Rock Song-Inspired Drinks to Cool You Down This Summer

Summer and rock go hand in hand — loud guitars, hot days, and cold drinks. 

If you’re looking to cool off without losing that edge, why not mix up a drink inspired by some of rock’s greatest hits? 

These no-nonsense cocktails bring the attitude and flavor that match your favorite tracks.

1. “Purple Rain” – Prince

Though not strictly rock, this classic anthem is perfect for a summer drink that’s cool, vibrant, and unforgettable.

The Purple Rain Cocktail Recipe

• 1 ½ oz vodka
• 1 oz blue curaçao
• 2 oz cranberry juice
• Splash of lemon-lime soda
• Ice
• Lemon slice or fresh blueberries for garnish

Instructions:

Fill a glass with ice. Pour vodka, blue curaçao, and cranberry juice over the ice. Stir gently. Top with a splash of lemon-lime soda for fizz. Garnish with a lemon slice or fresh blueberries.

2. “Light My Fire” – The Doors

A fiery, bold drink inspired by this psychedelic rock hit.

Spicy Margarita Recipe

• 2 oz tequila
• 1 oz fresh lime juice
• 1 oz triple sec
• Jalapeño slices (fresh or pickled)
• Chili powder or Tajín for rimming
• Salt for rimming (optional)
• Ice

Instructions:

Rim your glass with lime juice and then dip into a mix of salt and chili powder or Tajín. In a shaker, muddle one or two jalapeño slices (adjust for heat preference). Add tequila, lime juice, triple sec, and ice. Shake well and strain into the prepared glass filled with ice. Garnish with a jalapeño slice or lime wedge.

3. “Sweet Child O’ Mine” – Guns N’ Roses

Sweet, nostalgic, and classic—just like the song.

Strawberry Lemonade Smash Recipe

• 6 fresh strawberries
• 2 oz fresh lemon juice
• 1 oz simple syrup (equal parts sugar and water, dissolved)
• Sparkling water
• Mint sprigs
• Ice

Instructions:

Muddle strawberries in a glass until crushed. Add lemon juice and simple syrup. Fill the glass with ice and top with sparkling water. Stir gently and garnish with a sprig of mint.

4. “Black Dog” – Led Zeppelin

Dark and mysterious, perfect for an evening chill-out.

Blackberry Bourbon Smash Recipe

• 2 oz bourbon
• ½ cup fresh blackberries
• ¾ oz fresh lemon juice
• ½ oz honey syrup (honey diluted with equal water)
• Ice
• Lemon wheel or mint for garnish

Instructions:

Muddle blackberries in a shaker. Add bourbon, lemon juice, honey syrup, and ice. Shake vigorously and strain over fresh ice into a rocks glass. Garnish with a lemon wheel.

5. “Under the Bridge” – Red Hot Chili Peppers

A laid-back vibe calls for something equally smooth.

Cucumber Gin Cooler Recipe

• 2 oz gin
• 4-5 cucumber slices
• 1 oz fresh lime juice
• Tonic water
• Ice
• Cucumber wheel or lime wedge for garnish

Instructions:

Muddle cucumber slices in a glass. Add gin, lime juice, and ice. Top with tonic water and stir gently. Garnish with a cucumber wheel or lime wedge.

6. “Born to Be Wild” – Steppenwolf

Bold and adventurous, this drink mirrors the spirit of the road and rebellion.

Wildberry Whiskey Sour Recipe

• 2 oz whiskey (bourbon or rye)
• ½ cup mixed wild berries (blueberries, raspberries, blackberries)
• ¾ oz fresh lemon juice
• ½ oz simple syrup
• 2 dashes Angostura bitters (optional)
• Ice

Instructions:

Muddle wild berries in a shaker. Add whiskey, lemon juice, simple syrup, bitters, and ice. Shake well and strain over ice in a rocks glass. Garnish with a few whole berries.

7. “Hotel California” – Eagles

Smooth, sophisticated, and timeless.

California Sunset Recipe

• 1 oz light rum
• 3 oz orange juice
• 1 oz pineapple juice
• ½ oz grenadine
• Ice
• Orange slice, lime or cherry for garnish

Instructions:

Fill a glass with ice. Pour rum, orange juice, and pineapple juice over the ice. Slowly pour grenadine down the side of the glass so it sinks to the bottom, creating a layered effect. Garnish with an orange slice or cherry.

Crank Up the Tunes, Raise Your Glass

Summer’s best moments often come with music and a cold glass in hand … why not make yours legendary?