20 Summer Desserts Inspired by Your Favorite Cocktails

Margarita Cake

This margarita cake is perfect for a picnic on a warm day. You'll be surprised at how closely it tastes like the real thing. —Dawn Lowenstein, Huntingdon Valley, Pennsylvania

Amaretto Cherries with Dumplings

You can't beat the combination of almond flavor with cherries. These light and fluffy dumplings are heavenly. Topped with the sauce and ice cream, it makes for a scrumptious dessert. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Gimlet Bars

I love a tangy gimlet when the weather turns steamy—but these bars are just the thing when the craving hits and summer seems too far away. Add more lime zest if you want these a bit tangier. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho

Pineapple RumChata Shortcakes

This deliciously different dessert is made in the slow cooker instead of the oven. When done, add final touches to the cooled pineapple shortcake jars and serve. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas

Watermelon Vodka Sorbet

This icy granita is a cooling delight on a hot summer day. This is an adults only goody. You can use watermelon vodka for plain vodka if you like. —Rebekah Beyer, Sabetha, Kansas

Raspberry Moscow Mule Cake

This Moscow mule cake is my favorite cake I've ever made from scratch. It's so moist and flavorful and reminds me of my favorite cocktail. —Becky Hardin, St. Peters, Missouri

Frozen Margarita Mousse

Who doesn't love a frozen Margarita? This creamy frozen mousse combines ready-to-drink margarita mix and whipped topping; it's easy to put together and the freezer does all the work. Garnish with additional crushed pretzels and kosher salt to enhance the sweet and salty flavor. —Debbie Glasscock, Conway, Arkansas

Mimosa Butter Cookies

You can add many different flavors to butter cookies to make them your own. Try an alternate type of citrus zest, or add an alternate liquid to change things up. —Sara Lark, Raton, New Mexico

Lemony Limoncello Tiramisu

This limoncello tiramisu is a great citrus twist on a classic Italian dessert. It's always a favorite at holiday meals or summer gatherings! —Deena Resnick, Oregon City, Oregon

Pressure-Cooker Tequila Poached Pears

Tequila may seem an unusual ingredient, but give it a try! The fresh pears and mint make the dessert deliciously refreshing. Bring out this creative sweet when you want to impress dinner guests. —Nancy Heishman, Las Vegas, Nevada

Caribbean Coconut Rum Cake

My take on those boozy treats that weigh down suitcases returning from Jamaica, this moist cake packs a rum punch. You may wish to card your guests before serving. The longer the rum soaks in, the better—overnight is best. —Jenn Hall, Collingswood, New Jersey

Grand Marnier Frozen Souffles

This delicious frozen souffle is perfect for summer and will impress just about anyone. It's a great make-ahead dessert! —Andrea Potischman, Menlo Park, California

Lime & Gin Coconut Macaroons

I took these lime and coconut macaroons to our annual cookie exchange, where we name a queen. I won the crown! —Milissa Kirkpatrick, Angel Fire, New Mexico

Honeydew Granita

Make this refreshing summer treat when melons are ripe and flavorful. I like to garnish each serving with a sprig of mint or a small slice of honeydew. —Bonnie Hawkins, Elkhorn, Wisconsin

Warm Pineapple Sundaes with Rum Sauce

Pineapple, rum and sugar have a longstanding and flavorful relationship that takes on new meaning when you add ginger and butter and turn up the heat. —Jamie Miller, Maple Grove, Minnesota

Margarita Floats

On a hot afternoon, what could be better than a cold margarita float? The addition of creamy ice cream really takes this treat to the next level. —Teri Rasey, Cadillac, Michigan

Pina Colada Icebox Cake

This icebox cake has all of the flavors of a pina colada. It takes just one bite to escape to a tropical island! —Rachel Lewis, Danville, Virginia

Pink Peppercorn and Sake Ice Cream

There's plenty of sake flavor in this rich ice cream studded with peppercorns. You'll get an interesting pop of heat with every bite. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Marshmallow Grasshopper Pie

After a hearty meal, this refreshing pie hits the spot. I always make this festive treat whenever my son comes to visit; he loves to add sweet cherries on top. Cherries or not, the chocolate and mint are definitely meant for each other. —Sally Vandermus, Rochester, Minnesota

Berries in Champagne Jelly

My sister gave me this recipe a few years back when I was looking for an elegant fruit dish to serve guests. I sometimes serve this party-pretty fruit treat at brunch—just before the main dish. It’s also sparkly and special enough to double as a light dessert. —Andrea Barnhoom, Scottsville, New York