A variety of beverages designed to hydrate and refresh offer taste and relaxation. You can elevate your summer experience with these delightful drinks that are not only satisfying but also a perfect way to stay cool during the hottest days.
In this article, we will enlist 20 refreshing summer drinks that will help you stay cool and hydrated.
Yes, lemonade is considered a classic and iconic summer drink. This refreshing beverage is made primarily from freshly squeezed lemon juice, water, and sweetener, typically sugar. This drink is widely enjoyed on sunny days as a go-to beverage for staying hydrated and refreshed.
Lemonade has a refreshing and tangy flavor. These flavors when combined with the cooling sensation of being served over ice, make it a popular choice during hot weather. Additionally, variations of lemonade can be prepared, such as pink lemonade, which may include added fruit flavors or a splash of cranberry or raspberry juice for a different twist.
Iced tea is a chilled tea beverage that is served over ice. It is popular worldwide and is especially refreshing during warm weather. It is typically made by brewing tea leaves in hot water, most common types of tea used for iced tea include black tea, green tea, and herbal teas.
The tea is brewed by allowing it to steep to the desired strength and then cooling it down by either refrigerating or pouring it over ice. Sweeteners, such as sugar or honey, are often added to sweeten the tea according to individual taste preferences.
Peach iced tea is a delightful variation of classic iced tea that incorporates the sweet and fruity flavor of peaches. Like peach iced tea, all of the flavored iced tea differs from classic iced tea primarily in the additional ingredients used to impart distinct flavors.
Peach iced tea is a deliciously fruity and refreshing drink that's perfect for warm weather or as a sweet treat. The ingredients, mainly the sweetness levels can be adjusted to suit your taste preferences.
A virgin mojito is a non-alcoholic version of the classic mojito cocktail. This drink is a popular choice for those who prefer non-alcoholic beverages. Despite the absence of alcohol, the virgin mojito retains the vibrant and refreshing flavors of mint and lime.
The virgin mojito omits the rum, making it a refreshing and alcohol-free alternative. If you don't mind including rum-based drinks or rum-based cocktails in your summer days, then you may opt for classic mojito as well.
Watermelon Agua Fresca is a refreshing and hydrating beverage originating from Mexico. "Agua fresca" translates to "fresh water" in Spanish, and it typically involves blending fresh fruits with water and a sweetener to create a light and flavorful drink.
Watermelon Agua Fresca specifically features watermelon as the primary ingredient. This hot summer drink is popular in many Latin American countries and has gained popularity worldwide for its simplicity and delicious taste.
Espresso Cola is a unique and somewhat unconventional beverage. This drink combines two distinct elements: espresso (a concentrated coffee beverage) and cola (a carbonated soft drink). This fusion creates a drink that combines the rich, bold flavors of coffee with the effervescence and sweetness of cola.
The preparation of Espresso Cola can vary but a common method involves adding a shot of freshly brewed espresso to a glass of cola. Some variations may include additional elements, such as ice, sweeteners, or flavorings, depending on personal preferences.
Coconut water is a popular refreshing summer choice for many. The flavor of coconut water is light, slightly sweet, and has a hint of nuttiness. This combination contributes to a refreshing taste, making it enjoyable to drink on a hot day.
Compared to many other sweetened beverages, coconut water is relatively low in calories and also contains essential nutrients like vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. In some cultures, coconut water is believed to have a cooling effect on the body.
For someone who is looking for sweet refreshing drinks, Iced Strawberry Milk makes a good choice. The natural sweetness of strawberries adds a delightful fruity flavor to the milk, making drink delicious and satisfying.
The vibrant pink color of strawberry milk makes the drink visually attractive. Also, the recipe for iced strawberry milk is usually straightforward, requiring just a few ingredients and minimal preparation time.
A Blueberry Lemon Sparkler is a refreshing and fizzy beverage that combines the flavors of blueberries and lemons. It's a non-alcoholic drink perfect for warm weather or as a delightful alternative to traditional sodas.
The Blueberry Lemon Sparkler is characterized by its vibrant color, sweet and tart flavors, and effervescence. This delightful and hydrating drink can be enjoyed as a mocktail or a refreshing non-alcoholic option on hot days.
An Arnold Palmer is a popular and refreshing beverage that combines iced tea and lemonade. The drink is named after the famous American professional golfer Arnold Palmer, who was known to request this specific combination at golf tournaments.
The classic Arnold Palmer typically combines equal parts iced tea and lemonade. Moreover, Arnold Palmer is characterized by its balanced blend of the earthy, slightly bitter notes of iced tea with the sweet and tart flavors of lemonade.
Pomegranate Green Tea combines the flavors of green tea with the sweet and tart taste of pomegranate. This fusion creates a refreshing and antioxidant-rich drink that is both flavorful and healthful.
Pomegranate Green Tea is often made by infusing green tea leaves with pomegranate flavor and is served over ice, perfect for summer. The grassy notes of green tea perfectly blend with the fruity and slightly tart taste of pomegranate, making it a popular choice of summer drink.
Virgin Piña Colada like virgin Mojito does not contain alcohol in it. This drink is perfect for staying cool on a hot summer day. It captures the tropical essence of the traditional Piña Colada without the inclusion of alcohol, making it suitable for all ages.
Virgin Pina Colada typically includes coconut cream and pineapple juice that makes the drink flavorful. It's perfect for enjoying by the pool, at a summer party, or whenever you want a taste of the tropics without the kick of rum.
Nitro Cold Brew Coffee is a unique and trendy variation of cold-brew coffee that incorporates nitrogen gas for a distinctive texture and flavor. This cold coffee beverage is infused with nitrogen gives a smooth and creamy texture, served straight from the tap.
Nitro Cold Brew Coffee has become a popular choice among Starbucks customers. Praised for its rich and bold coffee flavor with chocolatey and caramel notes, Starbucks also offers a range of iced drinks apart from this one, that are perfect for summer days.
Iced Coffee Bubble Tea is a variation of the traditional bubble tea or boba tea that incorporates coffee into the mix. Bubble tea, originally from Taiwan, typically consists of sweetened milk tea with chewy tapioca pearls (bubbles or boba) added for texture.
In Iced Coffee Bubble Tea, coffee is used as the base instead of traditional tea. This beverage provides a delightful combination of the rich and robust flavor of coffee with the chewy texture of tapioca pearls. Bubble tea comes in various forms, and any of them can be perfect for boba lovers.
Flavored sparkling water is an excellent choice for staying refreshed on hot summer days. It is simply a carbonated beverage that is infused with natural flavors, providing a refreshing and fizzy alternative to plain water.
Flavored Sparkling Water has gained popularity as a healthier option for sugary sodas, as it typically contains no calories, added sugars, or artificial sweeteners. Flavored sparkling water often comes in a variety of fruity and herbal flavors, offering consumers a wide range of options.
A tropical green smoothie is a vibrant blend of sweet, juicy tropical fruits like pineapple, mango, and banana, combined with the earthy goodness of leafy greens like spinach or kale. It's like a taste of paradise in a glass, perfect for conquering any hot day.
Tropical Green Smoothie is not just delicious, it's a nutritional powerhouse – packed with vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber from the fruits and greens. You can even add protein powder for an extra energy boost. Apart from tropical ones, you can also consider other types of green smoothies for a hot day.
A Mango Tango Slushie is a vibrant, tropical treat that combines the delicious sweet-tartness of mangoes with a refreshing lime tang, all in a smooth, icy form. It's like a taste of sunshine in a cup, perfect for beating the heat on a hot day.
Power-packed with flavors and nutrition, the Mango Tango often incorporates a creamy element like frozen yogurt or coconut milk. This creates a smooth, luscious texture when whipped together that makes the drink incredibly satisfying.
Pumpkin Spice Iced Coffee is a seasonal low-calorie Starbucks coffee beverage that typically becomes popular during the fall and autumn months. It's a cold coffee drink that incorporates the flavors of pumpkin spice. The typical spices include cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves.
You can adjust the blend of warm spices commonly associated with autumn and often used in pumpkin-flavored treats. Additionally, you can experiment with different types of milk or milk alternatives for added creaminess.
Now, moving on to alcoholic drinks, Paloma is a popular Mexican cocktail. This drink is known for its refreshing and citrusy flavor. It's a simple and delightful drink that typically features tequila, grapefruit soda, and lime.
The Paloma is a wonderful combination of the earthy and agave notes from the tequila, the tartness from fresh lime juice, and the effervescence and sweetness from the grapefruit soda. It's a perfect choice for warm weather or whenever you're in the mood for a refreshing and citrus-forward cocktail.
Yet another refreshing alcoholic drink, Aperol Spritz is a popular and refreshing Italian cocktail. This drink has gained widespread popularity, especially during warm weather. It's known for its vibrant orange color and light, slightly bitter taste.
The Aperol Spritz is loved for its refreshing and effervescent nature. Aperol, the key ingredient, has a unique combination of bitter and sweet orange flavors, making it a delightful aperitif. The addition of Prosecco and soda water adds effervescence and balance.
Author
Editor
Deepa Pudasaini
Deepa Pudasaini is a food and beverage writer with a curious palate and a love for all things flavorful. She’s just as excited about discovering a new local brew as she is about telling the story behind a family-run kitchen. With a background in hospitality and a down-to-earth voice, Deepa writes about what we eat and drink in a way that’s relatable, thoughtful, and always a little bit adventurous.
For her, it’s not just about taste—it’s about the people, the craft, and the joy that good food and drink bring to our lives.
