8 Refreshing Summer Drink Ideas

On those hot summer afternoons or those warm, humid summer evenings, there’s nothing better than sitting out on a porch or deck and drinking something refreshing, alcoholic or not. It’s perfect for unwinding after a long day at work or an internship, or just catching up with friends. To help get those evenings started, here are some summer drink ideas you will definitely want to try!

1. Summer Beer

All it takes is 9 Coronas, 1 bottle of raspberry vodka, and 1 can of raspberry limeade. To complete the summer feel, pour over ice and serve in mason jars.

2. Sangria

You can’t go wrong with Sangria. There are so many ways to make it, but here’s a basic recipe. Combine 1 bottle of red wine,  2 tablespoons of sugar, 1 shot of brandy, and 2 cups of ginger ale or club soda. Squeeze the juice from one lemon (cut into wedges) and one orange (also cut into wedges) into the mixture, and throw what remains into the mixture. Chill overnight, and that’s it! There are many other fruits or flavors that you can add, and later there will be another sangria recipe.

3. Homemade Strawberry Lemonade

Who doesn’t love lemonade? You need a 1/4 pound of strawberries that have been cut in half; 2 lemons, quartered; 1/2 to 3/4 cup of honey or sugar (whichever you prefer) to taste; 6 cups of water; and ice. You blend the strawberries with 2 cups of water, the lemon, and the honey or sugar. Strain that mixture, and pour the other 4 cups of water through the strainer. Now you just taste it to see if you want any more sugar or honey in the lemonade, and serve it over ice. Perfect strawberry lemonade.

4. Agua Fresca

This can be made with an number of fruit combinations but here is one way to make it. Puree 2 unpeeled cucumbers, the juice of 2 limes, 3 tablespoons of sugar, 1 cup of water, and 1/4 cup of Serrano pepper. Strain the mixture, and serve it over ice.

5. Watermelon Coconut Cooler

Blend 8 cups of frozen watermelon, cut into cubes, 8 ounces of lemon vodka, 7 ounces of a simple syrup*, and a 17.5 ounce can of coconut juice. Use watermelon wedges as a garnish.

*The simple syrup is made by dissolving a cup of sugar into a cup of water over low heat. Let it cool and it will be the syrup.

6. Orange Berry Daquiri

A more sophisticated Strawberry Daquiri! Blend 2 cups of crushed ice, 1 cup of sliced strawberries, 4 ounces of light rum, 1 ounce of orange liqueur, 2 ounces of lime juice, and 1 tablespoon of super fine sugar. This makes about two servings. For the virgin version, just take out the alcohol components!

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7. Watermelon Cooler Punch

Watermelon is such a staple summer fruit. To make this punch, blend up 3 cups of chopped and unseeded watermelon. In a different bowl, combine 3/4 cup of sugar and 1/2 cup of mint leaves. Use a wooden spoon to crush the mint. After that, add 2 cups of white grape juice, 1 teaspoon of shredded lime peel, 3/4 cup of lime juice, and the watermelon puree. Stir until the sugar dissolves, and then add 32 ounces of club soda.

8. Sunset Sangria

As promised, here’s another sangria. (Is any list of summer drink ideas complete without it!?) Combine 2 teaspoons of shredded lime peel, 1 cup of lime juice, 3/4 cup of sugar, and 4 cups of water. Stir until the sugar dissolves, and cover and refrigerate for two hours. Pour 2/3 of a cup of this lime mixture into glasses, and slowly pour 1/2 cup of red wine down the side of the glass. For a nice garnish, skewer pieces of nectarine.

Voila! Just a few summer drink ideas to get you started on the right track. And don’t forget to follow our blog on bloglovin.com!

What are some of your favorite summer drink ideas?

Pictures and recipes taken from here, here, here, and here. Featured image source: weheartit.com