With summer slowly coming to an end, it’s now time to make the most of it. Warm nights spent outside with refreshing cocktails is one of the best ways to say farewell to another season. If you’re looking for something more than a beer or glass of Rose, you’re in luck. Here are five end-of-summer cocktails that are sure to please.

Mai Tai

Start off with everyone’s favorite Hawaiian drink: the Mai Tai. A Mai Tai is a cocktail that embodies a tropical setting, even if you’re far from the beach. It is usually made with lime juice, white rum, dark rum, orange curacao, and orgeat syrup.

Curacao is a form of liquor made up of a citrus fruit known as curacao. The peel is used in order to give it it’s trademark bitterness. While blue curacao is popular for this drink, you’ll want orange curacao. 

Orgeat syrup is a type of syrup composed of sugar, almonds, and rose water. In some cases, it’s also made with orange flower water instead.

Mojitos

Mojitos are synonymous with summer. In fact, in some places, mojitos are one of the most common refreshing cocktails you see people drink. The basic ingredients of a mojito consist of white rum, mint, lime juice, sugar, and seltzer.

Check in at your local liquor store for ideas on how to spruce up this classic drink. They might have new recipes for you to try out. For example, you can spruce your mojitos up by adding another fruit as well. Some common choices are apple, pineapple, passion fruit, strawberries, mango, and watermelon.

Gin Basil Smash

Gin is one of the stronger alcohols, containing about 40 percent alcohol, so it must be consumed in moderation. However, gin isn’t usually consumed on its own. Instead people mostly use it as a base for these refreshing cocktails.

One such cocktail is the gin basil smash. The name sounds funny, but the taste of it practically embodies that end-of-summer feeling. To make a gin basil smash, you’ll need to mix together gin, basil leaves, lemon juice, and syrup. Then, simply shake or stir and pour the drink into your favorite glass.

Sangria

If you’re someone who craves something simple yet tasteful, a sangria is your best option. They’re easy to make and are bursting with flavor. And just like mojitos, there are different recipes. For a simple sangria, all you’ll need to do is mix ginger ale, lemon, green apple, red wine, and a syrup of your choosing together.

If you’re looking to spice things up a bit, add brandy or another spirit to give the alcohol level a boost. You could also switch the fruits, so instead of apples, you could use blueberries, raspberries, oranges, or other fruits instead.

Mocktails

Finally, if alcohol isn’t on your end-of-summer bucket list, that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy these types of drinks with alcohol. Known as mocktails, these drinks are essentially the same as a cocktail just without the alcohol. Instead of gin, vodka, tequila, or wine, a simple club soda or ginger ale is a great substitute.

The beverages listed here are just a few of refreshing cocktails fit for an end-of-the-season bash. If none of these appeal to you, research further and see what else you can make. Just remember to drink responsibly while making the most of the last few days of summer.