Summer is the perfect time to enjoy refreshing drinks that can cool you down and quench your thirst. Whether you’re lounging by the pool, hosting a barbecue, or simply relaxing at home, these refreshing summer drinks are sure to delight. Here are some easy and delicious recipes to help you beat the heat.
- Lemon Mint Iced Tea
Ingredients:
- 4 tea bags (black or green tea)
- 4 cups boiling water
- 1 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 cup honey or simple syrup
- 1 cup fresh mint leaves
- Ice cubes
- Lemon slices and mint sprigs for garnish
Instructions:
- Steep the tea bags in boiling water for 5 minutes. Remove the tea bags and let the tea cool.
- In a large pitcher, combine the cooled tea, lemon juice, honey or simple syrup, and fresh mint leaves.
- Stir well to combine. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to chill.
- Serve over ice, garnished with lemon slices and mint sprigs.
- Watermelon Cucumber Cooler
Ingredients:
- 4 cups watermelon cubes (seedless)
- 2 cups cucumber, peeled and chopped
- 1 cup fresh lime juice
- 1/2 cup honey or simple syrup
- 1 cup mint leaves
- Ice cubes
- Lime wedges and mint sprigs for garnish
Instructions:
- In a blender, puree the watermelon and cucumber until smooth.
- Strain the puree through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any solids.
- In a large pitcher, combine the strained puree, lime juice, honey or simple syrup, and mint leaves.
- Stir well to combine. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to chill.
- Serve over ice, garnished with lime wedges and mint sprigs.
- Pineapple Coconut Smoothie
Ingredients:
- 2 cups fresh pineapple chunks
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
- 1/4 cup honey or simple syrup
- 1 cup ice cubes
- Fresh pineapple and coconut flakes for garnish
Instructions:
- In a blender, combine the pineapple, coconut milk, orange juice, honey or simple syrup, and ice cubes.
- Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Pour into glasses and garnish with fresh pineapple chunks and coconut flakes.
- Serve immediately.
- Strawberry Basil Lemonade
Ingredients:
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and halved
- 1 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 cup honey or simple syrup
- 1 cup basil leaves
- 4 cups cold water
- Ice cubes
- Lemon slices and basil sprigs for garnish
Instructions:
- In a blender, puree the strawberries and basil leaves until smooth.
- In a large pitcher, combine the strawberry-basil puree, lemon juice, honey or simple syrup, and cold water.
- Stir well to combine. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to chill.
- Serve over ice, garnished with lemon slices and basil sprigs.
