Besties, let's be real for a hot minute—summer 2025 has us completely in our beverage era! 🌞

I'm a beverage girlie, you're a beverage girlie—who else has 5 drinks on their desk on any given day? Me, me, me, me! Between the endless scroll of aesthetic drinks flooding our TikTok feeds, everyone buzzing about Starbucks summer drinks 2025 release dates, and that one friend who's always trying the latest viral concoction, we knew we had to do something. So we rolled up our sleeves, cleared our schedules, and became your official drink-testing squad.

We're talking months of research, gorgeous. We've watched every TikTok, saved every Instagram reel, and yes—we've suffered through some seriously questionable combinations so you don't have to. From the strawberry matcha lattes that had us questioning if pink and green could actually work together (spoiler: they absolutely can) to those color-changing butterfly pea drinks that seemed too magical to be real (plot twist: the magic is very real), we've tested them all.

But here's what we discovered: for every viral drink that actually lives up to the hype, there are about five that look gorgeous but taste like regret. The internet is full of pretty drinks that photograph beautifully but leave you wondering why you wasted perfectly good ingredients. We've been there, done that, and have the failed recipe attempts to prove it.

That's why we created this guide—because you deserve drinks that taste as incredible as they look. Every single recipe in this collection has been tested, tweaked, and perfected by our team. We've adjusted ratios, sourced the best ingredients, and figured out the little tricks that make the difference between "meh" and "absolutely divine."

Whether you're team mocktail (because let's normalize celebrating with something delicious that doesn't require alcohol), love a good cocktail moment, or just want something that makes your regular Tuesday feel like a celebration, we've got every vibe covered. Because at Gals That Brunch, we believe incredible experiences should be accessible to everyone—no matter your preference, dietary needs, budget, or where you are in your journey.

From the girl who shows up early to save seats for everyone to the one who's nervous about her first brunch, from the sustainable soul who turns everything into an eco-friendly moment to the magic maker who sees beauty in the unexpected—there's a drink here that speaks to your energy.

So grab your cutest glassware (we're obsessing over those vintage-inspired pieces from Anthropologie and the surprisingly chic finds at HomeGoods), stock up on the good stuff, and let's dive into the drinks that are actually worth the hype. Your summer (and your Instagram feed) will thank you.

☀️ Morning Vibes: Starting Your Day Like the Main Character You Are

🍓 Strawberry Matcha Latte:

**Main Character Energy**

**GTB Personality:** Perfect for the girl who shows up early to save seats for everyone

The drink that launched a thousand morning routines and had us all questioning everything we thought we knew about color combinations! We'll be completely honest—when this first started trending, we were skeptical. Pink and green? In the same drink? But one sip of this dreamy creation and we were completely, utterly converted.

This isn't just Instagram bait masquerading as a beverage; it's genuinely one of the most delicious drinks we've ever created. The secret lies in the quality of your ingredients and the technique. We tested everything from grocery store matcha powder to ceremonial grade (spoiler alert: the difference is night and day), and experimented with artificial strawberry syrups versus fresh fruit purée (fresh wins every single time).

The result? A drink that tastes like your most aesthetic morning dreams come to life. The earthy, grounding notes of quality matcha perfectly balance the sweet, summery brightness of fresh strawberries. It's sophisticated enough for your most put-together moments but comforting enough for those days when you need a little extra magic in your routine.

Our perfected recipe:

1 cup creamy oat milk (Oatly Barista Edition creates the dreamiest, most Instagram-worthy foam)
1 tbsp ceremonial-grade matcha powder (we love Jade Leaf or DoMatcha)
1 tbsp local honey or agave syrup
3 perfectly ripe strawberries, freshly puréed
Ice cubes
Optional: a pinch of vanilla extract for extra sweetness

Pro tip: Layer slowly for those perfect Instagram shots, but honestly? Don't stress if it's not picture-perfect—it tastes absolutely amazing mixed up too. The key is whisking your matcha until it's completely smooth and frothy before adding it to your glass.

2. 🧸 Iced Teddy Graham Latte:

**Nostalgia Queen**

**GTB Personality:** For the girl who's nervous about her first brunch

This viral sensation had us at "childhood in a cup," and honestly, it delivers on every single promise. There's something so comforting about a drink that tastes like your favorite childhood snack but elevated for your grown-up palate. After testing dozens of variations (and yes, we went through multiple boxes of Teddy Grahams in the name of research), we found the secret: actual graham cracker syrup and quality cold brew.

The magic happens when the honey-cinnamon notes of the graham crackers meet the rich, smooth coffee. It's like a warm hug in liquid form—perfect for those moments when you need a little comfort before stepping out of your comfort zone. We love this for first-time brunch attendees because it's familiar yet special, comforting yet exciting.

Our tested-and-approved recipe:

1 cup robust cold brew (Stumptown consistently delivered the best flavor in our tests)
½ cup oat milk (the creaminess is essential here)
1 tbsp homemade graham cracker syrup (or Torani if you're short on time)
Ice cubes
Crushed Teddy Grahams for topping
Optional: a sprinkle of cinnamon for extra cozy vibes

Reality check: Yes, it's as comforting as promised. No, you don't need to make it complicated. The beauty is in the simplicity—let the flavors speak for themselves.

3. ☁️ Coconut Cloud Coffee:

**Fresh Start**

**GTB Personality:** Morning-after brunch recovery

The TikTok trend that actually makes scientific sense!
When we first heard about replacing water with coconut water in cold brew, we thought it sounded gimmicky. But after testing it extensively, we're convinced this is genius-level thinking. The coconut water adds natural electrolytes, a subtle tropical note, and creates the most incredibly smooth coffee experience.

Ingredients:

1 cup cold brew made with coconut water instead of regular water
¼ cup vanilla cold foam (made with oat milk for the fluffiest texture)
Ice cubes
Optional: a drizzle of vanilla syrup for extra sweetness

Instructions:

Prepare cold brew coffee using coconut water instead of regular water.
Make vanilla cold foam by frothing oat milk until fluffy.
Fill a glass with ice cubes.
Pour the coconut water cold brew over the ice.
Top with vanilla cold foam.
Optionally, drizzle vanilla syrup over the foam for additional sweetness.

Honest Review:
It's refreshing, hydrating, and perfect for those "I need caffeine but also want to feel healthy" moments. Plus, the coconut water adds natural sweetness, so you might find you need less added sugar.

Enjoy your Coconut Cloud Coffee with its balanced flavors and health-conscious twist!

🌞 Afternoon Energy: When You Need That Pick-Me-Up

4. 🌿 Spa Spritz:

**Self-Care Sunday**

**GTB Personality:** When you need to decompress after hosting your first brunch

Move over, Aperol Spritz—this cucumber-elderflower beauty is having a major moment, and we are absolutely here for it. After testing various ratios and combinations, we found the perfect balance of refreshing without being too floral, sophisticated without being pretentious.

This drink embodies everything we love about European summer dreams and coastal grandmother energy. It's what you sip when you're pretending your backyard is actually a luxury resort in the French Riviera, or when you need to create a moment of zen in your busy day. The cucumber brings cooling freshness, while the elderflower adds just enough floral sophistication to make you feel fancy.

Our perfected recipe:

3 oz chilled sparkling water (San Pellegrino for the perfect bubble-to-flavor ratio)
1 oz freshly pressed cucumber juice (worth the extra effort, trust us)
½ oz elderflower syrup (St-Germain if you're feeling luxurious)
Fresh mint leaves & cucumber ribbon garnish
Optional: a splash of fresh lime juice for extra brightness

The verdict: It actually does taste like a spa day in a glass, and the stress-melting properties are very real.

5. 🦋 Butterfly Pea Lemonade:

**Magic Maker**

**GTB Personality:** When you're celebrating a new chapter opening

The color-changing drink that broke the internet and our minds! We tested this with every type of lemonade imaginable—from powder mixes to fresh-squeezed to fancy organic versions. Fresh-squeezed wins every single time, and the pH reaction is genuinely magical every time you witness it.

This drink is pure science meets beauty, and it never gets old. The butterfly pea flower tea starts as this gorgeous deep blue, and when you add the acidic lemonade, it transforms into the most stunning purple-violet color. It's like watching a mood ring change colors, but in your glass.

Our foolproof recipe:

1 cup freshly squeezed lemonade (the acidity level is crucial for the color change)
1 tbsp chilled butterfly pea flower tea (steeped strong and cooled)
Lemon slice garnish
Ice cubes
Optional: a rim of colored sugar for extra magic

Real talk: The color change is instant and never gets old. Kids and adults alike lose their minds over this one, and it's the perfect conversation starter at any gathering.

6. 🍯 Strawberry Rhubarb Muddle:

**Garden Party Goddess**

**GTB Personality:** Perfect for planning that GTB Italy trip

This farmer's market-inspired creation tastes like summer nostalgia wrapped up in the most beautiful glass. We tested it with fresh rhubarb (when in season), rhubarb syrup, and even rhubarb jam—all work beautifully, but each brings its own unique character to the drink.

There's something so romantic about this combination—the sweet familiarity of strawberries paired with the tart sophistication of rhubarb. It's the kind of drink that makes you want to plan garden parties and wear flowing sundresses and have deep conversations about life and dreams.

Our favorite version:

3 perfectly ripe fresh strawberries
1 oz rhubarb syrup (or quality rhubarb jam for deeper flavor)
½ oz fresh lemon juice
2 oz vodka (completely optional—it's gorgeous as a mocktail)
Club soda for that perfect fizz
Fresh strawberry and mint garnish

Why it works: The tartness of rhubarb perfectly balances strawberry sweetness, creating this complex flavor profile that keeps you coming back for more.

7. 🌈 Blueberry Basil Smash:

**Creative Soul**

**GTB Personality:** When your brunch bestie becomes your travel buddy

The unexpected flavor combination that shouldn't work but absolutely, completely does. We were skeptical about basil in a cocktail—it seemed too savory, too unusual. But the herbaceous note with sweet blueberries creates this sophisticated, complex flavor that's unlike anything else.

This is the drink for adventurous palates and creative souls who aren't afraid to try something completely different. It's conversation-starting, Instagram-worthy, and surprisingly addictive. The muddled blueberries release their gorgeous color and sweet-tart flavor, while the basil adds this unexpected freshness that elevates everything.

Our tested recipe:

¼ cup fresh blueberries (frozen works in a pinch, but fresh is superior)
4-5 fresh basil leaves
½ oz simple syrup
2 oz bourbon (or vodka, depending on your preference)
¾ oz fresh lemon juice
Fresh basil leaf and blueberry garnish

The surprise: It's sophisticated without being pretentious, and the flavor combination is absolutely addictive.

🌅 Evening Wind-Down: Golden Hour Magic

8. 🌶 Blood Orange Spicy Marg: Bold & Brave

**Bold & Brave**

**GTB Personality:** When your brunch bestie becomes your travel buddy

After testing every spicy margarita variation that crossed our TikTok feed, this blood orange version consistently came out on top. The secret lies in the balance—you want enough heat to make things interesting, but not so much that it overwhelms the gorgeous citrus flavors.

Blood oranges bring this beautiful sunset color and a slightly more complex, less acidic flavor than regular oranges. Combined with the heat from fresh jalapeños and that perfect salt rim, it's bold, brave, and absolutely unforgettable. This is the drink for toasting big moments, celebrating adventures, and living out loud.

Our perfected recipe:

2 oz premium tequila (Espolòn delivers consistently, Herradura if you're feeling fancy)
1 oz fresh blood orange juice (bottled just doesn't compare)
½ oz fresh lime juice
½ oz agave syrup
2-3 jalapeño slices (adjust to your heat preference)
Tajín rim (because regular salt is for regular margaritas)
Blood orange wheel and jalapeño garnish

Pro tip: Muddle the jalapeño gently—you want heat and flavor, not fire that overwhelms everything else.

9. 🌺 Passion Fruit Mojito:

**Tropical Dreams**

**GTB Personality:** Perfect for planning that GTB Italy trip

The tropical twist that completely elevated the classic mojito and transported us straight to island time. We tested frozen passion fruit pulp, fresh passion fruit, and various purées. Fresh wins hands down, but quality frozen is a very close second and much more accessible.

This drink embodies carefree spirit and summer forever energy. The passion fruit's sweet-tart complexity plays beautifully with mint's cooling freshness, while the rum (optional, but recommended) adds that perfect tropical warmth. It's what you make when you can't escape to the islands but need the islands to come to you.

Our go-to recipe:

2 oz white rum (Bacardi works perfectly, skip for virgin vibes)
1 oz passion fruit purée (fresh or quality frozen) - Grab the cubes at wholefoods
1 oz fresh lime juice
8-10 fresh mint leaves
Sparkling water
Ice
Passion fruit seeds and mint sprig garnish

The magic: Passion fruit's tartness and tropical sweetness create this complex flavor that pairs perfectly with mint's herbaceous coolness.

10. 🍯 Jargarita:

**Sustainable Soul**

**GTB Personality:** When your brunch turns into dinner plans

The eco-friendly trend we're completely obsessed with! Using leftover jam as both sweetener and flavor base is pure genius-level thinking. We tested this with everything from strawberry to apricot to our absolute favorite—guava jam, which creates this tropical, slightly floral flavor that's absolutely divine and heaven sent.

There's something so satisfying about turning what would normally be waste into something absolutely delicious. Plus, every jam creates a completely different drink experience, so you're never bored. The guava jam version tastes like tropical paradise with this subtle floral note that makes it feel extra special and luxurious.

Our method (featuring our beloved guava jam):

2 oz quality tequila
1 oz fresh lime juice
1 generous spoonful leftover guava jam (heaven sent, truly—the tropical sweetness is unmatched)
Ice cubes
Lime wedge garnish
Optional: a sprinkle of chili powder for extra complexity

Game changer: The guava jam adds this incredible tropical sweetness with floral undertones that regular simple syrup just can't match. Plus, you're saving the planet one delicious sip at a time.

11. 🍷 Rosé Sangria:

**Flirty & Fancy**

**GTB Personality:** When you're hosting your first dinner party

The pitcher drink that makes every gathering feel like a celebration. After testing various wine-to-fruit ratios and different combinations, we found the perfect balance that's fancy enough for special occasions but easy enough for spontaneous hangs.

This gorgeous pink creation is pure summer in a pitcher. The rosé provides the perfect base—not too sweet, not too dry—while the mixed fruits add natural sweetness and beautiful color. The elderflower liqueur brings a subtle floral note that elevates everything without being overwhelming.

Our crowd-pleasing recipe:

1 bottle quality rosé wine (we love Whispering Angel or Hampton Water)
¼ cup elderflower liqueur (or orange liqueur if that's what you have)
2 cups mixed summer fruits (strawberries, peaches, berries—whatever looks gorgeous at the market)
2 cups sparkling water (add right before serving to keep the bubbles)
Fresh mint sprigs for garnish

Why it works: It's fancy enough for special occasions, easy enough for spontaneous hangs, and absolutely foolproof for impressing your crew.

12. ☕ Cold Brew Martini:

**Energy Meets Elegance**

**GTB Personality:** Perfect for the girl who makes everyone feel included

The caffeinated cocktail that actually tastes sophisticated and bridges that perfect gap between afternoon coffee and evening cocktails. We tested various coffee-to-alcohol ratios until we found the perfect balance that gives you energy without overwhelming your palate.

This drink is for the multitasking queens who need their caffeine but also want to feel fancy. It's smooth, rich, and surprisingly refreshing—perfect for those moments when you're transitioning from day to night but still need that little pick-me-up.

Our refined recipe:

2 oz quality cold brew (we love Stumptown or locally roasted beans)
1.5 oz premium vodka
1 oz coffee liqueur (Kahlúa works, but Tia Maria is even better)
½ oz simple syrup
3 coffee bean garnish

The verdict: It's the perfect bridge between afternoon coffee culture and evening cocktail sophistication.

13. 💙 Blue Curaçao Mocktail:

**Make it stand out**

**GTB Personality:** Perfect for the girl who makes everyone feel included

The non-alcoholic option that doesn't feel like an afterthought or a consolation prize. This gorgeous blue beauty brings those seaside vibes no matter where you are, and it's absolutely stunning to look at.

We love this drink because it proves that mocktails can be just as exciting and Instagram-worthy as their alcoholic counterparts. The tropical flavors transport you straight to beachside bliss, while the gorgeous blue color makes every sip feel special.

Our inclusive recipe:

1 oz non-alcoholic blue curaçao syrup
1 oz fresh pineapple juice
Sparkling water
Fresh pineapple wedge and mint garnish
Optional: coconut rim for extra tropical vibes

Why we love it: Everyone can enjoy the tropical vibes, and it photographs like a dream.

14. 💖 Pink "Barbie" Mocktail:

**Girl's Girl**

**GTB Personality:** First-timer welcome drink

The confidence-boosting drink that tastes as good as it looks and sparkles as brightly as your personality. This vibrant creation is pure joy in a glass—perfect for welcoming newcomers to their first GTB experience or celebrating literally any occasion that calls for something pink and fabulous.

Our feel-good recipe:

1 oz fresh pink grapefruit juice
½ oz cranberry juice
Sparkling water or ginger ale
Pink sugar rim (because why not?)
Fresh grapefruit wheel garnish

The energy: Pure confidence and joy, with a side of "yes, I absolutely deserve to feel this fabulous."

15. 🥤 Dirty Soda:

**Our Secret Obsession**

**GTB Personality:** When you're craving adventure, but comfort wins every time.

Ever since binge-watching Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, we've been obsessed—like, seriously obsessed—with Utah's most unexpected gem: Dirty Soda. This quirky, creamy, sweet concoction challenged everything we knew about soda combinations, and honestly, we've never been happier to be wrong.

After testing countless bubbly combinations (in the name of research, of course), Diet Coke consistently stole our hearts. There's just something irresistible about how coconut syrup and cream mellow the soda's fizz, creating an addictive tropical twist that we can't get enough of.

Our GTB-approved recipe:

12 oz Diet Coke (trust us, it’s a vibe)
1 oz coconut syrup
½ oz half-and-half
Fresh squeeze of lime juice
Ice cubes
Lime wedge garnish

Plot twist: It absolutely shouldn't work, but it does—so we're done questioning the magic and just embracing the delicious chaos.

🌸 The Real Tea: Why These Made Our List

Here's what we learned after testing literally dozens of viral drinks and having way too many beverages on our desk at any given time: the ones that stick around are the ones that taste as good as they look. These 15 passed our three-part test that we've developed over months of very serious beverage research:

The Taste Test: Does it actually deliver on flavor, or is it just pretty for the 'gram?
The Accessibility Test: Can you make it without hunting down impossible ingredients or spending your entire paycheck?
The Inclusivity Test: Can it be adapted for different preferences, dietary needs, and alcohol preferences?

Every single drink on this list earned its spot by being genuinely delicious, achievable with ingredients you can actually find, and adaptable for everyone at your table. Because at Gals That Brunch, we believe amazing experiences should be accessible to everyone—whether you're the girl who shows up early to save seats, the one nervous about her first brunch, or the sustainable soul who turns everything into an eco-friendly moment.

We've also learned that the best drinks tell a story. They're not just beverages; they're conversation starters, memory makers, and the perfect excuse to gather your people (or meet new ones!). Whether you're hosting your first dinner party, planning a picnic, or just want to make your Tuesday feel like a celebration, there's a drink here for every moment and every mood.

🌟 Ready to Sip Your Way Through Summer?

Listen, gorgeous—we could keep going with drink recipes all day (and honestly, we probably will because we're beverage girlies through and through), but we want you to actually try these instead of just reading about them! These aren't just drinks; they're your summer soundtrack in liquid form, your Instagram content for the next three months, and your excuse to invite people over and create those magical moments that turn into the stories you'll tell for years.

Whether you're the type who plans everything weeks in advance or the spontaneous soul who decides to host a gathering an hour before people arrive, these recipes have your back. They're forgiving, adaptable, and designed to make you look like the hostess with the mostest even if you're just figuring it out as you go.

Share the love: Tag a friend who needs these recipes in their life and share your creations with us @galsthatbrunch —we're absolutely obsessed with seeing your takes on our favorites! Did you try the guava jargarita? We need to see it. Made the butterfly pea lemonade and watched someone's mind get blown by the color change? Tag us immediately. We live for these moments!

Ready to turn these recipes into real memories with real friends? Find your local GTB chapter at galsthatbrunch.com and discover the magic happening in your city. Because the best drinks are always better when shared with your people, and your people are out there waiting to meet you over the perfect summer sip.

Here's to a summer filled with perfect drinks, spontaneous adventures, the kind of friendships that make every season brighter, and yes—having at least five beverages on your desk at any given time because that's just who we are. Cheers to being beverage girlies together, gorgeous! ✨

Share this guide with a friend who needs summer drink inspo and tag us in your photos @galsthatbrunch—we can't wait to see which ones become your new obsessions and add to your daily beverage rotation!

This Blog was prepared + written by: