Written By: Grace Wang
Summer is just around the corner! With the blazing sun scorching your back, you’re probably craving something cold. And sweet. Of course, ice cream may be the first thing that pops into your mind…but don’t let it be your last! There are plenty of cold treats you can enjoy in the summer — some of which can be found in your very own pantry! If you have a knack for fruit smoothies or would die for a crisp, cool slush, you’re in luck. Keep reading to find five of the best summer refreshers!
Chilly Green Smoothies
Okay, so maybe this isn’t the most ideal title for something you’d want to be drinking. But don’t let the bland name deceive you! Green smoothies may indicate the presence of vegetables, but usually, that’s not the case. While you can include a couple of green vegetables (i.e. spinach) to give it that rich green pigment, it’s easily substitutable with food coloring.
First, pop one banana into the blender, along with one diced mango (if you’d like, also add one cup of spinach – alternatively, 2-3 drops of green food coloring). If you’re not using spinach, remember to add ½ orange or pineapple chunks to substitute for the mass. Pour in about 1 ½ cups of milk, and hit blend. Once it’s nearly pureed, add in a handful of ice and blend again.
Voila! You’ve got yourself a cup of bright, cold, and refreshing smoothies. Drink it away under the shade of your porch, or the shade of the tree. Feels like summer, yeah?
Tropical Umbrella Slushies
Ever seen some of those color-changing slushies topped with a cute umbrella served at restaurants? Well, turns out they’re not so hard to make — just takes a little bit of intuition!
For the umbrella, let’s whip out a toothpick and a colored piece of paper (cut into the shape of a small circle). Fold the circle back and forth along one edge until you’ve gone around the entire edge. Glue one end of the toothpick to the center of the paper.
Now, for the slush part! Pour 2 cups of red fruits (raspberry or strawberries), frozen or fresh, into your blender. Add about ½ cup of a soda of your choice – whether it be grapefruit soda or just a classic Pepsi. You’ll need water, which I usually eyeball since it depends on the consistency of your fruits. Once that’s blended, pour about ⅓ of it into cups. For the remaining, add in ½ cup of sugar, fresh orange juice, and ice — then blend again! Pour slowly from the edge of the glass so it merges slightly with the red-colored half. Pop in that umbrella and serve fresh!
Berry Banana Yogurt Popsicles
Craving something icy, fruity, and creamy all at once? These berry banana yogurt popsicles are your go-to summer treat! Not only are they easy to make, but they also offer a healthy twist to your typical popsicle.
Start by blending one banana and a cup of mixed berries (such as blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries) in your blender. Add in 2 cups of plain or vanilla yogurt and 2 tablespoons of honey or maple syrup for sweetness. Blend until smooth.
Pour the mixture into popsicle molds, leaving a little space at the top to allow for expansion as they freeze. Insert popsicle sticks and place the molds in the freezer for at least 4-6 hours, or until completely frozen. Once they're ready, run warm water over the outside of the molds for a few seconds to easily release the popsicles. Enjoy these creamy, fruity popsicles on a hot summer day!
Minty Watermelon Cooler
Watermelon is the ultimate summer fruit, and this minty watermelon cooler will quench your thirst. It's refreshing, hydrating, and has a delightful hint of mint.
Begin by cubing about 4 cups of watermelon and removing any seeds. Add the watermelon cubes to your blender along with the juice of one lime, a handful of fresh mint leaves, and 1 cup of cold water. Blend until smooth.
Strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve to remove the pulp, and pour the juice back into the blender. Add in a handful of ice and blend again until frothy. Pour the cooler into glasses, garnish with a mint sprig and a slice of lime on the rim, and serve immediately. This vibrant drink is perfect for cooling down during a summer afternoon.
Creamy Coconut Pineapple Sorbet
This tropical sorbet is a perfect dairy-free alternative to ice cream and can be made with just a few simple ingredients. It's creamy, tangy, and full of coconut goodness.
To start, you'll need one can of full-fat coconut milk, 2 cups of frozen pineapple chunks, and 2 tablespoons of honey or agave syrup. Pour the coconut milk, pineapple chunks, and sweetener into your blender.
Blend on high until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy. You might need to scrape down the sides of the blender a couple of times to ensure everything is well-mixed. Transfer the mixture to a loaf pan or any freezer-safe container, and smooth the top with a spatula. Cover with plastic wrap or a lid, and freeze for at least 4 hours or until firm. When you're ready to serve, let the sorbet sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften. Scoop into bowls or cones and enjoy this creamy, tropical treat!
There you have it: five delightful and refreshing recipes to help you beat the summer heat. Enjoy!
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