Summer drinks 2026: Classics, recipes & the lighter alternative

A summer without refreshing drinks? Hardly imaginable. Classics like Aperol Spritz, Hugo, or Gin and Tonic are indispensable on patios, in gardens, and in bars. But in 2026, the trend is moving even more strongly towards lighter, more mindful, yet still enjoyable drinks .

We'll show you which summer drinks are especially popular this year – with recipes for the classics, exciting new trends and a modern alternative: CALOW , the Spritz with less sugar and calories.

Classics remain – but are in greater demand.

Some drinks are simply part of summer – even if they aren't always the lightest:

• Aperol Spritz & Campari Spritz – still the favorite aperitifs.

• Gin and tonic – timeless, versatile with herbs or berries.

• Hugo – fruity and fresh, but often very sweet.

• Pina Colada & Daiquiri – creamy and tropical, but true calorie bombs.

Especially for those who want to enjoy themselves consciously , it's worth taking a look at the lighter side of summer drinks.

Classic summer drinks – the recipes

🍊 Aperol Sour – the classic reinterpreted

• 50 ml Aperol

• 25 ml lemon juice

• 25 ml orange juice

• Ice

👉 Shake all ingredients vigorously, strain into a glass and serve over fresh ice.
A lighter, fruitier twist on the Aperol Spritz – but it still contains a lot of sugar.

🍹 Aperol Spritz – the Italian classic

• 60 ml Prosecco

• 40 ml Aperol

• 30 ml soda water

• Ice cream + orange slice

👉 Popular, but very high in calories at around 280 kcal per glass .

🌿 Hugo – Elderflower Freshness

• 40 ml elderflower syrup

• 60 ml Prosecco

• 30 ml soda water

• Ice + lime + mint

👉 Fresh & aromatic – but very sweet with over 10g of sugar per glass .

🍓 Lillet Wild Berry – a fruity trend drink

• 50 ml Lillet Blanc

• 100 ml Schweppes Wild Berry

• Ice cream + berries

👉 Modern & fruity – but lots of sugar due to the lemonade.

🍊 Campari Spritz – tart & Mediterranean

• 40 ml Campari

• 60 ml Prosecco

• 30 ml soda water

• orange slice

👉 Pleasantly bitter – but also high in calories and sugar.

New Trends 2025

🌱 Conscious enjoyment
More and more people want to enjoy aperitifs, but in a lighter way. Low-alcohol drinks and less sugar are the focus.

🍋 Citrus & Herbs
Grapefruit, lime or basil bring freshness – without being too sweet.

🥂 Ready-to-drink aperitifs
Ready-mixed, stylish and immediately ready to serve: the modern solution for those who don't want any hassle.

Lighter alternatives – enjoy consciously

Those who love aperitifs but want to watch their sugar and calories have several options:

• Wine spritzer : dry, extended with sparkling water → approx. 90 kcal per glass.

• Infused Water : Mineral water with fruits or herbs → refreshing & alcohol-free.

• CALOW : the ready-made Spritz with only 43 kcal per 100 ml and no added sugar .

👉 Many CALOW customers say: “Finally, a Spritz that can be enjoyed in the evening – without a guilty conscience.”

CALOW – the light summer drink

CALOW – the light summer drink

Between Aperol, Hugo and Co. , CALOW offers the answer for all those who love the taste of aperitifs but want to enjoy them consciously:

✔️ No added sugar (only 1.9 g sugar per 100 ml)
✔️ Up to 70% fewer calories than an Aperol Spritz
✔️ 6% alcohol by volume – light, but with character
✔️ Ready to drink – no mixing, no fuss
✔️ Vegan & gluten-free

Instead of syrup and sugar, CALOW delivers real freshness and clarity. Perfect for the patio, barbecues, or simply relaxing after work.

👉 Discover our sample pack now

Non-alcoholic summer drinks

It doesn't always have to be alcohol. Non-alcoholic drinks will also be in demand in 2025 – light, fruity and uncomplicated.

🥒 Infused water with cucumber & mint

• mineral water

• Cucumber slices, fresh mint
  → Leave to steep overnight, serve ice-cold.

☕ Classic iced coffee

• Freshly brewed coffee

• ice cubes

• A splash of milk or plant-based milk

🍋 Virgin Mojito

• Lime, mint, cane sugar

• Top up with soda water
  → Refreshing, alcohol-free & ideal for warm summer evenings.

Conclusion – Summer 2026 will be easier

The most popular summer drinks in 2025 will be a mix of classic cult drinks and lighter alternatives .
For those who love the taste of an aperitif but want to watch their sugar and calories, CALOW is the ideal companion: stylish, fruity, refreshing and ready to drink.

👉 To the sample pack