Those wonderful travel cups and hand-blown glass tumblers aren’t going to fill themselves. This summer, get ready to fill up and cool down with these cold, thirst-quenching summertime drinks.
SPARKLING LEMONADE
What is lemonade but a combination of lemons and a hint of sweetness. Make your summer a healthier one by making your own lemonade from scratch. Adding sparkling water instead of flat turns this lemonade from plain to pleasing.
Use this recipe from The Chunky Chef with blueberries to make this a summer drink your guests will bubble over.
FANCY ICED TEA
An easy summer classic that is even better made at home. Start with your favorite tea – black, green, white or even herbal – and add the juiciest summertime fruits. Orange and rosemary, peaches and raspberries, lemon and basil, strawberry and mint – the combinations are endless!
For something a little more straightforward, try this Lime & Mint Iced Tea from Chowhound.
Mix your lemonade and ice tea together for one of many favorite summertime drinks around the country – better known as dirty water, half-and-half, or Arnold Palmer.
WATERMELON SLUSH
Who doesn’t think of watermelons when they think of summer? If you don’t, this drink will make you reconsider. Freeze chunks of fresh watermelon and blend with a splash of coconut water for a seriously refreshing and delicious summer drink.
Try this with any melon, from cantaloupe to honeydew. Or try this watermelon coconut smoothie from Jeanette’s Healthy Living is one even the kids will gulp down.
MINTY GREEN GOODNESS
Nothing can be cooler than cool – cool mint that is. Add mint, lime juice, a sweetener of your choice and blend together for a icy beverage that will help you chill, inside and out.
These mojito slushies from Delish.com will certainly make you forget about the heat.
Need something to put that delicious concoction in? Keep all your summertime drinks cool in this hand-crafted copper mug from India.
Post by Barbara Lee.
Barbara is a world traveler who is passionate about sustainable food systems, responsible consumerism, and holistic living. Her professional background and interests include writing, cooking, non-profit work, and eco-conservation.
