If last year was any indication, this summer is going to be hot, hot, hot! Keeping cool and refreshed is not only a delicious idea, it’s necessary.
While you should be sure you and your family are drinking plenty of water, there’s always a little room for more “fun” drinks that add a little flavor to your day. This week, I’ve rounded up a few we like to enjoy in our home to share. Pick a favorite or try them all!
1. Sangria
Sangria is an old, easy favorite! There are plenty of recipes out there, but you really don’t need one. Traditionally, you simply add fruit to chilled red or white wine and sometimes add a splash of fruit juice.
Start with something simple like your favorite red or white wine and add orange or pineapple slices. If you prefer the sweeter side of things, add your favorite fruit juice to taste.
Have fun and make your own recipes! If you’re serving your drink at a party, be sure to keep track of how you made it so you can share your concoction with your friends.
2. Sweet Iced Coffee
Hot coffee in summer isn’t generally a highly requested drink. But preparing iced coffee at home is easier than you might think (and easier on your pocketbook than daily trips to Starbucks!).
Simply brew your favorite coffee and stash it in the fridge to cool. When you’re ready for a drink, serve it over ice. If you’re not one to drink your coffee black, try adding a can of sweetened condensed milk to your cooled java.
Serve your concoction over ice or, better yet, use some of your coffee mixture to make coffee cubes! As your ice melts, it won’t be watered down as it would be with traditional ice cubes.
3. Orange “Julius”
The Orange Julius used to be all the rage and for good reason – it’s delicious! If you’ve never tried one, it’s worth giving it a go.
It’s a relatively easy drink to make and dress up to make it your own. Most recipes require just 5 ingredients plus ice. Don’t be scared off by the thought of mixing orange juice and milk – this is what gives the drink its smooth and creamy texture.
Want to “mix” things up a bit? Try tossing in some fresh pineapple slices or strawberries into the blender for a fruitier vibe.
4. Sparkling Peach Lemonade
Give your lemonade a pick-me-up by adding a zing of peach.
This recipe from blogger Rachel Hollis is easy to make and refreshing to boot. Its call for fresh peaches makes it one of my favorites from this short list. Everything you need can easily be found at the grocery store so it’s perfect for a last-minute summer refresher.
Whether you like fruity flavors or simply sweet mixes, there’s no shortage of drinks to keep you cool this summer. Give one of these drinks a go or try them all. Whatever you do, make sure you’re keeping cool!
