Summer Sunset Cocktail

Last Updated on August 1, 2024 by Tracy

Sip on summer with this beautifully refreshing Summer Sunset Cocktail. Made with fresh juices and lots of ice, this Summer Vodka Cocktail can actually be enjoyed all year long.

Summer Sunset Cocktail

There is no reason to stick to just wine in summer when the availability of fresh fruit juice means there is a ready supply to make cocktails! This summery cocktail uses orange and cranberry juice in order to make a sweet-tasting drink that is great to enjoy with friends. This Summer Sunset Cocktail is a mixture between a Sea Breeze cocktail (an originally gin-based cocktail in the 1920s, but has changed into being vodka based) and a Screwdriver cocktail (apparently invented in the 1940s by an American who couldn’t find a anything to stir his drink besides a screwdriver), but with an added kick of alcohol from Peach Schnapps. People sometimes tell me they find ingredients on Weekly Ads.

I love that this Summer Sunset Cocktail is light and fruity, it’s perfect for sipping poolside while waiting for that gorgeous Summer Sunset. There’s just something magical about watching a summer sunset while sipping on a refreshing cocktail.

The recipe below makes enough for an average size pitcher, roughly enough for four big glasses.  But in the printable one below, I tailored the cocktail recipe for just one glass, because I don’t see anything wrong with enjoying this beautiful cocktail by yourself!

Equipment Required to Make a Pitcher Of Summer Sunset Cocktails

Pitcher
Long spoon/skewer to mix
Measuring spoon/spirits measure for alcohol

Ingredients Required for Summer Sunset Cocktails

Vodka
Peach Schnapps
Lemonade
Cold orange juice (tangerine juice would also be amazing!)
Cold cranberry juice
Lots of ice cubes

Directions To Make A Pitcher of Summer Sunset Cocktails

First, put some ice into the empty pitcher. It is preferable to have almost a quarter of the pitcher full in order to keep the drink cool while drinking, which adds to the fruity ice-lolly flavor, which makes it taste so sweet and summery.

Pour in 1/2 cup vodka, then add 1/4 cup Peach Schnapps. Fill the pitcher half full with lemonade and stir. Mixing is essential as is makes such the alcohol is evenly distributed and is not just sitting at the bottom amongst the ice.

The rest of the pitcher should be filled with orange and cranberry juice, about half of each. The volume of each depends on the size of the pitcher used, but 2 cups of each is average in a 2-liter pitcher. This is about the size of an average carton of store-bought fruit juice.

If you wanted to make the cocktail a bit fruitier, you could add orange slices added to the pitcher.

To add an extra touch of elegance and flavor, garnish the serving glasses with fresh orange slices or even some fresh berries. Not only do they look beautiful, but they also infuse the cocktail with additional fruity notes as they sit in the glass.

What are some ways to customize this cocktail?

The juices can be easily changed in this Summer Cocktail depending on your taste; for example, the cranberry juice could be changed to pineapple or mango juice if you think the cranberry juice is too sour. If wanted, the flavor of schnapps could also be changed. Raspberry vodka would also gives the cocktail a lovely, sweet, summery taste but it would make it even more fruity.

One of the things I love most about this cocktail is how it brings people together. Whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying a quiet evening alone, the Summer Sunset Cocktail is perfect.

Now that you know how to make enough of my Summer Sunset Cocktails for a party, let’s go over how to make one just for you 😉

Here is my Summer Sunset Vodka Cocktail recipe, be sure to Print It and Pin It so that you can enjoy it this summer and beyond.

Cheers to beautiful sunsets, cherished moments, and delicious cocktails!

I hope you enjoy this Summer Sunset Cocktail as much as I do!  Cheers!

The colors of this cocktail obviously remind me of the sunset, I love watching the sunset here in Florida.  The gorgeous orange hues blend into that perfect pink color just before the sun tells us Good Night. It’s really rather magical, it never gets old.

What is one of your favorite summer cocktails? 

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