When the sun is blazing, there is nothing more refreshing than a nice, refreshing summer time drink. Summer is practically synonymous with iced tea and lemonade, but they aren’t the only thirst quenchers that are a pleasure to sip. Summer is the time for parties and get-togethers. Why not think out of the box and surprise your guests with something a little unique? Below are a few summer drink recipes that would be perfect to serve at your next barbeque that are sure to get plenty of rave reviews!
Peach Cooler- This ice-y and frothy drink tastes just like summer should. It has a super peachy flavor with a just a hint of orange that are the perfect combination on a hot summer’s afternoon.
To make: Mix 1 cup fresh peach slices with ¼ cup orange juice,1 cup milk, 2 TBSP. sugar, 1 tsp. vanilla, 1 cup ice in a blender until smooth. Immediately pour into four glasses and top with frozen raspberries if desired.
Cherrylicious- This drink is so light and refreshing that it is perfect for sipping while lounging by the pool or on a picnic at the park. The Cherrylicious can be served over ice or mixed with ice in the blender for a frozen treat.
To Make: Mash 1 cup of pitted cherries and 2 TBSP. sugar into a paste consistency. Stir in ¼ cup of lime juice and 3 cups of lemon-lime soda. Tear a mint leave If you would like to make this drink a cocktail, add 8 oz. of dark rum.
Strawberry Sunrise- This is a great pick me up drink to have first thing in the morning. It is full of vitamins and antioxidants and tastes of pure sunny goodness.
To Make: Pour 1 cup of orange juice into a blender. Add three or four strawberries, ½ of a banana, 1 cup milk, 2 TBSP. sugar and 1 cup of ice. Blend until smooth. Serve in four glasses and garnish with a strawberry and orange slice.
Strawberry Limeade- This drink was made popular in the 1950s and remains a popular staple in soda shops and drive-ins still today.
To Make: Pour 1 1/2 cups strawberries, 1 cup of fresh lime juice, 1/2 sugar in a blender and blend until smooth. Pour into four ice-filled glasses and garnish with strawberries and lime wedges.
Lemon Sky- Blueberries are perfect when they hit their peak of ripeness in the summer time. They don’t last long though, so make this delicious lemon-berry drink before they are gone for the season!
To Make: In a large glass pitcher, mix 1 cup of simple syrup with 2 cups of lemon juice. Add ½ cup blueberry puree (made by pureeing 1 cup blueberries with 2 TBSP. sugar in a food processor), and ice cubes. Serve over ice and garnish with frozen blueberries and lemon slices.
These drink recipes are not only the perfect thing to have on a hot summers day, they are also super easy to make and much healthier than the pre-made drinks you purchase at the grocery store. Plus, they are the perfect way to use up all of those fresh fruits growing in the garden.
