangria Popsicles: Who says popsicles are just for little kids? Freeze a big batch of white wine sangria for an adult version of the childhood treat. Just sit back, relax, and pretend it’s summer vacation all over again. See recipe

Red, White, and Blueberry: No one knows about battling heat better than the people of the South, so we knew we had to include a cocktail that takes its inspiration from one of the region’s signature drinks. Made with bourbon, simple sugar, and fresh mint, this concoction is a lot like a mint julep. Tart citrus and ripe berries make it especially appealing on a hot afternoon. See recipe

Planning on sipping these hot weather cocktails outdoors? We certainly hope so! Make your imbibing all the easier and invest in zero gravity lounge chairs with cup holders attached.

Photo credit: Some rights reserved by Didriks