Who doesn't love a refreshing summer drink by the pool or when hosting friends?
This guide shares some of the best refreshing summer drinks, featuring fresh fruits like strawberries, watermelon, and berries, along with simple homemade syrups.
These refreshing summer drinks can be made in large batches for beach trips or as the highlight of an outdoor summer party.
The Best Refreshing Summer Drinks
Keep cool this summer with our favorite refreshing drinks. From icy frozen margaritas to fruity summer cocktails, each is a perfect companion for warm-weather enjoyment.
Whether you prefer non-alcoholic summer drinks or summer cocktails, these options truly scream summer and will keep you refreshed all season long.
1. Strawberry Soda
This refreshing drink combines the sweetness of fresh or frozen strawberries with the fizz of sparkling water, making it perfect for those hot summer days. It's easy to make and has health benefits, thanks to the vitamin C, antioxidants, and fiber in strawberries.
Strawberry soda is ideal for an afternoon pick-me-up to beat the heat. Enjoying this frozen drink is a fun way to stay cool. If you’d like to spice it up with some alcohol, add sparkling wine instead of sparkling water.
Recipe:
- 1 cup fresh or frozen strawberries
- 1 cup sparkling water or sparkling wine
- 1 tablespoon simple syrup (optional)
- Ice cubes
Blend the strawberries until smooth. Strain to remove seeds, then mix with sparkling water. Add simple syrup if desired. Serve over ice.
2. Watermelon Mint Mojito Mocktail
With juicy watermelon, fresh mint, and a splash of lime, this drink offers a non-alcoholic twist on the traditional mojito. Watermelon is excellent for quenching thirst and contains vitamins A and C, antioxidants, and amino acids that help your heart.
Mint adds a fresh kick and helps with digestion, making this mocktail tasty and good for you. Whether relaxing by the pool or enjoying a garden party, this drink keeps you cool and satisfied. In the mood to party? Add 1 ½ fluid ounces of white rum.
Recipe:
- 2 cups watermelon, cubed
- 1 tablespoon fresh mint leaves
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon honey (optional)
- 1 ½ fluid ounces white rum (optional)
- Club soda
- Ice cubes
Mix the watermelon, mint, and lime juice in a glass. Add honey if desired. Fill the glass with ice, top with club soda, and stir gently.
3. Blueberry Vodka Smash
Enjoy the taste of summer with the Blueberry Vodka Smash, a perfectly refreshing summer drink that captures the season's vibrant flavors.
This cocktail combines sweet, fresh berries, crisp mint, simple syrup, and vodka, making it an excellent choice for warm-weather relaxation. Served over crushed ice, it quenches thirst and looks beautiful with its rich, colorful presentation. It's ideal for enjoying on a sunny or laid-back summer evening.
Recipe:
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
- 1 tablespoon fresh mint leaves
- 1 tablespoon simple syrup
- 2 ounces vodka
- Crushed ice
Mix the blueberries and mint in a shaker. Add simple syrup and vodka. Shake well, then strain into a glass filled with crushed ice.
4. Frozen Margarita
The frozen margarita is the perfect summer drink, adding a cool twist to the traditional margarita that makes summer feel extra special. Famous for its adaptability, margaritas come in many tasty versions, from sweet ones with peach and pineapple to spicy ones with jalapeño.
Yet, nothing beats the taste of a classic frozen margarita on a hot day. It's ideal for staying cool during the day or lighting up a party.
Perfect for any summer event, a well-made frozen margarita offers a fun and refreshing way to enjoy the season, making it a favorite choice for summer gatherings.
Recipe:
- 1 ½ ounces tequila
- 1 ounce triple sec
- 1 ounce lime juice
- 1 cup ice
- Lime wedge and salt for garnish
Blend tequila, triple sec, lime juice, and ice until smooth. Rim the glass with lime and salt. Pour the margarita into the glass and garnish with a lime wedge.
5. Aperol Spritz
The Aperol spritz is a classic summer cocktail known for its bright, bubbly nature, hints of citrus, mild herbal flavors, and slightly bittersweet taste. This drink became popular in Italy in the 1950s and enjoyed a revival in the 2000s.
Its signature orange color comes from Aperol, a special Italian aperitif made with a blend of herbs and roots, adding a touch of elegance to any event.
Perfect for enjoying before dinner or while relaxing on a sunny afternoon, the combination of Prosecco, Aperol, and a dash of soda water creates a light alcoholic drink suited for long social gatherings.
Recipe:
- 3 ounces Prosecco
- 2 ounces Aperol
- 1 ounce soda water
- Orange slice for garnish
How to Make and Serve These Refreshing Summer Drinks?
When deciding which drink you want to enjoy, making and serving refreshing summer drinks should also be considered. Whether throwing a big outdoor party or spending a sunny day with family, the right tools simplify it.
This 2-in-1, cooler and 5-gallon beverage dispenser is an excellent choice for preparing, carrying, and serving big batches of your favorite cocktails.
Here’s why it’s the perfect option for your summer drinks:
- Dual Functionality: It works as both a beverage dispenser and a cooler.
- Extended Cold Retention: This cooler keeps drinks cold for up to five days, thanks to 3 inches of top-notch insulation.
- Durable Construction: Built to last, it features solid rotomolded construction and strong, braided nylon handles, perfect for any outdoor setting.
- Built-in Convenience: Comes with two cup holders and a side-mounted bottle opener for extra convenience.
- Secure and Leak-proof: A quick-catch tension latch securely locks the lid, and a double-seal freezer gasket prevents any leaks.
Making the Drinks
When the sun is blazing and the guests are mingling, nothing sets the scene like a lineup of brilliantly crafted refreshments. Here's how you can elevate your summer drink game:
- Masterful Mixing: Start by concocting large batches of your favorite thirst-quenchers. Use a spacious dispenser to thoroughly blend your ingredients, whether a tangy lemonade or a vibrant cocktail. This not only ensures uniform taste across every glass but also adds an element of showmanship to your setup.
- Chilled to Perfection: The key to keeping spirits high is serving your drinks icy cold. Opt for an insulated container that maintains the chill, ensuring each pour is as refreshing as the first. This keeps the vibe cool and the conversations flowing.
- Diverse Delights: Offer a variety of drinks, from non-alcoholic punches to sophisticated cocktails, ensuring there's something for every palate.
These simple yet effective strategies guarantee that your summer events will be as refreshing as they are memorable. Cheers to sun-filled days and cool beverages!
Final Thoughts on Refreshing Summer Drinks
With these recipes, you’re ready to make every sip count with flavors that define the season and bring smiles to all your guests' faces. Cheers to a summer filled with the best refreshing drinks and moments!
The right setup, like this beverage dispenser and cooler, transforms making and serving refreshing summer drinks into a simple and enjoyable task. Whether you’re trying to beat the heat or liven up a cocktail party, this dispenser ensures your beverages are always perfectly chilled.
