It’s the middle of summer, and you’re sweating bullets at home, at work, or wherever you may be. Suddenly, a delicious, chilly beverage sounds like the best idea you’ve ever had. Perhaps it’s a slushy margarita or a tall glass of refreshing iced tea you’re craving. Maybe you’d prefer a chilled glass of lemonade or a smoothie packed with exotic fruits.
No matter what you’re thirsty for, our round-up of the best summer drinks and smoothies will inspire you to try something new. These beverages are easy to make at home and give you a variety of options to please any palate. So, let’s get started and learn how to keep cool and hydrated when the temperatures soar. Whether you’re looking for a revitalizing iced tea, a lively lemonade, or a creamy smoothie to get your day going, we’ve got you covered. These recipes are simple to make and will be the perfect addition to any picnic, barbecue, or day at the beach.
And if you’re watching your waistline or trying to eat more fruit and vegetables, we’ve got some delicious and healthy options that you’ll love. While it may be tempting to reach for artificially flavored and loaded with sugars and syrup, the following recipes prove that healthy, nutritious drinks can be exciting too. You’ll find various options, from vegans to vegans and vegetarians to low-carb and keto lovers. So blend, brew, and stir your way to a refreshing summer with the following recipes.
1. Watermelon Mojito Recipe
A Mojito is a classic summer cocktail, but this virgin version is just as tempting! This refreshing mocktail blends the flavors of watermelon, lime, and mint for a delectable and unique drink. It’s perfect for any summer get-together or as a hydrating treat during a hot day.
Ingredients:
• ½ cup fresh mint leaves, packed
• 1 ½ cups chopped watermelon flesh (from about 1 small watermelon)
• 1 to 2 limes, peeled
• 1 tbsp. granulated sugar (or to taste)
• Club soda or sparkling water
Instructions:
1. Add the mint leaves, chopped watermelon, lime pieces, and sugar to a blender. Blend until smooth.
2. Pour the mixture through a fine-mesh strainer set over a large bowl. Use a spoon to press down and extract as much liquid as possible. Discard the pulp and seeds remaining in the strainer.
3. Pour the watermelon juice into a large pitcher, adding water or club soda to stretch the mojitos into serving portions. Stir well.
4. Serve over ice, topped with sparkling water or club soda, and garnish with fresh mint leaves.
Allergen Note: This drink is vegan and vegetarian; however, if you’re allergic to bees, we recommend checking the ingredients of the sparkling water or club soda brand before purchasing. Some sulfites and flavors may contain allergens.
2. Cooling Cucumber Spa Water
This cucumber water is a delectable, refreshing, and beautiful drink to serve at a summer brunch or backyard garden party. It’s a great way to use fresh garden cucumbers and herbs and will impress any guest.
Ingredients:
• 1 ½ cups thinly sliced English cucumber (about 1 large cucumber)
• ½ gallon cold water
• Ice cubes
• 4 to 6 fresh mint leaves
• 2 to 3 sprigs of fresh rosemary
• 2 to 3 sprigs of fresh thyme
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine the sliced cucumbers and cold water. Let the mixture sit in the refrigerator for 1 to 2 hours.
2. Before serving, add ice cubes to the pitcher. Garnish with fresh mint leaves and sprigs of rosemary and thyme.
3. Serve in individual glasses, preferably champagne flutes or wine glasses for a fancy touch.
Allergen Alert: This drink is vegan and vegetarian and generally safe for those with allergies. However, if you’re allergic to herbs like mint, rosemary, and thyme, it’s best to avoid this drink or replace the herbs with fresh basil or lemon balm.
3. Iced Chocolate Chai Latte
With a blend of coffee, chocolate, and chai spices, this latte is the perfect afternoon pick-me-up. It’s sweet, slightly spicy, and undeniably satisfying, giving you a boost to get through the day.
Ingredients:
• 2 cups milk (any variety)
• 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
• ½ cup sugar (more or less to taste)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ½ cup strongly brewed coffee or espresso, cooled
• Ice cubes
Instructions:
1. In a small saucepan, heat the milk, cocoa powder, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg over medium heat, stirring frequently, until sugar and cocoa powder are dissolved. Do not boil.
2. Remove from the heat and stir in the coffee. Let the mixture cool to room temperature. Then, transfer it to a blender and blend until foamy.
3. Pour the mixture into a pitcher, filling it only half full, as the foam takes up space. Stir in more milk to fill the rest of the pitcher.
4. For serving, fill a glass with ice and add the chai latte mixture, topping it with some foam from the blender.
Allergen Alert: This recipe is vegetarian; however, it contains dairy. For a vegan option, you can use plant-based milk to make this recipe.
4. Strawberry Banana Smoothie
This smoothie is a classic blend of strawberries, bananas, and milk that will transport you to a breezy, tropical paradise. It’s sweet, creamy, and a breeze to make for a quick breakfast or refreshing midday snack.
Ingredients:
• 1 cup frozen strawberries
• 1 ripe banana, frozen sliced bananas, or fresh
• 1 cup milk (any variety)
• 2 teaspoons honey or real maple syrup (more or less, to taste)
• ½ cup ice (more or less, to preference)
Instructions:
1. Add all the ingredients to a blender. Blend until smooth and creamy.
2. Taste and add any additional sweetener if needed. Add more ice for a thicker, colder smoothie.
3. Serve in glasses and enjoy this delicious and nutritious drink.
Allergen Alert: This smoothie is vegan and vegetarian; however, if you follow a plant-based diet, be sure to check the milk ingredients to ensure they align with your dietary choices.
5. Blueberry Muffin Smoothie
This smoothie tastes just like a blueberry muffin but in liquid form. It’s loaded with antioxidants, fiber, and protein to start your day right. So, if you’re craving something sweet and hearty in the morning, this is the recipe for you.
Ingredients:
• 2 cups frozen blueberries
• 1 ½ cups milk (any variety)
• ½ cup Greek yogurt
• 1 tablespoon honey (more or less, to taste)
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup quick-cooking oats
• ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions:
1. Add all the ingredients to a blender. Blend until smooth and creamy.
2. Taste and add any additional sweetener if needed.
3. Serve in glasses and enjoy this delicious and nutritious drink.
Allergen Alert: This smoothie is vegetarian; however, it contains dairy from the Greek yogurt. For a vegan alternative, try using plant-based yogurt in this recipe.
6. Mango Coconut Shake
This Philippine export is a refreshing, sweet drink that will transport you to a tropical paradise. This simple recipe combines the sweetness of mangoes, the creamy texture of coconut milk, and a tangy hint of lime for a delectable summer beverage.
Ingredients:
• 1 ½ cups frozen diced mangoes, unsweetened
• 1 ¼ cups coconut milk
• 2 tablespoons honey (more or less to taste)
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon grated lime zest
Instructions:
1. Add all the ingredients to a blender. Blend until smooth and creamy.
2. Taste and add any additional sweetener if needed.
3. Serve in glasses and enjoy a refreshing tropical experience.
Allergen Alert: This drink is vegan and vegetarian; however, if you have a coconut allergy, it’s best to avoid this drink altogether. Be sure to check the ingredients in the coconut milk brand to ensure it aligns with your dietary choices.
7. Iced Vanilla Latte
If you love the taste of a vanilla latte from your favorite coffee shop, you’ll love this iced version you can make at home. It’s easy to make and will keep you refreshed on a hot day while satisfying your coffee craving.
Ingredients:
• 1 cup water
• ½ cup milk (any variety)
• 2 tablespoons coffee powder
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 to 2 tablespoons sugar (more or less, to taste)
• Ice cubes
Instructions:
1. In a small saucepan, bring the water to a boil. Remove from heat.
2. In a small bowl, combine the milk, coffee powder, vanilla extract, and sugar. Stir until the coffee and sugar are dissolved.
3. Pour the mixture into a glass filled with ice. Top with additional ice, if needed, and stir.
Allergen Alert: This drink is vegetarian; however, it contains dairy. For a vegan alternative, try using a plant-based milk in this recipe.
8. Sparkling Mint Lemonade
Lemonade is a classic summer drink that bursts with refreshing flavor. This sparkling mint lemonade kicks it up a notch with the addition