Summer is here, the temperature's rising, and the great outdoors seems to sparkle with an invite to have fun in the sun. 😎 However, many of us are missing out on fun ways to cool down and spend time with our family and friends this year.
One of the things we're missing most about a summer indoors is meeting friends for dinner and drinks, whether they're al fresco or dine-in. 🍹
Fortunately, that's one ingredient for a perfect summer that we don't have to miss! You can easily re-create the same recipes you enjoy out at home instead.
Each of these five festive drink recipes are sized for a few friends, but can easily be scaled up, down, or spiked for your preference.
Here's to refreshing (and even fancy) summer fun! 🥂
Grapefruit Kombucha Agua Fresca from Will Frolic for Food 💦
Ingredients:
- 1 cup 100% grapefruit juice
- 1 cup unflavored kombucha
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
- ice
This one's an easy one: Combine all liquid ingredients in a 2 cup measure and stir together. Once that's done, roll the rosemary sprigs between your fingers - that'll help release the scent and oils. Pour over ice, adjust sweetness if necessary, garnish with the rosemary, and serve.
Kiwi Mint Mojito from Lincy's Cook Art 🥝
Ingredients:
- 2 chopped kiwi
- 1 lemon
- mint leaves
- 2-3 Tbsp honey
- 2.5 cups / 600 mL sparkling water
- ice cubes
Begin by thinly slicing the lemon. Place about half of the lemon slices, one chopped kiwi, and some mint sprigs into the bottom of a glass, and mash them together with a fork or the back of a spoon. Top with sparkling water, ice, and honey, and serve with the extra lemon, mint, and kiwi pieces stirred in!
Frozen Peach Bellini Mocktail from Spicy Southern Kitchen 🍾
Ingredients:
- 2 ripe peeled peaches, sliced (or about 1 cup frozen peach pieces)
- 1 cup sparkling apple juice, plus more for serving
- 2 teaspoons sweetener of choice
- 1 teaspoon lime juice
If the peach pieces aren't frozen already, begin by putting the peach slices in the freezer for one hour to ensure optimal frostiness for your drink! Then, combine all ingredients in a blender, and pulse until smooth. Pour into a tall glass, top with an extra inch of sparkling apple juice, and toast to summer vibes!
Very Berry Mocktail from Half Scratched 🍒
Ingredients:
- 2 quarts cranberry juice cocktail
- 6 oz frozen pink lemonade concentrate
- 3 cans of sparkling berry water
- crushed ice
- lime wedges
Combine the juice, the lemonade concentrate, and the berry sparkling water in a pitcher or a serving bowl. Mix thoroughly, and then pour into glasses filled with crushed ice. Top with a lime wedge and enjoy!
Blueberry Ginger Cooler from Cook With Manali 🍹
Ingredients:
- 1 L water
- 1.25 cups fresh blueberries
- 1 Tbsp grated ginger
- 4-5 Tbsp sugar
- 2-3 cans lemon or lime sparkling water
- ice cubes
- mint leaves
Start by adding the water, blueberries, and ginger to a pan. Bring it to a boil, and then add the sugar. Once the sugar has dissolved, lower the heat, use a spatula to mash the blueberries, and allow the mixture to simmer for 10-15 minutes. Then, turn off the heat and let it come down to room temperature. If you have time to let it sit at room temperature for a few hours, that's great! That will let the flavors marinate together for a truly fantastic taste!!
When you're ready to serve, strain the syrup into glasses. You'll want each glass to be about 2/3 full of the mixture! Then add ice and cold sparkling water. Garnish with mint leaves and enjoy the refreshing, slightly spicy drink!
OMG they all look SO. GOOD. (And refreshing and fruity, which is a perfect added bonus for summer fun!! 💁♀️)
Which one do you want to try first???