1. Low- and No-ABV Cocktails

As more travelers embrace a sober-curious lifestyle—think mindful drinking that extends beyond Dry January—hotels are expanding their alcohol-free offerings, proving you don't need booze to have a good time. This summer, expect a slew of flavorful mocktails served poolside or around the property, catering to guests looking to unwind and socialize without the risk of a hangover.

For fun and flavorful sips sans alcohol, jet off to Arizona to try the Thai One On at Hotel Valley Ho (Thai-spice–infused coconut milk, pineapple, lime, chili thread, and roasted coconut flakes) or the Blackberry Mojito (blackberry, mint, lime juice, simple syrup, and sparkling water) at The Wigwam. Additionally, the newly renovated Garden of the Gods Resort in Colorado Springs has a dedicated dry bar menu, including alcohol-free wines, malts, and craft cocktails like the Lavender Haze (featuring Seedlip Spice 94, an alcohol-free spirit with notes of cinnamon, cardamom, and citrus, along with lavender, lemon, and elderflower tonic) and the Amalfi Sour (made with the non-alcoholic Lyre's Italian Orange, lemon, herbal oleo, and egg whites).

2. Botanical and Herbal Infusions

Botanical-inspired libations are poised to be the cocktail trend of summer 2025, combining fresh, garden-driven flavors with eye-catching presentation. Chatham Bars Inn on Cape Cod offers several standout examples. At the inn's new South Lounge, the team draws directly from the property's farm, incorporating local herbs, seasonal botanicals, and floral notes for an authentic "farm-to-glass" experience. While every drink is a winner, favorites include the Hot Honey Bee's Knees, made with farm-sourced hot honey; the Modern Old Fashioned, which features local cranberry bitters; and the Sea to Martini, infused with sea kelp and cucumber.

3. Martini Makeovers

Martinis continue to skyrocket in popularity, and bars, restaurants, and hotels across the country are taking note. While there's plenty to love about a classic dirty martini, some spots are raising the bar with inventive twists, like the Cold Brew Martini at Black Rock Mountain Resort in Utah. A playful (and stronger) spin on the espresso martini, this version blends vanilla vodka, Kahlua, Bailey's, and, of course, cold brew for a rich, indulgent kick. At The Inn at Perry Cabin in Maryland, indulge in a Dirty Caprese Martini with basil infused Ketel One, clarified tomato Water, olive brine, black pepper bitters, and balsamic.. Finally, for a savory take on the trend, head to the Driftwood Room at Hotel DeLuxe in Portland and order the Olive Oil Martini infused with chili oil for a subtle kick and a silky, unexpected twist on the classic.

4. Innovative Spritzes

While many consider the Aperol Spritz the drink of the summer, it's far from the only spritz worth sipping this season. Can't choose just one? The Breezes bar menu at Cambridge Beaches in Bermuda features an entire section devoted to sun-kissed spritzes, including classics like Aperol and elderflower, alongside more inventive options like Grapefruit Rose and Bergamot & Coconut.

5. Nostalgic Cocktails

The growing appetite (in this case, thirst) for nostalgic drinks is inspiring hotel bars to revisit the classics—with a twist. From slushie-style throwbacks to reinvented retro staples, these cocktails tap into memory and mood, offering familiar flavors in elevated formats. At the oceanfront Costa d'Este Beach Resort & Spa in Vero Beach, Florida, guests can sip on frozen favorites like Bahama Mamas, strawberry margaritas, and mango daiquiris—a breezy nod to vacations past.

But nostalgia isn't limited to frozen drinks. At Wayfinder Newport in Rhode Island, the hip all-day eatery Little Clam dedicates ample menu space to "Old School Sippers," with highlights like Paper Planes, Whiskey Sours, and Mai Tais—vintage favorites made modern.The Dark Bar inside Boston Harbor Hotel, also leans into the classics, with a robust cocktail list featuring mint and cherry juleps and a standout French 75.

Discover more places to enjoy a summer cocktail across the Benchmark Resorts & Hotels portfolio, a collection of more than 50 distinct, independent properties by Pyramid Global Hospitality. Located in diverse destinations across the globe, Benchmark’s resorts and hotels reimagine immersive travel, inspiring guests to create memories born from meaningful exploration, authentic moments, and innovative experiences – no matter the occasion. Benchmark guests can earn complimentary gift cards, on-property perks, and destination experiences through the collection’s signature Mosaic Rewards program.