By Bri Rothman

If you’re dreaming of a summer getaway but your calendar (or budget) says otherwise, you’re not alone. As a travel advisor, I hear it all the time —moms craving a break, craving sunshine, craving something that feels like an escape… even if they’re spending summer in their backyard.

The good news? You can bring a little bit of the world to you. These destination‑inspired summer drinks — cocktails and mocktails — are the perfect way to sip your way into vacation mode, no passport required.

Whether you’re planning your next trip or simply trying to survive the school‑pickup–work–laundry loop, these drinks deliver a taste of the places you’re dreaming about.

Pisco Sour — A Taste of Peru

If you love bright, citrusy drinks, the Pisco Sour is the perfect way to channel the energy of Peru. It’s refreshing, frothy, and ideal for warm summer nights.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz Pisco
• 1 oz fresh lime juice
• ¾ oz simple syrup
• 1 egg white
• Angostura bitters
• Ice

How to Make It: Shake everything without ice to get that signature foam, then shake again with ice. Strain, top with bitters, and imagine yourself overlooking the Andes.

Why it’s perfect for summer: It’s light, bright, and pairs beautifully with warm weather — just like Peru’s vibrant culture.

Mojito — The Classic Cuban Summer Cocktail

Nothing says summer like a fresh mint Mojito. It’s crisp, cooling, and one of the most iconic warm‑weather cocktails in the world.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz white rum
• ½ oz lime juice
• 2 tsp sugar
• 6–8 mint leaves
• Soda water
• Ice

How to Make It: Muddle mint and sugar, add rum and lime, fill with ice, top with soda water, and stir.

Why travelers love it: It instantly transports you to Havana — colorful streets, warm breezes, and music drifting through the air.

Aperol Spritz — The Ultimate Italian Summer Drink

If you want something light, bubbly, and effortlessly chic, the Aperol Spritz is your girl. It’s the drink of Italian summers and perfect for golden‑hour sipping.

Ingredients:

• 3 oz Prosecco
• 2 oz Aperol
• 1 oz soda water
• Ice
• Orange slice

How to Make It: Fill a wine glass with ice, add Prosecco, then Aperol, then soda water. Garnish with an orange slice.

Why it’s trending: It’s low‑alcohol, refreshing, and looks gorgeous in photos — no wonder it’s a summer staple across Italy.

Mai Tai — A Tropical Escape to French Polynesia

If you’re dreaming of Bora Bora, overwater bungalows, and turquoise water, the Mai Tai is your tropical escape in a glass.

Ingredients:

• 1 oz white rum
• 1 oz dark rum
• ½ oz orange curaçao
• ½ oz orgeat syrup
• ½ oz fresh lime juice
• Ice
• Mint + lime

How to Make It: Shake everything except the dark rum. Pour over ice, float the dark rum on top, and garnish.

Why it’s perfect for summer: It’s layered, tropical, and instantly transports you to island time.

Hibiscus Lemonade — A Refreshing Mexican‑Inspired Mocktail

If you’re skipping alcohol or want something family‑friendly, this Hibiscus Lemonade (inspired by Mexico’s Agua de Jamaica) is floral, tart, and stunningly pink.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup dried hibiscus flowers
• 4 cups water
• ½ cup sugar
• ¼ cup fresh lime juice
• Ice
• Lime + mint

How to Make It: Steep hibiscus in hot water, strain, sweeten, add lime, chill, and serve over ice.

Why it’s a summer favorite: It’s refreshing, hydrating, and perfect for hot days — with or without tequila.

Want to Turn One of These Drinks Into a Real Trip?

If reading this made you crave more than a cocktail — if it made you crave an actual escape — that’s where I come in.

I help women plan stress‑free, elevated, thoughtfully designed travel so they can finally stop being the default planner and start actually enjoying their vacations.

Whether you’re dreaming of Italy, Mexico, French Polynesia, or somewhere totally new, I’ll help you figure out:

• the best time of year to go
• how far in advance to plan
• what destinations fit your travel style
• where to stay for the best experience
• how to make the trip feel effortless

Click here to start planning your next adventure! Until then — cheers to summer, wherever you’re sipping from.