Sip, Smile, Repeat: Refreshing Summer Drinks to Brighten Your Day

As the heat intensifies, there’s nothing quite like sipping and chilling with refreshing summer drinks to satisfy your thirst and cool you down. Whether you prefer non-alcoholic delights or cocktails, want to relax by the poolside, host a backyard barbecue, or simply chill in the sun, there are plenty of options to suit every taste. 

In this blog, we will explore the world of traditional summer beverages and offer 10 choices, along with their alcohol content, refreshing attributes, health advantages, sugar content, and appearance. These beverages give not only a cool break from the oppressive heat but also a chance to experiment with flavour and presentation while lowering ecological footprints by using sustainable methods. 

So, get ready to savour the flavours, feel the coolness, and embrace the joy of this vibrant season with every sip. 

Different Summer Drinks Choices

Let’s take a flavourful journey and discover an array of unique drinks that are sure to captivate your senses.

Classic lemon iced tea, (Tesco Real Food)

1. Iced Tea:

Topping our list is a timeless classic with origins in the 18th century. Suitable for tea lovers and those looking for a refreshing non alcoholic beverage and a pleasant taste that quenches their thirst, iced tea is perfect for hot summer days. Flavours range from black tea to herbals like chamomile and mint. This drink can be enjoyed as is or sweetened with sugar, honey or flavoured syrups. 

The refreshing watermelon agua fresca (the foodie physician)

2. Watermelon Agua Fresca:

A summer favourite, this non-alcoholic beverage combines fresh watermelon puree with a touch of lime juice and a splash of water. It’s a hydrating option that’s naturally sweet and low in calories. Whether you’re looking to actively reduce your alcohol intake in 2023 or love snacking on fruit, the agua fresca is an excellent beverage to have. This vibrant and hydrating beverage captures the essence of summer with its sweet and juicy flavours. It’s incredibly refreshing due to the high water content of watermelon, making it an excellent choice to beat the heat and stay hydrated.

The classic Mojito (southern living)

3. Mojito:

For those looking to add a little excitement to their summer beverage, the classic Mojito is an excellent choice. The mojito is a favourite cocktail, traditionally made with white rum, lime juice, sugar, mint, and sparkling water. It’s a cocktail that is enjoyed for its fresh and unique taste, and although the recipe has been revamped many times over with herbs and fruits, the classic is still the most adored. 

This iconic cocktail blends the refreshing flavours of mint and lime with a splash of rum. The mint and lime provide a cooling sensation, while the rum adds a subtle kick. Hence, this drink is the best of both worlds for those looking for a zesty and refreshing alcoholic beverage during summer gatherings or cocktail parties.

The refreshing cucumber lemonade (All Recipes) 

4. Cucumber-Lemonade Cooler Drink:

Summer can be really harsh at times! A classic summer drink, Cucumber Lemonade Cooler helps give instant relief during the summer season. Slices of cucumber are muddled and mixed with freshly squeezed lemon juice, water, and a touch of sweetener. 

This non-alcoholic drink combines the tasty flavours of fresh cucumber and lemonade for a revitalising experience. It has hydrating properties, provides a boost of vitamin C and is low in calories. Enjoy this cool drink for a perfect balance of flavours, and as an ideal choice to stay hydrated while enjoying a light and rejuvenating beverage.

Strawberry Basil Lemonade (all the healthy things)

5. Strawberry-Basil Lemonade:

Strawberry Basil Lemonade combines the tartness of lemon and the sweetness of ripe strawberries with a hint of basil’s herbal notes, a delicious twist on the classic lemonade. Make a puree of fresh strawberries and mix it with freshly squeezed lemon juice, water, and a little honey or sugar for sweetness. The result is a vibrant, flavourful lemonade with hints of fruit and herbs, perfect for summer indulgence. 

Pina Colada (the blond cook)

6. Pina Colada:

Pina Colada is a tropical cocktail that instantly transports you to a beachside paradise. This alcoholic, creamy, coconut-infused summer drink combines pineapple juice, coconut cream, and rum, served with ice and garnished with a pineapple wedge or a cherry. The combination creates a smooth and indulgent sip. It is a classic choice for those seeking a refreshing taste of the tropics.

Coconut Water (vogue.in)

7. Coconut Water

Coconut water is great for nutrient-rich hydration. It has many health benefits for the heart and kidneys. With its subtle sweetness and refreshing taste, the drink can be enjoyed chilled straight from the coconut or packaged. It’s a healthy, low-sugar alternative to traditional sugary drinks, offering a refreshing and nutritious experience. 

Mint Lemonade (catastrophic cook)

8. Mint Lemonade:

Mint Lemonade is a non-alcoholic option that combines the bright tanginess of lemonade with the cooling freshness of mint, served over ice and garnished with some fresh mint or a slice of lemon. Mint leaves are muddled and mixed with freshly squeezed lemon juice, water, and a touch of sweetener, such as sugar or honey. This combination results in a truly refreshing beverage. The mint leaves add a delightful cooling sensation, making it a perfect choice for hot summer days. 

Vietnamese Iced Coffee (allrecipes)

9. Iced Coffee

From a simple cold brew coffee to a creamy Indonesian avocado-coffee shake, cold coffee drinks are a go-to for beating the heat. Simply combine your coarsely ground coffee beans with water in a large vessel, then cover and let stand at room temperature overnight. The coffee can be customized with milk, cream, sweeteners, or flavoured syrups based on personal preferences. With its energizing caffeine and cold temperature, Iced Coffee is among non alcoholic beverages that must be tried.

Aperol Spritz (Better Homes & Gardens)

10. Aperol Spritz 

Aperol spritz was ranked as the world’s ninth best-selling cocktail in 2019 by the website Drinks International. This is an Italian wine-based drink commonly served as an aperitif (from the Italian word “Aperitivo,” literally meaning “appetiser”). It combines Aperol, a bitter orange liqueur, with sparkling wine, such as Prosecco, and a splash of soda water. The mixture is bittersweet and citrusy, offering a vibrant and refreshing taste. The cocktail is often garnished with a slice of orange and served over ice, making it a visually appealing choice for summer gatherings and outdoor events.

Do Your Summer Beverage Choices Harm the Environment?

Summertime activities frequently lead to higher consumption and trash production. Adopt a low-waste strategy to lessen your influence on the environment. 

Summertime gatherings and picnics can generate lots of plastic waste. These wastes will seriously pollute our environment, including oceans, which in turn will damage a whole lot of other ecosystems and, of course, marine life across the world. 

If you want to have a positive influence, choose providers that promote plastic-free alternatives like reusable straws and eco-friendly packaging or those who actively support campaigns to clean our oceans. To stop plastic waste from harming marine life, properly dispose of rubbish.

Make the most of a waste-free summer to inspire and educate others. Encourage sustainable behaviour among your friends, family, and neighbourhood. Share the advantages of waste reduction and provide helpful advice to inspire group action for a more sustainable future.

It is crucial to take into account the social issues connected to our everyday choices. By choosing summer drinks that support these causes, we can both enjoy the energising flavours of the season and make a difference in the world. Let’s raise a glass to a summer full of thoughtful decisions, environmentally responsible actions, and a more sustainable future.