Summer is the perfect time to enjoy light, refreshing drinks that cool you down and keep you hydrated. Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ, lounging by the pool, or simply relaxing on your patio, these easy-to-make summer beverages will add a delightful touch to your sunny days. Here are some of my favorite summer drink recipes that are sure to become your go-to refreshers.
1. Classic Lemonade
Nothing says summer quite like a glass of classic lemonade. It’s simple, tangy, and utterly refreshing.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 4-6 lemons)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 5 cups cold water
- Ice
- Lemon slices and mint leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup of water and the sugar. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar is dissolved. Let it cool to room temperature.
- In a pitcher, combine the lemon juice, sugar water, and remaining 4 cups of cold water. Stir well.
- Serve over ice and garnish with lemon slices and mint leaves if desired.
2. Watermelon Mint Cooler
This drink is as refreshing as it sounds, combining the sweet juiciness of watermelon with the cool freshness of mint.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups cubed seedless watermelon
- 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
- Ice
- Mint sprigs and lime wedges for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- In a blender, puree the watermelon until smooth. Strain the juice through a fine mesh sieve into a pitcher.
- Add the mint leaves, lime juice, and honey (if using) to the watermelon juice. Stir well.
- Serve over ice and garnish with mint sprigs and lime wedges if desired.
3. Cucumber Lemon Sparkler
This sparkling drink is incredibly refreshing, perfect for a hot summer day.
Ingredients:
- 1 cucumber, thinly sliced
- 1 lemon, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
- 1 liter sparkling water
- Ice
Instructions:
- In a pitcher, combine the cucumber slices, lemon slices, and mint leaves.
- Pour the sparkling water over the ingredients and stir gently.
- Serve over ice.
4. Pineapple Coconut Smoothie
This tropical smoothie is like a vacation in a glass. It’s creamy, sweet, and absolutely delicious.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup frozen pineapple chunks
- 1/2 cup coconut milk
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1/2 cup ice
Instructions:
- In a blender, combine all the ingredients and blend until smooth.
- Pour into glasses and serve immediately.
5. Iced Green Tea with Honey and Lemon
Green tea is not only refreshing but also packed with antioxidants. This iced version is a great way to enjoy it on a hot day.
Ingredients:
- 4 green tea bags
- 4 cups boiling water
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- Ice
- Lemon slices for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Steep the green tea bags in boiling water for 5 minutes. Remove the tea bags and let the tea cool to room temperature.
- Stir in the honey and lemon juice.
- Serve over ice and garnish with lemon slices if desired.
These summer drinks are not only easy to make but also incredibly refreshing. Whether you prefer something fruity, tangy, or tropical, there’s a recipe here to suit your taste. Enjoy these beverages all summer long and stay cool!
i’d like to also write another post for 5 refreshing and easy summer cocktail drink ideas. can you write another post that’s similar to this one, but includes around 5 summer alcoholic drinks ideas?
5 Refreshing and Easy Summer Cocktail Drink Ideas
Summer calls for refreshing cocktails that can beat the heat and add a splash of fun to any gathering. Whether you’re planning a laid-back evening with friends or a festive summer party, these easy-to-make cocktails will keep everyone cool and happy. Here are five of my favorite summer cocktails that are perfect for any sunny occasion.
1. Classic Mojito
The Mojito is a timeless summer cocktail that combines the freshness of mint with the tanginess of lime and the sweetness of rum.
Ingredients:
- 10 fresh mint leaves
- 1/2 lime, cut into 4 wedges
- 2 tablespoons white sugar
- 1 cup ice cubes
- 1 1/2 ounces white rum
- 1/2 cup club soda
Instructions:
- Place mint leaves and 1 lime wedge into a sturdy glass. Use a muddler to crush the mint and lime to release the mint oils and lime juice.
- Add 2 more lime wedges and the sugar, and muddle again to release the lime juice. Do not strain the mixture.
- Fill the glass almost to the top with ice. Pour the rum over the ice, and fill the glass with club soda. Stir, taste, and add more sugar if desired.
- Garnish with the remaining lime wedge and a sprig of mint.
2. Frozen Strawberry Margarita
This icy, fruity cocktail is a summer favorite, perfect for cooling down on a hot day.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled
- 2 ounces tequila
- 1 ounce triple sec
- 1 ounce lime juice
- 1 tablespoon simple syrup
- 1 cup ice
- Salt for rimming the glass (optional)
- Lime wedge and strawberry for garnish
Instructions:
- Rim the edge of a glass with a lime wedge and dip it in salt (if desired).
- In a blender, combine the strawberries, tequila, triple sec, lime juice, simple syrup, and ice. Blend until smooth.
- Pour into the prepared glass and garnish with a lime wedge and a strawberry.
3. Pina Colada
Bring the tropics to your backyard with a classic Pina Colada. It’s creamy, sweet, and perfectly refreshing.
Ingredients:
- 2 ounces white rum
- 1 ounce coconut cream
- 1 ounce heavy cream
- 6 ounces fresh pineapple juice
- 1/2 cup crushed ice
- Pineapple slice and maraschino cherry for garnish
Instructions:
- In a blender, combine the rum, coconut cream, heavy cream, pineapple juice, and crushed ice. Blend until smooth.
- Pour into a chilled glass and garnish with a pineapple slice and maraschino cherry.
4. Aperol Spritz
The Aperol Spritz is a light and bubbly cocktail that’s perfect for summer afternoons.
Ingredients:
- 3 ounces Aperol
- 3 ounces prosecco
- 1 ounce club soda
- Ice
- Orange slice for garnish
Instructions:
- Fill a glass with ice. Pour in the Aperol, prosecco, and club soda.
- Stir gently and garnish with an orange slice.
5. Spiked Lemonade
This grown-up version of lemonade is a delightful way to enjoy a classic summer drink with a twist.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup lemonade
- 2 ounces vodka
- Ice
- Lemon slices and mint leaves for garnish
Instructions:
- Fill a glass with ice. Add the lemonade and vodka, and stir well.
- Garnish with lemon slices and mint leaves.
These summer cocktails are not only easy to make but also incredibly refreshing. Perfect for any summer gathering, they offer a delightful mix of flavors to keep you and your guests cool and happy.
Cheers to a wonderful summer, and as always, lots of love,
-LS