5 Cocktails Made For The Summer Shade (Plus, Bar-Approved Recipes)!

UPDATE: The week of day-drinking is upon us with the Fourth of July coming this Wednesday, so mix up a couple of this sweet concoctions...just stay hydrated, too! This story was originally published April 4, 2012.

Nothing says the season like what you're sippin' — hot toddies when it's chilly, pumpkin brew in the fall, and, our favorites: fresh fruits and herbs meant to cool you in the sweltering sun. Since the temps are a-rising, we dug up the best summer cocktail recipes from our favorite Miami bartenders. This variety of refreshments keeps your taste buds guessing, with flavors ranging from an afternoon-friendly rum/brown-sugar to the heat-combatting cucumber coolness.

Not only will your friends be shocked by your sudden skill with the shaker, but with these handy recipes, you can keep pouring long after the sun has set. Bonus: If you can't be bothered to DIY bartend, each of these libations are poured by bar bigwigs around town, like Chalk Miami or Soho Beach House. While we can’t control the weather, we can guarantee some locally approved, thirst-quenching goodness that will keep the refills coming all summer long. Click through, and you'll feel cooler already...