As the temperatures rise and summer gatherings become more frequent, it’s time to refresh your drink repertoire. Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ or just need a cool treat to beat the heat, these 18 refreshing drink recipes are sure to hit the spot. From classic cocktails with a twist to fruity infused waters and creamy smoothies, we’ve got you covered.
In this article, we’ll dive into the world of summer sippers that will keep your guests happy and hydrated all season long. With flavors ranging from sweet strawberries to spicy mangoes, there’s something for everyone on this list. So go ahead, grab a glass (or two), and get ready to make some unforgettable memories with friends and family.
Classic Mojito with Fresh Mint and Lime
This refreshing cocktail is a perfect blend of minty freshness and tangy lime, ideal for warm weather or any occasion that calls for a revitalizing drink. With just a few simple ingredients, you’ll be sipping on this classic mojito in no time!
Ingredients:
– 2 sprigs fresh mint
– 1 lime, cut into wedges
– 2 oz white rum
– 1 oz club soda
– 1 tablespoon sugar
– Ice cubes
Instructions:
1. In a cocktail shaker, gently press the mint sprigs with a muddler or spoon to release their oils and flavor.
2. Add lime juice and rum; fill the shaker with ice.
3. Shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds.
4. Fill a highball glass with ice and strain the mixture into it.
5. Top with club soda and stir gently.
6. Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint and a lime wedge.
Cooking Time: None, just mix and enjoy!
Strawberry Basil Lemonade
This refreshing drink combines the sweetness of strawberries with the bright flavor of basil, all tied together with a squeeze of lemon. Perfect for warm weather or as a unique twist on traditional lemonade.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
– 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
– 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 6-8 lemons)
– 1 cup sugar
– 4 cups water
– Ice cubes
Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, puree the strawberries until smooth.
2. Add the basil leaves and blend until well combined and fragrant.
3. In a large pitcher, combine the lemon juice and sugar. Stir until dissolved.
4. Add the strawberry-basil mixture to the lemonade and stir to combine.
5. Add the water and stir well to dilute the flavors to your liking.
6. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
7. Serve over ice and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes (prep time), 30 minutes (chilling time)
Iced Matcha Latte with Coconut Milk
Refresh your senses with this creamy and revitalizing drink, perfect for warm weather or any time you need a pick-me-up. This recipe combines the bright, grassy flavor of matcha green tea with the richness of coconut milk.
Ingredients:
– 1 teaspoon matcha powder
– 2 cups water
– 1/4 cup coconut milk
– Ice cubes
– Honey or sugar (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, whisk together matcha powder and water until smooth.
2. Fill a glass with ice cubes.
3. Pour the matcha mixture over the ice.
4. Add coconut milk and stir well to combine.
5. Taste and adjust sweetness as needed by adding honey or sugar.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 0 minutes (just whisk, pour, and serve!)
Watermelon Cucumber Cooler
Watermelon Cucumber Cooler: A Refreshing Summer Treat
Beat the heat with this light and revitalizing drink, perfect for hot summer days. This sweet and tangy cooler is made with refreshing watermelon and cucumber, a match made in heaven.
Ingredients:
– 3 cups cubed seedless watermelon
– 1/2 cup thinly sliced cucumber
– 1 lime, juiced
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Ice cubes (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a blender, combine watermelon, cucumber, lime juice, and honey.
2. Blend until smooth and creamy, stopping to scrape down the sides of the blender as needed.
3. Taste and adjust sweetness or tartness to your liking.
4. Pour into glasses filled with ice cubes (if desired).
5. Garnish with additional watermelon slices and a sprig of fresh mint, if desired.
Cooking Time: 5 minutes
Yield: 2-3 servings
Spicy Mango Margarita
Elevate your margarita game with this sweet and spicy twist! This Spicy Mango Margarita combines the freshness of mango with a kick of heat from jalapeño peppers.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz tequila
– 1 oz mango puree
– 1/2 oz lime juice
– 1/2 oz agave syrup
– 1-2 dashes cayenne pepper (depending on desired level of spiciness)
– Salt, for rimming glass
– Lime wedges, for garnish
– Fresh mint leaves, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Rim a rocks glass with salt.
2. In a cocktail shaker, combine tequila, mango puree, lime juice, and agave syrup.
3. Add 1-2 dashes of cayenne pepper to taste (depending on desired level of spiciness).
4. Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds.
5. Strain into prepared glass and garnish with a lime wedge and fresh mint leaves.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: None
Blueberry Lavender Sparkler
Elevate your cocktail game with this refreshing twist on a classic spritzer. The sweetness of blueberries pairs perfectly with the subtle floral notes of lavender, creating a unique and delightful flavor experience.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups mixed berries (blueberries, raspberries, blackberries)
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1 cup sparkling water
– 1 tablespoon dried lavender buds
– 1 lime, cut into wedges
– Ice cubes
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine blueberries and sugar. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes to allow the berries to release their juice.
2. Add the lavender buds to the pitcher and muddle gently with a spoon to release the oils and flavor.
3. Strain the mixture into glasses filled with ice cubes.
4. Top each glass off with sparkling water.
5. Garnish with a lime wedge and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Cold Brew Coffee with Vanilla Cream
Elevate your morning routine with this rich and creamy cold brew coffee infused with the sweetness of vanilla.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cold brew coffee
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
– 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. In a large glass or jug, combine the cold brew coffee and sugar. Stir until the sugar is dissolved.
2. Add the heavy cream to the coffee mixture. Whisk until well combined.
3. Add the vanilla extract and whisk until smooth.
4. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
5. Serve chilled, garnished with a drizzle of whipped cream or a sprinkle of cinnamon if desired.
Cooking Time: 0 minutes (since it’s cold brew!)
Enjoy your creamy and delicious Cold Brew Coffee with Vanilla Cream!
Peach Iced Tea with Honey
Beat the heat with this sweet and tangy peach iced tea infused with the warmth of honey. This refreshing drink is perfect for hot summer days or anytime you need a pick-me-up.
Ingredients:
– 1 quart water
– 4 peaches, sliced
– 1 cup strong brewed black tea (cooled)
– 2 tablespoons honey
– Ice cubes
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine the cooled brewed tea and sliced peaches.
2. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
3. Just before serving, stir in the honey until it dissolves completely.
4. Serve the peach iced tea over ice cubes and garnish with additional peach slices, if desired.
Cooking Time: None (just chill and serve!)
Enjoy your delicious and refreshing Peach Iced Tea with Honey!
Pineapple Ginger Turmeric Smoothie
Start your day with a refreshing and invigorating smoothie that combines the sweetness of pineapple, the spiciness of ginger, and the warmth of turmeric. This recipe is perfect for those looking to add a little extra nutrition and flavor to their morning routine.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup frozen pineapple
– 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, peeled and chopped
– 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
– 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk
– Ice cubes (as needed)
Instructions:
1. Add the pineapple, ginger, turmeric, Greek yogurt, and honey to a blender.
2. Blend on high speed until smooth and creamy.
3. Add the almond milk and blend until well combined.
4. Taste and adjust sweetness or spice level as desired.
5. Pour into a glass and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 5 minutes
Coconut Water Mojito
Escape the ordinary with this unique mojito recipe that combines the natural sweetness of coconut water with the tanginess of lime and mint. Perfect for hot summer days or anytime you need a revitalizing pick-me-up.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz white rum
– 1 cup coconut water
– Juice of 1 lime (about 2 tbsp)
– 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
– Ice cubes
– Club soda, to top
Instructions:
1. Muddle the mint leaves and lime juice in a cocktail shaker.
2. Add the rum and coconut water; fill with ice.
3. Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds.
4. Strain into a highball glass filled with ice.
5. Top with club soda and garnish with a sprig of fresh mint.
Cooking Time: None! This refreshing cocktail is ready to drink in just a few minutes.
Blackberry Sage Smash
Elevate your cocktail game with this refreshing twist on the classic Old Fashioned. The sweet and tart flavors of blackberries pair perfectly with the earthy notes of sage, creating a unique and delicious drink.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz bourbon or whiskey
– 1/2 oz simple syrup
– 1/2 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1/4 cup blackberry puree
– 2-3 sprigs of fresh sage leaves
– Ice
– Club soda (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a cocktail shaker, combine bourbon, simple syrup, and lemon juice.
2. Add blackberry puree and shake vigorously for about 10 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients.
3. Strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with ice.
4. Garnish with a sprig of fresh sage leaves.
5. Top with club soda, if desired, for added fizz.
Cooking Time: None
Yield: 1 cocktail
Espresso Martini with Kahlua
Elevate your cocktail game with this rich and decadent Espresso Martini, featuring the smooth flavors of Kahlúa.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 ounces vodka
– 1/2 ounce Kahlúa
– 1/2 ounce freshly brewed espresso
– 1 tablespoon simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– Ice
– Coffee beans or grinds for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add vodka, Kahlúa, espresso, and simple syrup to the shaker.
3. Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled martini glass.
5. Top with heavy cream, allowing it to flow slowly down the sides of the glass.
6. Garnish with coffee beans or grinds.
Cooking Time: None (just shake and serve!)
Pomegranate Rosemary Spritzer
This Pomegranate Rosemary Spritzer is a perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors, making it an ideal choice for warm weather gatherings or a relaxing evening at home.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups sparkling water
– 1 cup pomegranate juice
– 1/4 cup lemon-lime soda
– 1/4 cup simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– 1/4 cup fresh rosemary leaves
– Ice cubes
– Sliced pomegranate seeds for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine pomegranate juice, lemon-lime soda, and simple syrup.
2. Add fresh rosemary leaves to the pitcher and muddle (gently press) them with a spoon or muddler to release their oils and flavor.
3. Stir in sparkling water.
4. Fill glasses with ice and pour the spritzer over the ice.
5. Garnish with sliced pomegranate seeds and a few fresh rosemary leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: None! This recipe is ready in just a few minutes.
Avocado Banana Green Smoothie
Get ready to start your day with a refreshing and nutritious smoothie that combines the creaminess of avocado, sweetness of banana, and the earthy taste of green tea. This recipe is perfect for a quick breakfast or post-workout snack.
Ingredients:
– 1 ripe banana
– 1/2 avocado, peeled and pitted
– 1 teaspoon matcha powder (or 1 green tea bag)
– 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
– 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
– Ice cubes (as needed)
Instructions:
1. Add all the ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth.
2. Taste and adjust sweetness by adding more honey if desired.
3. Add ice cubes if you want a thicker consistency.
4. Blend again until the ice is crushed and the smoothie is creamy.
Cooking Time: 5 minutes
Passion Fruit Caipirinha
This refreshing take on the classic Caipirinha adds a burst of tropical flavor from passion fruit puree. Perfect for warm weather or any occasion that calls for a fun and fruity cocktail.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz Cachaça (Brazilian rum)
– 1 oz passion fruit puree
– 1 lime, cut into wedges
– 1 tablespoon sugar
– Ice
– Lime wheel, for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a shaker, combine Cachaça and passion fruit puree.
2. Add ice to the shaker and shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds.
3. Strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with ice.
4. Squeeze in a lime wedge and drop it in.
5. Sprinkle sugar on top of the cocktail, if desired.
Cooking Time: None!
Chai Spiced Hot Chocolate
Warm up on a chilly day with this aromatic and comforting hot chocolate recipe, infused with the spices of traditional Indian chai.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
– 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
– 2 teaspoons instant coffee powder
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
– 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (or to taste)
– 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, warm the milk over low heat.
2. Add the cocoa powder, coffee powder, cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, and cloves. Whisk until smooth and well combined.
3. Add the sugar and whisk until dissolved.
4. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and let cook for 5-7 minutes or until hot and fragrant.
5. Remove from heat and stir in heavy cream, if using.
6. Pour into mugs and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Raspberry Lime Rickey
This refreshing drink combines the sweetness of raspberries with the tanginess of lime, perfect for warm weather or as a pick-me-up any time of the year. With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you can create this delightful beverage in no time.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup fresh raspberries
– 2 cups lemon-lime soda (such as Sprite)
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
– Ice cubes
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, muddle the raspberries with a spoon or a muddler until they’re well crushed.
2. Add the lemon-lime soda, lime juice, and sugar to the pitcher. Stir until the sugar is dissolved.
3. Taste the drink and adjust the sweetness or tartness to your liking.
4. Fill glasses with ice and pour the Raspberry Lime Rickey over the ice.
5. Garnish with additional raspberries, if desired.
Cooking Time: None! This recipe is ready in just a few minutes.
Golden Milk Latte with Turmeric
Discover the soothing benefits of turmeric in this comforting golden milk latte recipe. Made with simple ingredients, this drink is perfect for a cozy night in or a morning pick-me-up.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup non-dairy milk (almond, soy, or coconut)
– 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
– 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. In a small saucepan, warm the non-dairy milk over medium heat.
2. Add the turmeric, ginger, honey, black pepper, and salt. Whisk until well combined.
3. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and let it steep for 5-7 minutes, or until the flavors have melded together.
4. Strain the latte into a mug. Serve hot, garnished with a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Summary
Beat the heat this summer with these refreshing drink recipes! From classic mojitos to innovative twists like strawberry basil lemonade and spicy mango margaritas, there’s something for every taste bud. Quench your thirst with fruity flavors like watermelon cucumber cooler and pineapple ginger turmeric smoothie. For a pick-me-up, try iced matcha latte or cold brew coffee with vanilla cream. And don’t forget sweet treats like peach iced tea and chai spiced hot chocolate. Whatever your craving, these recipes are sure to make your summer gatherings unforgettable!
