The arrival of summer brings with it the craving for refreshing iced beverages that quench our thirst and keep us cool on hot days. Here are 10 of the best summer drinks to cool off. From traditional sodas to unique thirst-quenching concoctions, these delicious drinks will keep you refreshed all summer long.

1. Classic Lemonade

There's nothing better than sipping on a freshly made lemonade while battling the heat. The sweet and tangy combination of fresh lemon, sugar and water is an all-time classic that never disappoints.

recipe

To make a can of classic lemonade, you'll need the following items:

●  1 cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice

●  1 cup of sugar

●  4 cups of cold water

Combine ingredients effortlessly in pitcher, stir until sugar melts, cool and serve over ice.

Variety

To give traditional lemonade a special flavor, you should add fresh herbs like mint or basil, or refine the drink with fruit infusions like strawberries or raspberries.

2. Iced Tea

Iced tea is another summer staple that's refreshing and customizable to suit your taste buds.

recipe

To make simple iced tea, you'll need the following items:

●  4 cups of boiling water

●  6 tea bags (black, green or herbal)

●  1/2 cup sugar (optional)

Add boiling water to the tea bag and steep for 5 minutes.

Remove tea bags, add sugar (if using) and let cool. Pour over ice cubes and serve.

Variety

For a fruitier flavor, try adding sliced ​​lemons, oranges, or peaches. Plus, mixing it with fresh herbs like mint or lavender can add a unique flavor to the drink.

3. Fruit Smoothies

Fruit smoothies are a great way to stay hydrated and get a healthy dose of vitamins and minerals. Plus, they're easy to make at home.

Recipe

To make an easy fruit smoothie, you'll need:

●  2 cups of frozen fruit (such as berries, mangoes, or bananas)

●  1 cup of milk, yogurt or juice

●  1/2 cup ice (optional)

Blend the ingredients until they form a smooth consistency, and enjoy a refreshing drink!

Variety

When it comes to smoothie flavors, the possibilities are endless. Try different fruit combinations and add-ons like spinach, kale, or protein powder for extra nutrition.

4. Mint Julep

Mint liquor is a refreshing cocktail often associated with the American South. It combines fresh mint, bourbon, and crushed ice, perfect for a drink on a hot summer day.

Recipe

To make mint julep you will need:

●  10 fresh mint leaves

●  1/2 oz simple syrup

●  2 1/2 oz bourbon

●  crushed ice

Crush mint leaves and mix them with simple syrup in a glass. Next add crushed ice and pour the bourbon over the ice. Stir the drink, garnish with a mint sprig, and enjoy!

non-alcoholic version

For a non-alcoholic mint drink, substitute ginger ale or lemonade for the bourbon.

5. Watermelon Slush

Watermelon slush is an easy, fruity drink that's perfect for picking up on a warm day.

Recipe

To prepare watermelon puree, you will need:

●  4 cups diced seedless watermelon

●  1/2 cup sugar

●  1/2 cup of water

●  Juice of 1 lime

●  ice cream

Combine watermelon, sugar, water, and lime juice in a blender. Blend the ingredients until they reach a smooth consistency, then pour the mixture over ice and serve.

6. Coconut Water

Coconut water is a naturally refreshing drink rich in electrolytes, perfect for staying hydrated on hot summer days. You can find it in most grocery stores, or enjoy it straight from freshly harvested coconuts.

7. Cucumber Cooler

The Pickle Cooler is a refreshing, airy drink that's perfect for sipping poolside or at a summer BBQ.

Recipe

To make a cucumber cooler you will need:

●  1 cucumber, thinly sliced

●  1/2 cup fresh mint leaves

●  2 glasses of water

●  1/4 cup sugar

●  Juice of 1 lime

●  ice cream

Combine cucumber slices, mint leaves, water, sugar, and lime juice in a pitcher. Stir until sugar dissolves, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Serve over ice.

8. Ginger Beer

Ginger beer is a bubbly and fiery drink that's great for quenching your thirst and providing a cooling sensation on a hot day.

Recipe

To make ginger beer, you'll need the following items:

● 1/4 cup grated fresh ginger

● 1/4 cup sugar

● 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice

● 4 glasses of lemonade

Combine ginger, sugar, and lemon juice in a pitcher. Add club soda and mix until fully combined. Serve the drink over ice.

Non-Alcoholic Version

For a non-alcoholic ginger beer, omit the alcohol and increase the lemonade to 5 shots.

9. Aguas Frescas

Aguas Frescas is a traditional Mexican drink made with fresh fruit, water and sugar. They're light, refreshing, and perfect for a warm summer day.

Recipe

To make aguas frescas you will need the following:

●  2 cups chopped fruit (such as watermelon, honeydew melon, or pineapple)

●  4 glasses of water

●  1/4 cup sugar

●  Juice of 1 lime

Blend together fruit, water, sugar, and lime juice until smooth. Strain liquid through a fine sieve and serve over ice.

10. Horchata

Horchata is a sweet, creamy drink made with rice, cinnamon and sugar. A famous summer drink in Mexico and other Latin American countries, it's perfect for appeasing your sweet tooth while keeping you cool.

recipe

To prepare horchata you will need:

●  1 cup of raw white rice

●  5 cups of water divided

●  1/2 cup sugar

●  1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

●  1 tsp vanilla extract

In a blender, combine rice and 2 cups water. Stir until the rice is coarsely ground. Transfer the mixture to a large bowl and add 3 cups of water. Let the mixture sit for at least 3 hours, stirring occasionally. After that, pass the mixture through a fine mesh sieve, then add the sugar, cinnamon and vanilla extract. Stir the drink until the sugar dissolves and serve with ice.

Conclusion

During the hot summer months, it's important to have some refreshing beverage options to help keep you cool and hydrated.

Satisfy your taste buds and beat the heat with these top 10 summer drinks that combine classic, fruity and exotic flavors. So mix up one of these thirst-quenchers and enjoy the sun!

FAQs

Q1: Can I make these summer drinks ahead of time?

A: Yes, many of these drinks can be made ahead and kept in the refrigerator. Just make sure to stir them before serving as some ingredients may settle to the bottom.

Q2: Are these summer drinks suitable for children?

A: Most of the drinks listed here are suitable for children, but when serving drinks to kids, use non-alcoholic alternatives such as mint julep and ginger beer.

Q3: Can I substitute artificial sweeteners for the sugar in these recipes?

A: Instead of sugar, you can use artificial sweeteners like Stevia or Splenda. Be sure to adjust the amount of sweetener to your taste and according to the directions on the sweetener package.

Q4: Can frozen fruit be used as a substitute for fresh fruit in fruit drinks?

Answer: Of course! Frozen fruit works well in most of these recipes, especially smoothies and slushes. Just make sure to adjust the ice cream content accordingly to achieve your desired consistency.

Q5: How can I make my summer drinks more refreshing?

A: You can always add a dash of club soda or sparkling water to these drinks for an extra fizz. Plus, garnishing your drink with fresh fruit, herbs, or a sprinkling of spices like cinnamon or nutmeg can add flavor and refreshment.