As the temperatures rise, there’s nothing like a cool and refreshing drink to quench your thirst. But why settle for boring old soda or lukewarm water when you can try something new and exciting? From sweet treats to tangy twists, we’ve rounded up 20 refreshing refresher recipes that are perfect for sipping on those hot summer days.
From classic combos like strawberry lemonade and watermelon mint cooler, to more adventurous pairings like cucumber lime sparkler and blueberry basil iced tea, there’s something for everyone in this collection of cool and refreshing drinks. So grab a glass, get creative, and start sipping your way to a hotter-than-hot summer!
Strawberry Lemonade Refresher
Beat the heat with this sweet and tangy refresher, perfect for warm weather gatherings!
Ingredients:
– 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
– 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 cup sugar
– 4 cups water
– Ice cubes
– Fresh strawberry slices and lemon wedges for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine sliced strawberries and sugar. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes to allow the strawberries to release their natural sweetness.
2. Add freshly squeezed lemon juice and stir until well combined.
3. Add water to the pitcher and stir gently.
4. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight.
5. Serve over ice cubes, garnished with fresh strawberry slices and lemon wedges if desired.
Cooking Time: None! This refresher is ready when you are!
Watermelon Mint Cooler
Beat the heat with this refreshing twist on a classic summer drink. This Watermelon Mint Cooler is perfect for hot days or gatherings with friends and family.
Ingredients:
– 3 cups cubed seedless watermelon (about 1 small melon)
– 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
– 2 cups sparkling water
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Ice cubes
Instructions:
1. In a blender, combine the watermelon cubes and mint leaves. Blend until smooth.
2. Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve to remove the mint leaves and any excess pulp.
3. Stir in the honey until dissolved.
4. Fill glasses with ice and pour the Watermelon Mint Cooler over the ice.
5. Top with sparkling water and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Cucumber Lime Sparkler
Refresh your summer with this revitalizing drink, perfect for hot days and gatherings.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups cucumber slices (peeled and thinly sliced)
– 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
– 2 cups sparkling water
– Ice cubes
– Fresh mint leaves or lime wedges for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine the cucumber slices and lime juice. Let it infuse in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
2. Just before serving, stir in the sparkling water.
3. Fill glasses with ice and pour the Cucumber Lime Sparkler over the ice.
4. Garnish with fresh mint leaves or a lime wedge, if desired.
Cooking Time: None! Simply prepare and serve.
Pineapple Coconut Refresher
Escape to a tropical paradise with this refreshing drink! Pineapple, coconut, and lime come together in perfect harmony to quench your thirst and brighten your day.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups pineapple juice
– 1 cup coconut water
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– Ice cubes
– Fresh mint leaves or lime wedges for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine pineapple juice, coconut water, and lime juice.
2. Stir in salt until dissolved.
3. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
4. Fill glasses with ice and pour the Pineapple Coconut Refresher over the ice.
5. Garnish with fresh mint leaves or a lime wedge, if desired.
Cooking Time: None! This refreshing drink is ready in no time!
Blueberry Basil Iced Tea
This sweet and savory blend combines the freshness of basil with the natural sweetness of blueberries, creating a unique and refreshing twist on classic iced tea.
Ingredients:
– 1 quart water
– 4 tea bags (black tea or herbal tea)
– 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves
– 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
Instructions:
1. Bring the water to a boil, then remove from heat.
2. Add the tea bags and let steep for 5-7 minutes, or according to package instructions.
3. In a separate bowl, muddle the blueberries with a spoon or fork until they release their juice.
4. Strain the tea into a large pitcher, discarding the tea bags.
5. Add the blueberry mixture and basil leaves to the tea. Stir well to combine.
6. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
7. Taste and add honey if desired.
Cooking Time: None
Peach Ginger Fizz
Brighten up your day with this refreshing Peach Ginger Fizz! A sweet and tangy twist on traditional soda, this recipe combines the flavors of juicy peaches and spicy ginger for a unique taste experience.
Ingredients:
– 2 ripe peaches, pureed
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1/4 cup sugar
– 1/2 cup ginger syrup (or 2 tablespoons grated fresh ginger)
– 2 cups club soda
– Ice cubes
– Fresh peach slices and mint leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine the peach puree, lime juice, and sugar. Stir until the sugar dissolves.
2. Add the ginger syrup or grated fresh ginger to the pitcher. Stir well.
3. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
4. Just before serving, stir in the club soda.
5. Fill glasses with ice and pour the Peach Ginger Fizz over the ice.
6. Garnish with fresh peach slices and mint leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: None! This recipe is ready to serve in just a few minutes.
Mango Green Tea Refresher
A refreshing twist on traditional green tea, this recipe combines the sweetness of mango with the subtle bitterness of green tea to create a unique and revitalizing drink.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup strong brewed green tea (cooled)
– 1 ripe mango, diced
– 2 tablespoons honey
– Ice cubes
– Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large glass, combine the cooled green tea and diced mango.
2. Add honey to taste and stir until dissolved.
3. Fill the glass with ice cubes and stir gently to combine.
4. Garnish with fresh mint leaves, if desired.
5. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 0 minutes (just mix and serve!)
Raspberry Hibiscus Cooler
Beat the heat with this refreshing summer drink that combines the sweetness of raspberries and the floral flavor of hibiscus.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups fresh or frozen raspberries
– 1 cup dried hibiscus flowers
– 4 cups water
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 lemon, sliced
– Ice cubes
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, combine raspberries and hibiscus flowers. Pour in water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
2. Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a large pitcher. Discard solids.
3. Add sugar and stir until dissolved.
4. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
5. Serve cold, garnished with sliced lemon and ice cubes.
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 6-8 cups
Kiwi Limeade Slush
Beat the heat with this vibrant and tangy slushie! This Kiwi Limeade Slush recipe combines the sweetness of kiwis with the zing of lime, perfect for a hot summer day.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups frozen kiwi
– 1 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 4 cups water
– Ice cubes (as needed)
– Lime wedges and kiwi slices for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a blender, combine the frozen kiwi, lime juice, and sugar.
2. Blend until smooth and creamy, stopping to scrape down the sides of the blender as needed.
3. Add the water and blend until well combined.
4. Taste and adjust the sweetness or tartness to your liking.
5. Pour the slush into glasses filled with ice cubes (if desired).
6. Stir gently and garnish with a lime wedge and kiwi slice, if desired.
Cooking Time: None! This recipe is ready in just a few minutes of blending time.
Orange Mint Sparkling Water
Add a burst of citrusy freshness to your day with this simple and revitalizing sparkling water recipe.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup sparkling water
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
– 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
– Ice cubes (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine the sparkling water and orange juice.
2. Add the fresh mint leaves to the pitcher and stir gently to combine.
3. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
4. Just before serving, add ice cubes if desired.
5. Serve the Orange Mint Sparkling Water immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: None! This recipe is ready when you are.
Lavender Lemon Iced Tea
This soothing tea combines the citrusy sweetness of lemon with the subtle, floral flavor of lavender, making it perfect for warm weather or anytime you need a calming pick-me-up.
Ingredients:
– 1 quart water
– 4 lemon slices (about 2 inches each)
– 2 tablespoons dried lavender buds
– 2 teaspoons loose-leaf black tea (or 1 tea bag)
– Honey to taste (optional)
Instructions:
1. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for 5 minutes.
2. Add the lemon slices, lavender buds, and tea leaves (or tea bag) to the pot.
3. Steep for 7-10 minutes or until the flavors have melded together.
4. Strain the tea into a large pitcher or individual glasses.
5. Sweeten with honey if desired.
6. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Passionfruit Pineapple Refresher
Beat the heat with this refreshing tropical drink, perfect for a summer evening or anytime you need a pick-me-up.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup pineapple juice
– 1/2 cup passionfruit puree
– 1/4 cup sparkling water
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Ice cubes (optional)
– Fresh mint leaves or pineapple wedges for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine pineapple juice and passionfruit puree.
2. Add honey and stir until dissolved.
3. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
4. Just before serving, add sparkling water and stir gently.
5. Serve immediately over ice cubes, if desired, and garnish with fresh mint leaves or pineapple wedges.
Cooking Time: None! This recipe is a quick and easy refresher that’s ready in just 30 minutes.
Blackberry Sage Spritzer
Elevate your cocktail game with this unique and flavorful spritzer, perfect for warm weather gatherings or a relaxing evening at home. The combination of blackberries, sage, and sparkling water creates a refreshing and herbaceous drink that’s sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup fresh blackberries
– 2 tablespoons simple syrup (equal parts sugar and water, dissolved)
– 2 sprigs of fresh sage leaves
– 2 cups sparkling water
– Ice cubes
Instructions:
1. Muddle the blackberries and simple syrup together in a large pitcher until well combined.
2. Add the fresh sage leaves to the pitcher and muddle gently to release their oils and flavor.
3. Fill the pitcher with ice cubes.
4. Top with sparkling water and stir gently to combine.
5. Serve immediately, garnished with additional blackberries and sage leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: 5 minutes (prep time only)
Grapefruit Rosemary Cooler
This refreshing drink combines the tangy sweetness of grapefruit with the herbaceous flavor of rosemary, perfect for a warm afternoon or as a unique cocktail mixer. With only a few simple ingredients and steps, you can create this delightful beverage in no time.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups grapefruit juice
– 1/4 cup honey syrup (1:1 honey and water)
– 1/4 cup fresh rosemary leaves
– Ice cubes
– Sparkling water (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine grapefruit juice and honey syrup. Stir until the honey is fully dissolved.
2. Add fresh rosemary leaves to the pitcher and muddle them gently with a spoon or muddler to release their oils and flavors.
3. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
4. Serve the Grapefruit Rosemary Cooler over ice cubes, garnished with additional rosemary leaves if desired.
5. For added fizz, top with sparkling water just before serving.
Cooking Time: None
Pomegranate Green Tea Refresher
This refreshing drink combines the antioxidant-rich benefits of green tea with the sweet-tart flavor of pomegranate, perfect for a warm day or a post-workout pick-me-up.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup brewed green tea (cooled)
– 1/2 cup pomegranate juice
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Slices of fresh pomegranate fruit (for garnish)
Instructions:
1. In a large glass, combine the cooled green tea and pomegranate juice.
2. Stir in the honey until dissolved.
3. Taste and adjust sweetness to your liking.
4. Slice a few pieces of fresh pomegranate fruit and place them on top of the drink for garnish.
Cooking Time: None! This refreshing drink is ready in just 5 minutes.
Cherry Lime Sparkling Drink
Add a touch of refreshing elegance to your gatherings with this sweet and tangy Cherry Lime Sparkling Drink. Perfect for warm weather or as a unique twist on traditional sparkling water.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cherry juice (100% fruit juice)
– 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
– 2 cups sparkling water
– Ice cubes
– Fresh mint leaves or lime wedges for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine the cherry juice and lime juice. Stir until well combined.
2. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
3. Just before serving, stir in the sparkling water.
4. Fill glasses with ice and pour the Cherry Lime Sparkling Drink over the ice.
5. Garnish with fresh mint leaves or lime wedges, if desired.
Cooking Time: None! Simply chill and serve.
Aloe Vera Cucumber Cooler
Stay cool and refreshed with this unique blend of aloe vera, cucumber, and mint. Perfect for hot summer days or as a revitalizing pick-me-up anytime.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups water
– 1/2 cup fresh cucumber, peeled and thinly sliced
– 2 tablespoons aloe vera gel
– 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– Handful of ice cubes
– Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine water and sliced cucumber. Let it infuse in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
2. Strain the cucumber mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into another pitcher. Discard the solids.
3. Add aloe vera gel, lime juice, and salt to the pitcher. Stir until dissolved.
4. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for an additional 15-20 minutes.
5. Serve the Aloe Vera Cucumber Cooler over ice and garnish with fresh mint leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: None needed! Just chill and serve.
Lychee Rose Iced Tea
Experience the sweet and floral combination of lychees and roses in this refreshing iced tea recipe.
Ingredients:
– 1 quart water
– 4 cups brewed green tea, cooled
– 1 cup fresh or canned lychees, drained and chopped
– 1/2 cup rose syrup (or to taste)
– 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
– Ice cubes
– Fresh rose petals or edible flowers for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine cooled green tea and chopped lychees.
2. Add rose syrup and stir until well combined.
3. Taste and adjust sweetness with honey if desired.
4. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
5. Fill glasses with ice and pour the Lychee Rose Iced Tea over the ice.
6. Garnish with fresh rose petals or edible flowers, if desired.
Cooking Time: None required, as this recipe is a simple tea infusion.
Apple Cinnamon Refresher
This Apple Cinnamon Refresher recipe is a delightful combination of sweet and tangy flavors, perfect for a crisp fall evening or a cozy morning pick-me-up. With only a few simple ingredients, you can create a refreshing drink that’s sure to become a new favorite.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups apple cider
– 1/4 cup water
– 1 cinnamon stick (about 2 inches long)
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Ice cubes
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine apple cider and water. Heat over medium heat until warm.
2. Add the cinnamon stick to the mixture and remove from heat. Let it steep for at least 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
3. Strain the liquid into a large pitcher or jug. Discard the cinnamon stick.
4. Stir in honey until dissolved.
5. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
6. Serve cold, garnished with ice cubes and a sprinkle of cinnamon if desired.
Cooking Time: None
Guava Limeade Slush
Beat the heat with this sweet and tangy slush, infused with the tropical flavors of guava and lime. Perfect for a summer gathering or a quick pick-me-up any time of year.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups guava puree
– 1 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 4 cups water
– Ice cubes
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine guava puree and lime juice.
2. Add sugar and stir until dissolved.
3. Add water and stir well to combine.
4. Taste and adjust sweetness or tartness as needed.
5. Pour mixture into glasses filled with ice.
6. Stir gently to combine.
Cooking Time: 5 minutes
Tips:
– Adjust the amount of lime juice to your taste, depending on how tart you like it.
– For a more intense guava flavor, use 3 cups of puree and reduce water accordingly.
– Experiment with different types of citrus fruits for unique flavor combinations.
Summary
Beat the heat this summer with these 20 refreshing refresher drink recipes! From fruity flavors to herbal twists, there’s something for everyone. Try making a Strawberry Lemonade Refresher, Watermelon Mint Cooler, or Cucumber Lime Sparkler to quench your thirst. For a twist on classic tea, try Blueberry Basil Iced Tea or Lavender Lemon Iced Tea. These unique and revitalizing drinks are perfect for hot summer days spent outdoors with friends and family.
