Stay Cool with Summer Drinks: Favorite Recipes for Quenching Your Thirst

Summer is the time to stay cool with delicious beverages. That's why you'll want some summer drinks on hand next time you entertain. Whether you are having the neighbors over, or just hanging out on the back porch or patio, these concoctions will quench your thirst and have you wishing that summer was longer than just 12 weeks!

That's why I love sharing these classic summer drink recipes.

Most of these summer drinks are either non-alcoholic, or can be made without alcohol, for the younger crowd and those who do not imbibe. And they are all immensely refreshing! Just take your pick and have some fun. After all - that's what the season is all about.

Enjoy Mexican or Central American cuisine? Then perhaps you want to know how to make agua fresca - also known as "fresh juice." This non-alcoholic concoction is perfect for a barbeque, picnic, brunch or other gathering. Kids absolutely love it (and its a great way to sneak in some servings of fruit).

This recipe is so easy, you kids can even help stir it up. Just be sure to supervise. Adults should always do any cutting or chopping.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 large seedless watermelon, cut into cubes (rind removed)
• 1/2 c. fresh lime juice
• 1/2 c. sugar

Directions:

Place watermelon cubes onto a baking sheet and freeze for 1 hour. In a blender, combine the ingredients (best to do half each at a time). Blend until smooth. Garnish with a lime, if desired and serve immediately.

If you want to kick it up a notch, consider adding 1/4 c. rum or vodka while blending.

This one serves 6, so plenty to go around!

I love, love, love coffee! I practically live on it. But who wants to shell out for expensive Frappucinos, or even iced coffees these days? You won't want to after preparing your own, homemade coffee milkshake. So delicious, you'll have to remind yourself to stick to just one (per day).

This recipe serves two, very generously! Add whipped cream on top if you want.

Ingredients:

• 3 c. premium coffee ice cream (Starbucks makes a nice version)
• 1 c. 2% milk
• 1 t. instant espresso powder
• 1/3 c. dulce de leche or cajeta (a paste made from caramelized milk and sugar found in Latin American groceries or specialty food stores)

Directions:

Simply combine all ingredients, with a pinch of salt, into a blender and process until smooth. Pour into 2 glasses and serve immediately.

For a lower-calorie coffee treat, take your leftover brewed coffee from the morning, pour it over ice, then add 2-3 T. whole milk or cream and/or 2 T. chocolate syrup or caramel syrup. A skinny version can be made with skim milk and 1 packet of Splenda or other sugar substitute.

Ahhh.... I just love a mojito! This is a classically Cuban cocktail that should make anyone (over age 21) smile. This recipe is for a single serving, so be sure to pick up extra ingredients if you are having friends over.

If you want to enjoy a refreshing beverage without alcohol, simply delete the rum and you'll have a great tasting lime soda drink.

For those watching their sugar, club soda is 100% calorie-free.  Simply replace the sugar with 1 packet of artificial sweetner, and you save about 20-30 calories per serving.

Ingredients:

• 1 t. granulated sugar
• 1 T. fresh lime juice
• 1/4 c. fresh mint
• 1 oz. white rum
• 2 oz. club soda

Directions:

Mix the sugar and lime juice in a single tall glass. Add several ice cubes and then a few sprigs of mint. Next, add the rum and club soda. Stir and enjoy.

Don't forget your guests! You'll need to repeat several times to make sure everyone has their Mojito on!

If you really want to make a "classic" mojito, be sure to "muddle" the mint before adding it to the drink.

Iced tea is a classic summer drink, but perhaps you want to make it more special? You can, and it is so easy!

With this recipe, you can add chopped fresh nectarines. Feel free to replace with peaches, cantaloupe, oranges, or even plums. Use your imagination and enjoy a delicious glass of summer.

Ingredients:

• 1-2 c. chopped fresh fruit (pick from nectarines, peaches, etc.)
• 1 quart freshly brewed tea, cooled
• 1-2 T. sugar
• 1-2 sprigs fresh basil

Directions:

Fill 1-2 glasses with ice, then tea. Add fresh fruit and sugar, then stir. Garnish with sprigs of basil.

What I like best about homemade lemonade is that you can control the sweetness and tartness yourself, and even make sugar-free lemonade with zero calories.

This summer drink recipe is by the glass, so just be sure to double, triple or quadruple it for your family or guests.

Ingredients:

* 1 ripe lemon
* 2 c. fresh water
* 2 T. sugar (or one packet sweetner)

Directions:

Roll the lemon on the counter, pressing gently. Cut in half, then squeeze both halves into a tall glass, taking care not to allow seeds to fall in. Add sugar, then water and ice. Stir. Garnish with a lemon slice if desired.

For a great alcoholic version, add 1-2 oz. vodka!

Summer sipping means watching your calories and consumption. Wine spritzers are a great way to enjoy a glass of wine in better moderation.

All you need for this concoction is:

• 6 oz. white wine
• 1-2 oz. fruit juice (best is pomegranate or cranberry)
• Ice cubes

Combine and enjoy! Alternatively, you can combine 4 oz. white wine, 1 oz. fruit juice and 1 oz. seltzer water for a bubbly, refreshing drink.

Did you enjoy this article? If so, please leave me a comment below and tell me what you liked best!

For more information about the author, Stephhicks68, please visit my profile page here on HubPages.

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