As the days grow longer and the scent of blooming flowers fills the air, the beginning of summer calls for a celebration of flavor. With warm breezes, backyard gatherings, and sun-drenched afternoons comes the perfect excuse to indulge in seasonal sweets and refreshing beverages. Whether you’re hosting a pool party, packing a picnic, or barbecuing in the backyard, these beginning-of-summer desserts and drinks will set the mood for sunny days ahead.
Fresh & Fruity: Summer’s Sweetest Stars
Summer wouldn’t be summer without fruit, and early-season favorites like strawberries, blueberries, watermelon, and peaches make the perfect foundation for desserts that are light, bright, and impossible to resist.
Check out the countless online recipes for these ideas for your perfect creations.
Strawberry Shortcake Jars
Layer fresh strawberries, whipped cream, and fluffy shortcake in mason jars for a portable and photo-worthy dessert. A splash of lemon zest adds brightness, while the layers create a balance of textures that scream summertime.
Grilled Peach Sundaes
Grilling peaches brings out their natural sweetness. Serve warm over vanilla ice cream with a drizzle of honey and a sprinkle of crushed pistachios for a grown-up twist on a classic treat.
Mixed Berry Pavlova
This airy dessert is perfect for hot weather. A crisp meringue shell filled with whipped cream and topped with a medley of berries—blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries—makes for a light and luscious finale to any summer meal.
When temperatures rise, hydration becomes key—but that doesn’t mean you have to settle for plain water. These summer-inspired drinks are equal parts refreshing and festive.
Watermelon Mint Cooler
Blend fresh watermelon with lime juice and a few mint leaves for a sweet, hydrating beverage. Serve over ice with a sparkling water topper for an alcohol-free option, or add a splash of vodka or rum for a cocktail version.
Strawberry Basil Lemonade
Give your classic lemonade a garden-fresh upgrade by muddling strawberries and basil. This combination is vibrant, sweet, and a little bit savory—ideal for brunches or outdoor lunches.
Coconut Pineapple Fizz
Channel tropical vibes with this creamy refresher. Combine coconut milk, pineapple juice, and a splash of club soda for a mocktail that tastes like vacation in a glass. Want to turn it into a cocktail? A shot of spiced rum will do the trick.
Frozen Treats That Beat the Heat
Whether you’re young or just young at heart, frozen desserts are the hallmark of summer. These frosty favorites will cool you down and lift your spirits.
No-Churn Blueberry Ice Cream
Skip the ice cream maker and whip up a batch of no-churn blueberry ice cream using sweetened condensed milk, whipped cream, and pureed fresh blueberries. Let it freeze overnight and scoop into cones or bowls.
Tropical Fruit Popsicles
Blend mango, pineapple, and coconut milk together for homemade popsicles that double as a healthy treat. Add a few whole berries or kiwi slices before freezing for a colorful surprise.
Frozen Yogurt Bark
Spread Greek yogurt onto a baking sheet, top with granola, honey, and seasonal fruit, then freeze. Break into shards for a snack that’s as refreshing as it is wholesome.
Not all summer sweets have to be cold. These baked goods celebrate the flavors of the season in nostalgic, crowd-pleasing forms.
Lemon Raspberry Galette
This rustic pie is easier than a traditional tart but just as impressive. Tart raspberries and sweet lemon zest mingle in a buttery crust—perfect for serving warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Honey Lavender Cupcakes
Delicate and floral, these cupcakes highlight summer’s gentler flavors. Use culinary lavender and local honey for a fragrant, subtly sweet treat that’s lovely for bridal showers or afternoon tea.
Cherry Almond Crumble Bars
Cherries burst onto the scene in early summer, and these bars make the most of them. With a crumbly almond topping and sweet cherry filling, they’re easy to transport and even easier to eat.
Summer Cocktails to Toast the Season
Light, zesty, and made for sipping, these cocktails are tailor-made for celebrating the season’s start with friends.
Cucumber Gin Spritz
Muddle cucumber slices with lime and mint, add gin, and top with tonic water or prosecco. Serve over crushed ice with a cucumber ribbon garnish for a garden party vibe.
Aperol Rosé Spritz
Give the Italian classic a rosé twist. Mix Aperol, sparkling rosé, and soda water in equal parts over ice. Garnish with an orange slice for a sunny, slightly bitter drink that pairs beautifully with appetizers.
Peach Bourbon Smash
Muddle ripe peaches with lemon juice and mint, then shake with bourbon and a touch of honey. It’s the perfect balance of sweet, citrusy, and strong—ideal for sunset sipping.
Tips for Your Sweet Summer Kickoff
- Batch It: Make drinks and desserts in big batches for effortless entertaining.
- Keep It Cool: Use chilled plates and frozen drink glasses to extend freshness.
- Mix & Match: Pair fruit-based desserts with herbal drinks, or try contrasting a creamy treat with a citrus cocktail.
- Get the Kids Involved: Let little ones help with decorating cupcakes or assembling fruit skewers—they’ll love having their own creations to enjoy.
The beginning of summer is a celebration of all things fresh, fun, and flavorful. Whether you’re cooling off with a popsicle, sipping a spritz under the sun, or sharing berry-topped pavlova with friends, these desserts and drinks capture the joy of the season. So break out the picnic blankets, fill your glasses, and let the sweetness of summer begin.
