Refreshing Drinks You Need to Try Before Summer Ends

Written by Teresa Ayala Leon

The perfect summer drink is cold, refreshing, and has the perfect amount of sweetness. The sunny season is coming to an end, but there is still time to savor the final moments. Whether you are at the beach, your porch, or the pool, enjoy the last bits of summer with a great drink in hand. 

Before diving in, a strong basis for a delicious drink lies in the simple syrup. In a small saucepan, add equal parts water and sugar on medium heat. Once everything is dissolved, cool and store in a jar or bottle in the refrigerator and use it for up to three weeks. You can easily experiment with flavored simple syrups by adding fruits, flavorings, and herbs for an elevated flavor profile.  

1. Mojito Mocktail 

Ingredients:

• 10 fresh mint leaves

• 1 tbsp sugar or simple syrup 

• 2 tbsp lime juice 

• 8 oz club soda 

• Ice 

• Lime slices and mint sprig for garnish 

Instructions: 

1. In a glass, muddle the mint leaves and sugar or simple syrup 

2. Fill the glass with ice 

3. Pour the club soda and stir gently 

4. Top with lime slices and a mint sprig 

Other Variations: For additional freshness, add cucumber slices or basil leaves. 

2. Mixed Berry Hibiscus Tea 

Ingredients:

• 8 oz chilled hibiscus tea

• ¼ mixed berries (strawberries, raspberries, blueberries)

• 2 tbsp simple syrup 

• 1 tbsp lemon juice 

• Ice 

Instructions: 

1. Brew hibiscus tea according to package and cool completely 

2. In a cocktail shaker or mixing glass, add ice, chilled tea, mixed berries, simple syrup, and lemon juice

3. Shake for 10-15 seconds 

4. Double strain and pour into a glass with fresh ice

5. Garnish with a lemon slice and fresh berries 

Other Variations: Substitute the mixed berries for frozen cherries for another fruity and refreshing option. 

3. Mango Peach Slushie

Ingredients:

• 1 cup frozen mango chunks 

• ½ cup frozen peaches

• ½ cup mango juice 

• ¼ cup orange juice 

• 1 tbsp simple syrup 

• 1 cup ice 

Instructions: 

1. In a blender, add all the ingredients and blend until smooth

2. Add more ice or additional juice to adjust consistency

3. Serve immediately 

Other Variations: Substitute the juices for green tea for a healthy caffeinated option. 

4. Strawberry Coconut Refresher 

Ingredients:

• ½ cup frozen strawberries 

• 2 cups chilled coconut milk 

• 2 tbsp simple syrup 

• Ice 

Instructions:

1. Blend all the ingredients until smooth. 

2. Add more ice or additional coconut milk to adjust consistency

3. Serve immediately 

Other Variations: Try with frozen pineapple for a tropical refresher. 

5. Watermelon Lemonade 

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups watermelon cubes 

• 3 oz lemon juice

• 2 tbsp simple syrup 

• ¼ cup cold water 

• Ice

Instructions:

1. Blend the watermelon cubes until smooth and strain. 

2. In a cup, mix water, lemon juice, watermelon juice, and simple syrup

3. Pour over ice and garnish with a lemon slice 

Other Variations: For a spicy option, make a jalapeño simple syrup to make a jalapeño watermelon lemonade and finish off with a Tajín rim. 

Thumbnail Credit:

https://unsplash.com/photos/flatlay-photography-of-sliced-fruits-and-cucumbers-t7wg7BJU2-s