As the summer sun starts to rise and temperatures climb higher and higher, there's nothing more satisfying (and needed) than cooling down with a refreshing drink. The perfect summer drink should quench your thirst and provide a delightful mixture of different flavors to keep you hydrated.
Whether you’re lounging by the pool, hosting a party in your backyard or just seeking a moment of respite from the heat, these refreshing drinks will make this summer much more bearable. Thankfully, this article will provide you with examples and easy-to-follow drink recipes to enhance your summer experience this year!
Photo credits: Kaizen Nguyen from Unsplash
Have Something to Say? Write for Us!
Share your ideas and get published on The Teen Magazine. Whether it’s entertainment, wellness, or academics, your voice matters here!
Apply Now1. Classic Lemonade
When life gives you lemons, you better make lemonade! A classic and all-time favorite, lemonade is the definition of a refreshing summer drink. Its perfect balance of both sweet and sour makes it a huge among the people.
Ingredients
- 250ml cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 6 lemons)
- 200g cup sugar
- 1.25L of cold water
- Ice cubes
- Lemon slices and mint leaves for additional flavour
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, combine 250ml of water and the sugar. Heat the mixture over medium heat, and stir it occasionally, until the sugar is completely dissolved.
- Remove the mix from the heat and let it cool down. This is going to be your simple syrup for the lemonade.
- In a large pitcher, combine the freshly squeezed lemon juice and the simple syrup, which you just made.
- Add the remaining amount of cold water and stir it well.
- Add the ice cubes and garnish with lemon slices and mint leaves for extra flavour.
Photo credits: Francesca Hotchin from Unsplash
2. Iced Mocha
A mocha (chocolate latte) is a popular hot coffee drink on cold winter days, but this iced version is also perfect for a summer treat.
Ingredients
- 150ml milk (dairy or plant-based)
- 25g milk or dark chocolate
- Ice Cubes
- 35ml freshly made espresso
- 30ml double cream, whipped (optional)
- Pinch of cocoa powder, cinnamon, or both (optional)
Instructions
- Pour 50ml of the milk into a small pan and add the chocolate. Mix it well until it is completely melted and leave it to cool.
- Fill a large, tall glass with ice, then pour in the cooled chocolate milk and the remaining 100ml milk and stir to combine.
- Top up with more ice, then slowly pour in the espresso.
- Finish with a dollop of whipped cream and a dusting of cocoa powder, cinnamon, or both, if you like.
Photo credits: Pariwat Pannium from Unsplash
3. Iced Matcha Latte
For those who enjoy a caffeinated boost, an iced matcha latte is both refreshing and exceptionally tasty. Matcha is rich in antioxidants and provides a gentle energy lift without any jitters.
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon matcha powder
- 2 tablespoons hot water
- 250ml cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
- 1-2 teaspoons honey, sugar, or any other sweetener of choice
- Ice cubes
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk the matcha powder and hot water together until the matcha is completely dissolved and there isn’t any powder residue left.
- In a tall glass, combine the matcha mixture, milk, and honey (or your sweetener of choice).
- Fill the glass with ice cubes and stir it before drinking.
Photo credits: Andrea Lacasse from Unsplash
4. Tropical Mango Smoothie
A tropical mango smoothie feels like a well-deserved vacation in a glass. It’s creamy, fruity, and packed with vitamins, making it a great choice for a healthy summer treat.
Ingredients
- 1 ripe mango, peeled and chopped
- 125ml coconut milk
- 125ml Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 115g of ice cubes
Instructions
- In a blender, combine the mango, coconut milk, Greek yogurt, honey, and ice cubes.
- Blend until the drink is smooth and creamy.
- Pour into a glass and enjoy it immediately.
Photo credits: Jyoti Singh from Unsplash
5. Hibiscus Iced Tea
Hibiscus tea is not only beautiful but also incredibly refreshing with its citrusy, cranberry-like flavor. It’s a great caffeine-free alternative for some much-needed summer sipping.
Ingredients
- 1L water
- 7 tsp hibiscus tea (dried hibiscus flowers)
- 50 g sugar (or more if necessary)
- 30 g freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 100 g ice cubes, plus extra for serving
- Lemon slices
- Fresh mint leaves
Instructions
- In a pitcher, combine the dried hibiscus flowers and the boiling water. Let the mixture steep for around 15-20 minutes.
- Strain the hibiscus tea into another pitcher and discard the residual flowers.
- Stir in the honey or sugar until it's completely dissolved.
- Add the cold water, as well as the freshly squeezed lemon juice, and stir it well.
- Serve over ice cubes and add lemon wedges for more flavor.
Photo credits: Yeoul Shin from Unsplash
6. Berry Lemon Infused Soda
Infused water is a fantastic way to stay hydrated while enjoying subtle flavors and what is better than to add a spritz of fizz? This berry lemon soda combination is both refreshing and on top of that visually appealing.
Ingredients
- Mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
- 1 lemon, thinly sliced
- Sparkling water
- Ice cubes
- Fresh mint leaves for garnish
Instructions
- In a large pitcher, combine the mixed berries, lemon slices, and sparkling water.
- Stir it well and let sit in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to allow the flavours to infuse.
- Serve with ice cubes and garnish with fresh mint leaves for even more flavour.
Photo credits: Karly Gomez from Unsplash
7. Peach Iced Tea
Peach iced tea is a Southern classic that combines the powerful flavour of black tea with the sweetness of ripe peaches. It’s perfect for leisurely summer afternoons.
Ingredients
- 4 black tea bags
- 1L of boiling water
- 2 ripe peaches, chopped and sliced
- 4 tablespoons sugar
- 1L of cold water
- Ice cubes
- Peach slices and mint leaves for garnish
Instructions
- In a pitcher, let the black tea bags steep in boiling water for around 5-7 minutes.
- Remove the tea bags and stir in the sugar until it is completely dissolved.
- In a blender, puree the peach slices until they’re smooth.
- Strain the peach puree through a fine mesh sieve into the tea mixture.
- Add the cold water and stir well.
- Serve over ice cubes and garnish with additional peach slices and mint leaves.
8. Coconut Lime Mojito (Non-Alcoholic) For a tropical twist on the well-known cocktail, this coconut lime version is both refreshing and alcohol-free, making it a great drink for all ages during the hot summer days. Ingredients Instructions Photo credits: Encal Media from Unsplash These summer drinks offer a wide range of different flavours and ingredients, to make sure that there's something for everyone to enjoy. From the classic and simple to the tropical and exotic, each recipe will give you a refreshing escape from the soaring summer heat. So, grab the needed ingredients, mix up a batch of one (or all of them!) of these lovely drinks, and make this summer one you won’t forget. Cheers!
