I have a drinking problem. No…I mean it. I do.
I have this quirk, need, or whatever you want to call it…to have a drink of sorts nearby at all times. It does not matter the season, day of the week, or time of day. I need a a digestible liquid at my disposal, no matter what.
While I go through a range of cravings through the year when it comes to liquid refreshment, I do particularly love the warmer months.
Don’t misunderstand me. I do very much enjoy those perfect frothy pumpkin spice lattes, hot chocolate, ciders, Irish coffee, etc. between the months of October and March. I imagine I will be expanding on those colder weather drinks when Fall comes around again!
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Warm Weather At Last…
Today belongs to Spring and Summer. You know those drinks. They are everywhere you turn, starting in March. They feel healthy…well, because they often times involve vegetables or fruit. The colorful advertisements tug at your taste buds. Some of the flavor combinations leave your curiosity burning.
(Like… who thought of putting fresh ginger or garlic into a cocktail, anyway?)
Before you know it, you begin longing for views of turquoise water, the feel of sand in between your toes, and some kind of festive, refreshing drink in hand.
I have to admit, some of the combinations I’ve heard of in recent years, have left me baffled as to how such flavors could possibly even work well together. Upon being brave enough to taste, I have more often than not, learned that ingredients can be quite deceiving.
I give credit to those I learned from during my time in the hospitality business, especially bartenders. They come up with some very “Interesting” recipes.
In my excitement over the rising temperatures here recently, I started considering some of the intriguing seasonal drink recipes I have come across in the past. Some of these recipes are for drinks I have actually tried at some point. Some are newer creations I have just discovered and can’t wait to try.
All of them are light and refreshing and easy to make. Of course, as usual, I got caught up in the browsing and went overboard a bit.
It’s that damn Over Achiever part of my brain, I guess!
In any event, peek through the list and embrace those spring and summer time vibes knocking at the door! I can think of no better way to start the season off, then with a yummy drink of some sort, in hand! Any of these gems will do the trick!
Our Favorite Bar Accessories
Non-Alcoholic Summer Mocktails
I love this recipe for two reasons. First, it adds just enough flavor to the water, so it isn’t quite so boring. Cucumbers also happen to be one my favorite vegetables. Win/Win for a refreshing drink when none of the other options seem appealing!
We have a neighbor who has brought a watermelon to us on occasion through summer months. This refreshing drink recipe is a great way of using that watermelon and it is of course, kid friendly! Absolutely delicious!
3. Pineapple Peach Agua Fresca
I am a huge fan of pineapple, so this drink is right up my alley. Add the peaches and mmm…Sweet Hydration!
Yet another light refreshing summertime drink that isn’t too strong in flavor. The mint balances the lime and the cucumber adds just a touch of sweetness to the mix. Easy to make and thirst quenching!
Grab The Full Version of our new cookbook, “Crostini, Canapés, & Toasts” Here!
Colorful And Delicious!
Cantaloupe isn’t the first fruit that comes to mind when I think of juice flavors, but this mocktail sounds really delicious. I may have to make this concoction the next time we have a barbecue, to see how it pairs.
6. Refreshing Hibiscus Iced Tea Sparkler
I am a big fan of tea in general (usually Hot), so this recipe caught my attention. I’m not very fond of most sweetened and unsweetened iced tea that I have tried over the years. I’ve just never found a recipe that hits the mark. They are always too sweet or not nearly sweet enough. This recipe fits the bill. It has that splash of tart from the lime and subtle hints of cranberry for flavor. If it’s not quite sweet enough, a bit of honey will make it right. A great cool alternative for tea lovers during warmer months.
7. Rosemary Plum Italian Cream Sodas
This summer time mocktail takes me back to my childhood in a way. My grandfather was really big on fruits, plums being one of his favorites. My afterschool snacks usually involved plums for a while there. Plums are in fact one of those fruits I probably will never turn down. They are delicious in my opinion! The cream added to this recipe is just that lovely decadent aspect to make the fruit stand out even more. Yum!
Creamy Decadence…
This one needs no help! Pineapple, coconut, and ice…I’m done. My favorite is the Alcoholic version listed later. However, you can’t Always have an actual cocktail! If cravings for my favorite flavors hit at 10am when the sun is already beating down, Virgin it is!
Look, in all honesty…condensed milk as one of the ingredients, caught my attention and there was no more to the debate on trying this. My family has on occasion, drizzled condensed milk over certain cakes and ice cream before. (They make a squeeze bottle version perfect for that!)
Add a bit of lime for a nice contrast and this yummy chilled drink will immediately become a favorite!
Like I mentioned earlier, I have tried some drinks that I would never have even thought of. I guess I am maybe a bit naive when it comes to the herbs I typically use for cooking, and their many uses. While the basil aspect in this drink would normally catch me off guard, when mixed with the strawberry, it creates a very nice balance of flavors. Completely refreshing, fruity, and satisfying!
Mmm…Honey
Not a huge lime fan, I admit, but this is a really nice drink. The honey prevents the time from taking completely over. The ginger adds a little spice, while contributing to good digestive health. It is refreshing and easy to make!
Mai Tai’s are super popular. They seem to be the number one ordered drink, especially when on vacation. It is the perfect blend of fruit juices for that sweet flavor you crave on a hot summer day, but with just a touch of tart to balance it out. What’s even better is that you can enjoy this drink any time of the day without guilt. It has no alcohol!
Raspberry is a flavor I do enjoy, but cream is something I enjoy even more! This drink lends a bubbly aspect at the same time it involves a creamy consistency. Add in that tart raspberry flavor to even it out, and Enjoy! Easy to make and kid approved!
Who Likes Smoothies?
14. Blueberry Smoothie Recipe With Mint
With just 5 ingredients and a few minutes of time, you can have a healthy breakfast to go! Creamy, cold, and smooth, it is perfect for the warmer months of the year. The kids will love it and so will you!
15. Watermelon Cucumber Basil Lemonade
While watermelon isn’t a fruit I crave often by itself, it is one that enhances many different types of recipes. Cucumber is also naturally refreshing. When you combine that with the sweeter flavor of the watermelon, you end up with a super refreshing way to hydrate.
Last year, we utilized watermelon, cucumber, along with a host of other vegetables, for gazpacho. This year we will have to try the drink route when we pick up watermelon!
16. Non-Alcoholic Sangria Mocktail
I absolutely love sangria…all of those fruits involved…Yum! I love it even more when I can serve it at a kid friendly event and not worry about what liquids the kids are getting a hold of! This sangria is perfect for exactly those occasions. Fruity, refreshing, and guilt free!
Almost Too Pretty To Drink…
17. Frosty Coconut Mint Green Tea Mocktail
Coconut and mint…again, two flavors I think of during the spring and summer months. Both flavors combined together, deliver a subtle refreshing response to your taste buds. This recipe is super easy to make, even while on the go. It is nice break from the fruity go-to’s and quenches your thirst every time.
18. Lavender Lemonade Mocktail
The first time I ever tried anything that involved lavender, was a cake. It was delicious! I haven’t tried this drink yet, but based on the ingredients, I’m sure it will move toward the top of my favorites list when I do!
19. Blueberry Mojito Mocktails
This is yet another favorite for those warm summer days, when you want something a little different. For all of those blueberry lovers out there, this drink is a must try! The recipes involve just 5 ingredients and very little time for a yummy way to cool down.
20. Easy Strawberry Banana Milkshake
Strawberry and Banana…say no more! This is one of my favorite flavor combinations of all time and we tend to make this milkshake often in our house throughout the entire year! When you’re craving something other than just plain vanilla or chocolate, but you want a cold creamy milkshake, this is the one to go to. Never disappoints!
Grab The Full Version of our new cookbook, “Crostini, Canapés, & Toasts” Here!
Alcoholic Summer Cocktails
1. Sumo Citrus Creamsicle Screwdriver
Yay! A Creamsicle that involves a bit of a buzz! I loved Creamsicle pops as a kid and still do! This drink knocks it out of the park, for me! Love it!
This recipe is an even better version of the non-alcoholic version above. This adult cocktail version features a much larger variety of fruit and a light wine base. It is refreshing on even the hottest of days and easy to prepare.
3. Frozen Pineapple Margaritas
This tasty pineapple margarita involves only a few ingredients that you can pick up at the grocery store, and very little time. I love margaritas anyway on a nice summer day, but that extra pineapple spin on the concept, makes this drink even more rewarding.
Ah, yes…the Pina Colada. I have to have one of these favorites at least once a year. For me, it is just that drink that symbolizes breezy warm weather, the beach, relaxation, and vacation. I love this particular version of the frozen drink with it’s dark rum floater. Only 4 ingredients and super easy to make!
5. Lava Flow Drink Recipe (Creamy Hawaiian Drink)
This famous Hawaiian drink is another spin on the original Pina Colada. The only real difference is the addition of strawberries and banana. The process in which it is made, is another story. It requires just a couple of easy steps to finish with the visual effect. It is yummy and artistic at the same time!
What’s Better Than Adult Slushies?
This peach delight is another drink you can put together very easily on a whim. It involves just a few ingredients you can quickly grab at the grocery store and a few minutes of time with the blender. Great for breakfast or brunch!
7. Coconut Cream and Lime Margarita
When you’re tired of the same routine of ordering that oh so yummy original margarita, try this spin on it! Anything with coconut cream has to be good anyway, right? But what about coconut cream with a lime accent? Yes, please! Don’t leave out the rim this time…it’s one of the best parts of the drink!
This is another one of those cocktails you wouldn’t really consider in terms of ingredients. When you sip on it, you don’t notice the basil. The pineapple is the flavor that prevails while the basil gives the drink a pretty green presentation. This is another drink that is easy to make with just a few ingredients you may even have around your house already!
Carrots…What?
This drink doesn’t surprise me much in terms of ingredients coming together as they do. We routinely use carrots in a variety of ways, in our house. Adding the sweetness of the coconut rum and simple syrup gives you a much broader perspective when it comes to carrots. Not to mention, they are good for your eyes, right? (tho, not sure that’s helpful after a couple of these guys!) The fact that you can have this drink knowing there is at least some healthy aspect, takes the recipe up a notch in my book!
10. Cucumber Avocado Daiquiri Recipe
I love the color of this drink, first of all. Second of all, I love avocados. Third, I also love cucumbers.
I am indeed a vegetable addict. (I’m a meat & potatoes gal too, but I do need the veg. aspect).
So what’s better than those vegetables alone? Having them combined into a drinkable version with a touch of rum to accent the flavor!
You don’t have to ask me twice!
11. Minty Watermelon Cucumber Margaritas
Not only is this summer cocktail pretty and festive, but it also combines two flavors that always seem to naturally compliment one another…Cucumber and Watermelon. It involves just a handful of ingredients and 10 minutes of time. Make a pitcher of it for your next barbecue or party and take the work out of entertaining, at the same time!
Fruity & Spicy…
12. Spicy Mango Jalapeño Margarita
Mmm…Anytime I have ever seen an item with the words “Mango” and “Spicy” listed together, I have taken on a “Need To Know” sort of mindset. Mango and heat tend to love each other. The jalapeno note to this recipe adds just the right kick for those spice lovers out there. Great hang over alternative if you’re not much into tomato.
13. Raspberry Limoncello Prosecco
Looking for a light fruity drink on a warm Sunday afternoon? Try this bubbly mix! Perfect for brunch or a lunch date with friends. It is also perfect for holiday gatherings, a day by the pool, etc. It isn’t too strong in alcohol, which makes it a perfect treat anytime you need a bit of liquid refreshment.
This cocktail might seem like more of a fall drink, but I am willing to sip on it any time of the year. The maple and cinnamon are what get me. When you add those flavors to the spicy of the bourbon, you end with a beautifully balanced concoction that goes right to the soul.
Feeling That Ocean Breeze…
What a festive summer time drink! The blue color reminds you of the sea, as does the coconut rum. Just add a bit of blue raspberry vodka and sprite…Done. Feel like you’re on a tropical beach somewhere even when you’re not!
This happens to be another drink I think of when planning a pool side sort of day. Rum punch is a popular cocktail everywhere you go and is very easy to make. It is colorful, refreshing, and fruity. Everything you think of when vacation comes to mind.
This is a much sweeter take on lemonade for those who don’t enjoy bitter or tangy flavors so much. The grenadine, simple syrup, and sparkling water all help to neutralize the strong lemon flavor, without diminishing it altogether. It is another drink that is super easy on a whim and instant gratification on a hot day.
Mojito With A Spin…
Lavender and lemon tend to compliment one another quite nicely. With just a touch of mint to add a subtle balanced tone to the mix, you’ve got a delicious summer time cocktail. It is light in flavor and the perfect alternative when you’re not in the mood for anything too fruity.
I love this recipe for warm weather. Not only is it pretty and colorful, but is subtle in flavor as well. I don’t always like strong fruity flavors in my drinks. Sometimes, I need just a a bit of flavor that doesn’t take over completely. This bubbly cocktail does the job beautifully. Just a few ingredients and 5 minutes of time, and ready to enjoy!
20. Tequila Sunrise
This drink is yet another classic that comes to mind during the summer months. With just 3 ingredients and a few minutes of time, you have a fruity refreshing drink that also has a nice visual appeal to it. Delicious!
Now that you are fully equipped with a thirst quenching starter list for the season, all that’s left to do is Enjoy!
I am always looking for recipes I haven’t yet stumbled upon. Feel free to enlighten us in the comment section below, with any favorite drink of yours that you look forward to, during the warmer months of the year!
Until Next Time,
Cheers!
Thank you – some great summer recipes for me to try here!xxx
You’re welcome and thank you for reading!
So many great choices! All would be great for get togethers and summer gatherings.
I actually just bought cucumber, coconut milk and a few other ingredients so I can experiment with the drinks I haven’t tried yet 🙂
All these sound so refreshing! Love a good cool drink on a summer day. Would love to try these.