13 Cocktail-Inspired Desserts to Give Summer a Boozy Send Off

If there’s anything better than drinking a cocktail, it’s eating a dessert that’s inspired by a cocktail. Whether it’s a margarita-flavored cheesecake or creamy mojito ice cream, when you infuse sweets with alcohol, something magical happens. Grab your apron and scroll down for 13 cocktail-inspired dessert recipes to toast the end of summer with.

Paloma Cupcakes

Margaritas shouldn’t get to have all the fun. These fluffy cupcakes get the Paloma treatment with a hint of lime, grapefruit, and of course, tequila. (via Nourish and Fête)

Aperol Spritz Cheesecake

The Aperol spritz has taken over as the cocktail of summer, so it definitely deserves its own dessert to honor it. What better choice than an indulgent cheesecake with boozy, gelatinous topping? (via Sainsbury’s Magazine)

Creamy Margarita Pretzel Bars

These bars have it all: a salty pretzel crust, lusciously sweet filling, and a tart kick from fresh lime and tequila. (via Saving Room for Dessert)

Cucumber Gin and Tonic Sorbet

The refreshing mouthfeel of a gin and tonic makes it the perfect pairing for this cucumber sorbet. When you serve it, top with a lime slice and an extra splash of tonic water and gin. (via Bourbon and Honey)

Mango Margarita Cupcakes

If a mango marg is always your order when eating at your favorite Mexican joint, you have to whip these up ASAP. (via Baking a Moment)

Mimosa Macarons

Just when you think your favorite brunch sip couldn’t get any better, you discover mimosa macarons. This delicate French cookie is flavored with orange and has a slight effervescence to the filling. (via Baking a Moment)

Manhattan Cocktail Truffles

Any Manhattan connoisseur knows that the maraschino cherries are a vital component of the cocktail. These boozy truffles of the same name consist of rye, sweet vermouth, and Angostura bitters-soaked cherries. (via Freutcake)

No-Churn Mojito Ice Cream

No machinery is needed for this lush ice cream. White rum, tons of mint, lime, double cream, and sweetened condensed milk make the treat come together. (via Charlotte’s Lively Kitchen)

Moscow Mule Cupcakes

Not only do ginger beer and vodka lend a great flavor to these cupcakes, but they also give them a light and airy texture. (via Life, Love, and Sugar)

No-Bake Strawberry Daiquiri Cheesecake

Strawberry daiquiris are pretty and all, but they don’t hold a candle to this no-bake cheesecake. Top the finished hot pink dessert with rosettes of whipped cream and plenty of strawberries and limes. (via Inside BruCrew Life)

Piña Colada Cake

There’s nothing like a hot day at the beach with an icy piña colada in hand. Give your next baking day the same flavor with this multi-layered coconut and rum cake with pineapple filling. (via Liv for Cake)

Tequila Sunrise Cupcakes

You know that drink that made you lose about two days of spring break 2006? These cupcakes are inspired by it, down to the orange and grenadine frosting. (via The Cake Blog)

Whiskey Sour Cupcakes

One bite of this spiked sweet, and you’ll know right away that it’s mimicked after the whiskey sour. You can use fresh lemon juice in this recipe, or use up that sour mix you’ve been hoarding. (via Beth Cakes)