Summer heat can sap your strength before you know it. And, while store-bought can seem convenient, they’re frequently chock-full of artificial sweeteners and preservatives — not to mention unnecessary calories that wreak more havoc than good. The solution? Making your own refreshing drinks inside your kitchen.
While a walk to the store may be easier, plenty of freshly made summer drinks offer freedom from anything but fruit, water and maybe some sweetener giving you control over just how sweet things are, what fresh fruits can be coaxed into the concoction and what those chemicals in commercial spritzers really do. And homemade drinks are much less expensive than those from cafes or delis. And boy, oh boy am I glad I did – because today those cocktails are here for you! Whether you’re throwing a backyard BBQ or laying out by the pool (or even if you’re just trying to get through a heat wave!) these ten amazing drinks will keep you refreshed and happy all season long.
Every recipe here is accompanied by step-by-step instructions, a list of ingredients and tips that will make all the difference. Check out these amazing cold concoctions to keep yourself cool all summer long.
Why the Best Summer Drink Is Homemade, Not Store-Bought
But first, before we dive into the recipes, because homemade beverages have such value very little effort is involved in making them. Commercial beverages often have high-fructose corn syrup, that are associated with risk of several health problems such as obesity and insulin intolerance. Most also contain artificial colors and flavors, which have no nutrients.
When making drinks at home, choose what you are putting into your glass. Eating fresh fruits will give you those natural vitamins, minerals and antioxidants so important to your immune system. Herbs such as mint and basil provide flavor without contributing calories, all the while bringing their own health benefits. The natural sweetness of honey or maple syrup >>> Sustaining energy that won’t give you a sugar crash.
There’s yet another good reason to be making your own drinks: saving money. One smoothie at a juice shop can cost anywhere from $8-12, versus approximately $2 to 3 when made at home. Spread out over a summer, such savings could lead to few hundred dollars that families might use for eating out or other fun activities.
Grown Up Fresh Squeezed Lemonade
Lemonade is a quintessential taste of summer, but this take punches it up with fresh herbs and more even sweetness that doesn’t assault your taste buds.
What You’ll Need:
- 6 large lemons (for approximately 1 cup of juice)
- 6 cups cold water
- 3/4 cup sugar or honey
- A handful of fresh mint leaves (approx 10-12 leaves)
- Ice cubes
- Optional: lavender sprigs or basil leaves
Making Your Perfect Lemonade:
Roll your lemons firmly around on the counter, before cutting. This simple magic trick destroys the internal membranes and creates a lot more juice. Cut the lemons in half and juice them with a manual or electric juicer, capturing any seeds that come out and discarding them.
And then you will take 1C of water and add your sugar to it in a small saucepan. Heat this mixture on medium heat and keep stirring until sugar is fully dissolved. You end up with a simple syrup, which integrates much better into cold drinks than granulated sugar. Place your mint leaves in the hot syrup and let them steep for 5 minutes, then remove from heat and let the mixture cool completely.
Pour the cooled mint syrup through a fine sieve into a large pitcher to strain out the leaves. Stir in your fresh lemon juice and the additional 5 cups of cold water. Mix well and taste, adding sugar or tartness to your taste. And enjoy over ice with a sprig of fresh mint or slice of lemon.
Pro Tip: A pinch of salt brings out the lemon flavor but doesn’t make it taste salty. If you would like it less sweet, drop the sugar to 1/2 a cup and add more lemon juice for an even tangier punch.
Watermelon Cucumber Cooler
This uber-hydrating mix is a slightly tart, refreshing sip to enjoy on a blazing afternoon. Watermelon and cucumber both consist of more than 90 percent water, which helps you stay hydrated.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups cubed seedless watermelon
- 1 Cucumber (about) peeled and chopped
- Juice of 2 limes
- 2 tablespoons honey or agave
- 2 cups cold water
- Fresh mint leaves
- Ice
Preparation Steps:
Put the watermelon and cucumber in your blender. Pulse until smooth, about 30-45 seconds. Strain the blended mixture through a fine mesh strainer into a large bowl or pitcher, pressing gently with the back of a spoon to extract all of the liquid and leave behind the pulp.
Stir the lime juice, honey and cold water into the strained juice. Stir until honey is completely dissolved. Taste for sweetness and/or lime juice according to your preference. Chill in the fridge for a minimum of 30 minutes before serving so that all the flavors mix perfectly together.
Pour into glasses filled with ice and garnish with cucumber slices and mint leaves. This drink can be refrigerated for up to 2 days; its flavor is at its peak, however, within the first 24 hours.
Tropical Mango Lassi
This Indian-influenced yogurt drink mixes creamy smoothness with tropical sweetness, delivering probiotics as it refreshes. It’s a bit on the substantial side, so I’d even consider eating it for a light breakfast or an afternoon snack.
What You’ll Need:
- 2 ripe mangoes, skinned and chopped
- 1 cup Greek or regular plain yogurt
- 1/2 cup milk (dairy or alternative)
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder
- 6-8 ice cubes
- Pinch of saffron (optional)
Creating Your Lassi:
Add mango pieces, yogurt, milk, honey and cardamom in your blender. Add the ice and blend on high until everything is smooth/creamy/frothy, a little over a minute. The texture should be thick but looser than a milkshake.
If lassi is too thick, continue to add milk in 1 tablespoon increments until you’ve reached your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, add more yogurt or some frozen pieces of mango.
Divide among tall glasses, and top with a light dusting of cardamom or a few saffron threads. Some viewers like to add a dash of rose water for the authentic factor, but this is all about what you desire.
Health attributes: This is a protein rich drink (yogurt), also provides nutrition from mango of vitamin C and A. It has healthy bacteria for digestion; probiotics to promote a better insides.
Strawberry Basil Limeade
The unexpected pairing of strawberries and basil lends a refined taste that wows company but couldn’t be easier to make.
Ingredient List:
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
- 3/4 cup fresh lime juice, plus more to taste (from about 6 limes)
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 4 cups cold water
- Ice cubes
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Hull and quarter the strawberries and add them to a blender with the basil leaves, along with 1 cup of water. Blend until completely smooth. Pass this preparation through a fine chinois (conical strainer sieve) or a sieve with mesh so as to filter the pips and pieces of basil, pressing firmly to recover all the shaped water.
In a small pot, combine the sugar with 1 cup water and stir over medium heat until dissolved; let cool. Let this cool for 10 minutes. Stir the strawberry-basil puree, chilled simple syrup, lime juice and 2 more cups of cold water in a large pitcher and mix to combine.
Mix everything together and refrigerate for an hour before serving. The cold time helps the basil flavor really infuse through the drink. Pour over ice and garnish with whole strawberries and basil leaves.
Iced Coconut Coffee
Summer doesn’t mean coffee lovers have to give up their favorite drink. This coconut milk iced coffee is cold and refreshing, with a tropical twist that’s naturally sweet and perfectly creamy.
Required Ingredients:
- Coffee (strong brewed) 2 cups cooled
- 1 cup coconut milk (canned, or full fat works best)
- 2 tablespoons condensed milk or maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Ice cubes
- Shredded coconut for garnish (optional)
Brewing Your Perfect Iced Coffee:
Make your coffee a bit stronger than you normally would, as the ice will water it down. The general rule of thumb is to use 1.5 times the amount you’d normally add when using ground coffee grounds. Allow the coffee to cool after brewing it, or expedite by putting it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
In a shaker or tight-lidded jar, combine the cooled coffee with the coconut milk, sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract. Close the jar with a lid and shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds, until everything is homogenized and even slightly frothy. This can be shaken up in a shaker, or just whipped together in a bowl until well combined.
Fill glasses with ice and divide coffee mixture among them. Sprinkle with finely grated coconut or ground cinnamon if desired. To make this even creamier, freeze some coconut milk in ice cube trays and use them instead of regular ice cubes.
Peach Iced Tea
It’s Southern charm in a glass (that is also somehow refreshing and incredibly exciting, wtf).
Ingredients:
- 4 tea bags (black tea or something peach flavored)
- 4 cups boiling water
- 2 ripe peaches, sliced
- 1/3 cup honey
- 4 cups cold water
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Fresh mint (optional)
- Ice
Preparation Method:
Add boiling water to tea bags in a heat-safe pitcher; allow the tea to steep for 5-7 minutes according to your taste preference. Once you’ve got that perfect brew – remove the tea bags and stir in the honey, while the tea is still hot so it melts into liquid.
As tea cools, puree one of the peaches with 1/2 cup water. Strain the peach puree through a fine strainer to remove any bits. Pour the peach puree, cold water and lemon juice into the tea. Stir thoroughly and refrigerate until completely cold, at least 2 hours.
Pour over ice and garnish with fresh peach slices and sprigs of mint. This tea can be stored in your fridge for up to 3 days, and it tastes even better once the flavors have a chance to meld overnight.
Pineapple Ginger Refresher
A sweet pineapple spicy ginger mix that is both refreshing and invigorating with anti-inflammatory properties that make it as healthy as it is tasty.
What You’ll Need:
- 3 cups fresh pineapple chunks
- 2-inch piece fresh ginger, peeled
- Juice of 2 oranges
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 3 cups cold water
- Sparkling water (optional, for fizz)
- Ice
Making This Zingy Drink:
Slice your pineapple into chunks and remove the skin from the ginger roots so it blends easier. Transfer the pineapple, ginger and 1 cup water to your blender. Pulse on high until the ginger is fully blended and smooth.
Strain back through fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth, and squeeze as much of the juice out as possible. Doing so strains out the woody ginger pieces that might be unpleasant to drink. Stir in the orange juice, honey and the remaining 2 cups of cold water.
For a flat version, simply serve over ice straight up. For a sparkling version, decrease the cold water to 2 cups and pour in some sparkling water as you serve. The ginger gives it nice little punch that wakes up your palate but isn’t overpoweringly spicy.
Health Note: Ginger is good for digestion and settling an upset stomach, so this drink is wonderful after a heavy meal.
Berry Mint Agua Fresca
This fruity Mexican-inspired drink features the added punch of mixed berries in a light, not-too-sweet beverage that lets the flavors of good fruit shine through.
Ingredient List:
- 2 cups mixed berries (e.g., strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
- 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
- 1/4 cup sugar or honey
- Juice of 1 lime
- 4 cups cold water
- Ice cubes
Step-by-Step Process:
Wash your berries well, then place them in a blender along with mint leaves and 2 cups water. Puree on high speed until the berries are fully dissolved and pureed and a consistent color.
Using a spoon, press the berry mixture in the sieve to extract as much liquid as you can while removing seeds and pulp; pour it into a pitcher. Pour the sugar or honey into the filtered juice and mix until all of it is dissolved.
Add the lime juice and remaining 2 cups of cold water. Stir to combine and taste, adjusting the sweetness if necessary. Let it sit in the fridge, ideally for at least 30 minutes, before serving. This drink should err closer to barely sweetened fruit water than a thick juice — the point is for it to be refreshing, not heavy.
Pour over ice, top with fresh berries and mint leaves for appearance.
Need breakfast inspiration? Don’t miss 5 Quick and Healthy Summer Breakfast Ideas
Cucumber Mint Limeade
There’s something so luxurious about this spa-water and yet it is easy and cheap to make. It’s one of the most hydrating beverages in this list and it has a clean, crisp taste.
What You’ll Need:
- 2 large cucumbers
- 1 cup packed fresh mint leaves
- 3/4 cup fresh lime juice (from about 6 limes)
- 1/2 cup honey or agave
- 6 cups cold water
- Ice
- Lime slices and mint, to garnish
Creating Your Refreshing Limeade:
Peel and coarsely chop the cucumbers, and put them in your blender with the mint leaves and 2 cups of water. Puree on high until everything is completely liquified and smooth. Pass this mixture through a fine mesh strainer, or better yet, cheesecloth and press down very well to get all the cucumber-mint water out.
In a small saucepan, heat 1 cup of water with the honey over low/medium heat until it’s completely dissolved, stirring constantly. Allow this to cool. In a large pitcher, mix together the cucumber-mint water, honey syrup, lime juice and 3 cups cold water.
Mix well and chill for at least 1 hour before serving. The longer it sits, the better rooted mint flavor becomes throughout whatever you’re drinking. Strain over ice and garnish with cucumber ribbons (use a veggie peeler) and fresh mint sprigs.
With no calories, this great performance variety of Powerade will quench your thirst and replenish your electrolytes at the same time.
Orange Carrot Ginger Juice
This nutrient-dense drink brings you vitamin C, beta-carotene and anti-inflammatory goodness in shockingly tasty, sweet form.
Ingredients:
- 4 large carrots, peeled and sliced into 1/2 inch chunks
- 3 oranges, peeled and segmented
- 1-inch piece fresh ginger, peeled
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
- 2 cups cold water
- Ice
Juicing Instructions:
If you own a juicer then just turn the carrots, oranges and ginger through it following the manufacturer’s instructions. If using blender dice the veggies and put them into a blender along with 2 cups of water. Mix on high speed for 1-2 minutes, or until well combined.
Pour the blended fluid through a sieve lined with a thin cotton or muslin either connected to a ring over edge of large bowl or placed in metal or some other non-breakable, heatproof container and push/extract as much juice from puree by squeezing well. This is especially key, because the pulp from carrots can render your juice grainy and unpalatable. It should be smooth and bright orange.
Taste the juice and sweeten with honey if you like it sweeter, but the natural sugars from the carrots and oranges are usually sufficient. Best if served cool over ice immediately to receive freshest bold taste and keep all the nutrients!
Nutritional Benefits: This juice contains more than 200% of your recommended daily intake of vitamin A as well as high levels of Vitamin C, which boosts your immune system and keeps the skin healthy.
Keys to the Perfect Homemade Summer Drink
Blending truly great drinks depends not on recipes, but on a strong grasp of the fundamentals of what goes into a cocktail.
Temperature Is Key: Cold, Not equal when cold. Frozen fruit purees easier and makes a cooling frozen treat. For an even colder sensation, leave your pitcher or glasses in the freezer for 15 minutes before serving.
Because taste and texture is just an instant better with fresh: You can use frozen if need be, but it won’t taste as good. Summer: Enjoy shopping at the farmers market for peak-season, juicy, most flavorful fruits often priced less than grocery stores.
Balance Your Flavors: For all drinks, you want a balance of sweet and tart, sometimes bitter. Remember, be sure to taste for flavor testing and adjust as necessary. Begin with less sweetener than recipes suggest — you can always add more, but you can’t take it away. Learn more about balancing flavors in beverages.
Strain When Appropriate: Straining can help smooth out drinks (such as removing seeds, pulp and fibrous bits) to give them a nice mouthfeel. Take this step, even boring as it may seem.
Make Simple Syrup Ahead of Time: If you have a container of simple syrup (equal parts sugar and water heated until dissolved) in your fridge, sweetening cold drinks is as easy as adding a little bit to taste. It lasts for weeks, and blends better than granulated sugar.
Storage and Serving Suggestions
For homemade drinks, you can keep them in the refrigerator for 2-3 days as long as they are stored well in airtight containers. Dairy-based and yogurt drinks should be consumed within 24 hours for food safety.
For parties, make the drinks a few hours before and store in the refrigerator until guests arrive. Set up a self-serve drink station with ice, garnishes and nice glasses to facilitate entertaining. You could also freeze chunks of fruit to serve as decorative, flavor-enhancing ice cubes — they won’t water your drink down.
The drinks can be poured into mason jars, which are lovely and travel-friendly for picnics or the beach. Top with a pretty paper straw and ribbon twisted around the brim to take that photo-worthy sip for all your social media needs.
Comparison of Nutritional Benefits
| Drink Name | Calories (per serving) | Main Vitamins | Special Benefits | Best Time to Drink |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Classic Lemonade | 90 | Vitamin C | Energy boost, hydration | Anytime |
| Watermelon Cucumber Cooler | 45 | Vitamins A, C | Maximum hydration | Post workout |
| Mango Lassi | 180 | Vitamins A, C, Calcium | Digestive support, protein | Breakfast/snack |
| Strawberry Basil Limeade | 75 | Vitamin C, Folate | Antioxidants | Afternoon |
| Iced Coconut Coffee | 120 | B vitamins | Energy, mental alertness | Morning |
| Peach Iced Tea | 60 | Antioxidants | Gentle caffeine boost | Afternoon |
| Pineapple Ginger Refresher | 70 | Vitamin C, Manganese | Anti-inflammatory | After meals |
| Berry Mint Agua Fresca | 55 | Vitamin C, Fiber | Antioxidants | Anytime |
| Cucumber Mint Limeade | 35 | Vitamin K | Maximum hydration | Hot afternoons |
| Orange Carrot Ginger Juice | 95 | Vitamins A, C | Immune support | Morning |
Making Your Drinks Instagram-Worthy
It’s all about presentation, and what may just be a routine homemade drink is suddenly elevated. Use clear glass to display beautiful colors. Adorn with garnishes that complement the main flavors, mint sprigs for those made with mint, slices or wedges of fruit for those made with fruit. To LAYER, pour heavy liquids first then light liquid over back of spoon.
Freeze flowered or berry-laden ice cubes for added flair. Opt for brightly colored straws or those made of paper, bamboo or reusable silicone. Rim glasses with sugar, salt or coconut flakes by rubbing a lime wedge around rim and dipping it in your coating.
For pictures, use natural light (photography shows drinks in best-light) for the ideal and attractive pictures – take the shots near a window during daytime so your drinks’ colors will stand out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a way to prep these drinks in advance for parties?
Absolutely! The good news is that all of these recipes can be made 4-6 hours in advance. Keep in the refrigerator without ice and add the cubes just before serving. Dairy drinks (such as the mango lassi) should be made as late as possible, preferably 2 hours before serving. For larger quantities, triple or quadruple the recipe according to the amount of servings you want and make in a large drink dispenser.
How to make drinks less sweet The best ways?
Try with half the sweetener and taste before adding more. You can add more acidic ingredients, such as lemon or lime juice, to counter sweetness, or water or ice. Let’s expound on that a little: Everyone’s palate is different—what one person might call “perfect” another claims is “too sweet”—so adjust to taste.
Can I use frozen fruit instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen fruit is good in blended drinks and helps thicken the drink and make it cold. But you may need to reduce or even eliminate added ice due to the frozen fruit providing enough chill. Frozen fruit can taste just a touch less vibrant than fresh peak-season produce, but the convenience more than makes up for that when you want to enjoy your favorite fruits year-round.
What can I do to make these drink kid-friendly?
All of these recipes are kid friendly as written! For more selective kids, dial down strong flavors like ginger or mint and add a little sweetness. Get kids involved in preparing the drinks by washing fruit, measuring ingredients or adding garnishes — children are more likely to consume beverages they have had a hand in making.
What gear do I actually need?
You’ll want a good blender for most of these. A hand-held or manual citrus juicer makes extracting juice easier but is not essential. A fine-mesh strainer can improve the texture of many cocktails. Aside from those basics, you can prepare every recipe with standard kitchen equipment like measuring cups, spoons and a sharp knife.
Are the drinks friendly for someone who is watching their diet?
The majority of the recipes are vegetarian, in fact I’m pretty sure you could make them all vegan by using plant based milk/yogurt for the lassi as well as agave instead of honey. They’re gluten-free! Because they don’t contain any grain products. For a diabetic-friendly spin, cut way back on sweeteners or opt for sugar substitutes like stevia and concentrate on drinks that rely primarily on vegetables as well as low-sugar fruits (like berries and melons).
How can I keep drinks from becoming watery as the ice melts?
The most straightforward is ice cubes made directly from the drink, or ice cubes made from a juice that will pair well with your cocktail. When these little cubes melt, they keep the drink’s flavor instead of watering it down. Or opt for frozen fruit chunks as “ice cubes” that can impart flavor as they melt. Drinks served very cold from the refrigerator also means that the ice melts more slowly.
Is there any way to lower the sugar in these recipes?
Yes, and a number of people prefer less sweet beverages than traditional versions have been designed to offer. Fruit sugars are naturally very sweet on their own. Begin with half the sweetener recommended and taste for more only if necessary. If you slowly cut sugar in all of your foods and drinks, your taste buds will eventually adapt to crave less sweetness.
Conclusion on Staying Cool This Summer
Whipping up your own refreshing summer drinks moves a basic human need — staying healthy and hydrated — into an enjoyable ritual that saves money and delivers better nutrition than many store-bought beverages. Here, 10 recipes keep the choices fresh so that you don’t tire of your house beverage — from light and hardly sweet cucumber drinks to rich and creamy lassis that also act as a snack.
Play around with the recipes by substituting fruits depending on what happens to be ripe and available in your part of the world. Toss in your favorite herbs, tweak the sweetness to suit your tastes and make every recipe your own. That’s the magic of homemade drinks — there truly is no wrong way to make something that tastes good to you.
Begin with one or two recipes that look most inviting, and then add to your repertoire as you become comfortable with the technique. Well Make sure that you have fresh fruits, herbs and basic ingredients in your kitchen so that preparing a refreshing drink can be as quick and convenient as just picking something up from the store.
This summer, pass on the costly coffee shops and sugar-laden sodas. Instead, whip up something that’s fresh, natural and so much more gratifying. Your body — and your tastebuds! And your wallet! Your whole being will thank you for making the swap to homemade refreshment that helps fuel, hydrate and cool you down throughout the fiery season.
