When the mercury spikes in Texas, one thing is certain: ice-cold drinks become a way of life. But stocking your cooler shouldn’t mean draining your wallet. Whether you’re planning a lake day, grilling up fajitas, or just trying to stay cool on your back porch, Zipps Liquor has your summer refreshers—all under $30.
We’ve rounded up the best budget liquor for summer, including vodkas, bourbons, wines, and ready-to-drink cocktails that punch above their price tag. These cheap summer drinks are flavorful, versatile, and perfect for every kind of Texas heatwave moment.
🥃 Tito’s Handmade Vodka – $21.99
Best For: Lemonades, Mules, and Infusions
Why Texas Loves It: Born in Austin, Tito’s is as local as it gets—and it’s consistently smooth and mixable. Great for any summer cocktail that starts with citrus, soda, or fresh fruit.
Quick Pour: Tito’s + lemonade + splash of Topo Chico + mint = Texas-style chill.
🥃 Buffalo Trace Bourbon – $25.99
Best For: Bourbon Sweet Tea, Sours, or Straight Sipping
Why It’s a Zipps Favorite: This crowd-pleaser from Kentucky is rich, mellow, and well below the $30 line. Perfect for sipping by the smoker.
Mix Hack: Bourbon + peach tea + lemon = lazy-day porch sipper.
🍷 Apothic Red Blend – $11.99
Best For: Chilled Red Wine Nights, Sangria, Spritzers
Why It Works for Summer: Bold and slightly sweet, Apothic Red plays well with citrus and stone fruits. Chill it down for a sangria-style backyard option.
Add This: Orange slices, strawberries, and a splash of soda water for instant sangria.
🍹 BuzzBallz Cocktails – $3.99 each
Best For: Pool parties, beach coolers, last-minute fun
Why You’ll Love It: Single-serve, boozy, and available in dozens of fun flavors like Tequila Rita, Strawberry Rita, and Choc Tease. Stock up and toss in a cooler.
Pro Tip: Freeze a few for an icy summer treat.
🍑 Crown Royal Peach – $29.99
Best For: Spiked Peach Tea, Crown Spritzers
Why It’s a Top Summer Pick: Sweet, juicy, and smooth—Crown Peach practically invented the southern summer cocktail.
How to Use It: Mix with iced tea or ginger ale and a lemon wedge. Easy, breezy, peachy.
🍸 Deep Eddy Lemon Vodka – $19.99
Best For: Arnold Palmers, Lemon Vodka Sodas
Why Texans Love It: Distilled in Texas and infused with real lemon flavor, Deep Eddy is a no-fuss citrus base for endless summer combinations.
Mix Hack: Deep Eddy Lemon + iced tea = adult Arnold Palmer.
🍺 Cayman Jack Margaritas (12-pack) – $19.99
Best For: Grab-and-go margaritas
Why You Should Try It: Ready-to-drink, refreshing, and comes in classic lime or strawberry flavors. Just pop the cap and go.
Cooler Idea: Toss a few into your lake day ice chest. You’ll thank yourself later.
🍷 Stella Rosa Black – $13.99
Best For: Sweet wine lovers
Why It’s a Crowd-Pleaser: A lightly sparkling red that’s sweet, fruity, and low in alcohol—great for summer brunches and wine spritzers.
Serve Tip: Over ice with frozen berries.
🍋 Fireball Cinnamon Whisky – $17.99
Best For: Spicy summer shots, cider mixers
Why It Works: It may be known for winter, but Fireball adds a kick to hard lemonade or apple cider over ice—even better frozen in shot form.
Hot Tip: Try it with lemon soda or as a spiked slushie.
🌿 Bumbu Original Rum – $29.99
Best For: Mojitos, Rum Punch
Why We Like It: Caribbean spice, hints of vanilla, and a smooth finish make it ideal for tropical cocktails—without premium pricing.
Classic Summer Mix: Bumbu + lime juice + mint + soda = easy mojito.
🍾 La Marca Prosecco – $14.99
Best For: Mimosas, Bellinis, Summer Toasts
Why It’s Summer-Approved: Crisp, refreshing, and just bubbly enough for celebration or Sunday lounging.
Try This: Mix with peach nectar for a quick Bellini.
🎯 Why Shop Summer Spirits at Zipps?
Zipps Liquor is more than a liquor store—it’s your neighborhood beverage hero. With over 35 locations across Texas and an online shop that makes ordering a breeze, we stock all your summer favorites at prices you’ll love.
✅ Everyday low prices
✅ Locations in towns like Conroe, Palestine, Port Lavaca, Gun Barrel City, and Spring
✅ Online shopping and local pickup available
👉 Browse Online at Shop.ZippsLiquor.com
👉 Find Your Local Store
🍹 Summer Cocktail Recipes Under $30
1. Tito’s Watermelon Smash
- 1.5 oz Tito’s Vodka
- Fresh watermelon cubes
- Mint leaves
- Topo Chico
Muddle watermelon + mint, add Tito’s and ice, top with soda. Pure hydration vibes.
2. Crown Peach Tea
- 2 oz Crown Royal Peach
- 6 oz sweet tea
- Lemon wedge
Mix over ice and sit back on the porch swing.
3. Bumbu Pineapple Punch
- 1.5 oz Bumbu Rum
- Pineapple juice
- Dash of lime
- Mint sprig
Shake it up and serve over crushed ice.
🧊 Summer Hosting on a Budget: Zipps Tips
- Batch your cocktails using base liquors like vodka or rum to cut down on cost
- Freeze fruit to double as ice and garnish
- Stock up early—popular bottles like Crown Peach and Deep Eddy go fast in the heat
- Use flavored seltzers (like Topo Chico or Lone River) as mixers to stretch your stash
🔥 FAQ: Summer Liquor Picks Under $30
❓ Can I really get great liquor under $30 at Zipps?
Yes! From Tito’s and Crown to Apothic wines and Cayman Jack cocktails, our inventory is packed with quality summer-friendly options under $30.
Are these liquors available at all Zipps locations?
Inventory may vary slightly, but most Zipps stores carry all featured items—especially Tito’s, Buffalo Trace, Deep Eddy, and Crown.
Do Zipps stores offer delivery or pickup?
Yes! Visit shop.zippsliquor.com to browse inventory, place orders, and choose pickup or delivery where available.
What’s a good under-$30 bottle to bring to a summer party?
Tito’s Vodka, Crown Peach, or Bumbu Rum are all excellent gift-worthy options under $30 that won’t get left untouched.
Final Sip: Summer, Served Cold
Texas summers are hot—but your drinks don’t have to be. With budget liquors under $30 from Zipps Liquor, you can toast the sunshine without sweating your bank account. Whether you’re road-tripping across small-town Texas or staying cool at home, we’ve got the cheap summer drinks you’ll reach for again and again.
🎉 Your cooler’s not ready until Zipps is in it.
