Summer is knocking on our doors with the promise of sunshine and holidays. And with that, it is the perfect time to experiment by making your own summer drinks from the comfort of your home (like with this PB&J Cocktail)!
There are recipes for every person and taste, and each option will leave you refreshed and invigorated to beat the summer heat with summer drinks.
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Easy, Delicious Summer Drinks to Try at Home
1. Frozen Margarita
Let’s start things off with a classic cocktail that is enjoyed by many around the world. This iced twist on the iconic Margarita makes it that much more refreshing and cooling!
What You Need:
- 2 ounces or 60 ml of Tequila
- ¾ ounces or 25 ml of orange liqueur or triple sec
- 1 ounce or 30 ml of lemon juice, freshly squeezed
- 2 tablespoons or 15 ml of sugar syrup (or any other sweetener)
- 6 cups of ice
- Salt and lemon wedges for garnish
How to Prepare:
This is one of the easiest summer drinks to prepare. Just throw all the ingredients into a blender, and blend until the mixture is a smooth and frothy slush. Coat the rim of your glass with salt, pour in your drink, garnish with a lemon wedge, and enjoy!
2. Red Wine Sangria
This traditional summer drink is so popular for a reason. Even if you don’t enjoy the taste of whiskey or tequila, red wine is a commonly loved option by all. This drink takes a total of 5 minutes to prepare and serve, and is extremely light and delicious!
What You Need:
- 750 ml of red wine
- 1 cup of seasonal fruits like apples, strawberries, or pears, chopped
- 1 orange, sliced, sans seeds, keep the rind
- 1 small lemon, sliced into rounds
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar or simple syrup
- 2 cups of club soda or sparkling water
- 1/3 cup of brandy
- 2 cups of ice
How to Prepare:
Wash and chop the fruits of your choice – you can pick any depending on availability and season.
Add all the chopped fruits, oranges, and lemons into a pitcher and muddle lightly. Pour the red wine, brandy, and sugar syrup over it.
Taste and adjust accordingly. Refrigerate it for 4-8 hours for a more fruity flavor.
Before serving, add club soda and ice.
3. Lemon Iced Tea
For those looking to try their hands with a non-alcoholic drink, iced tea is perfect! It is a party favorite and is loved by kids as well, especially with the lemon flavors. It is the ideal family summer drink and keeps you rejuvenated for all your holiday activities.
What You Need:
- 5 cups of water
- 2 tablespoons black tea leaves
- ⅓ cup of sugar
- 3 tablespoons of lemon juice, freshly squeezed
- 4-5 basil leaves
- 1 cup of ice
- Lemon wedges or slices for garnish
- Mint leaves for garnish
How to Prepare:
Bring the water to a boil in a pan. Turn off the heat.
Add the tea leaves and sugar, and stir well.
Add the lemon juice and basil leaves, then strain the drink. Let it cool down to room temperature.
Serve with ice, lemon wedges, and mint sprigs.
4. Iced Irish Coffee
This one is for those who cannot do without their kick of coffee in the morning but want to give it a delightful cocktail twist. This is a cold version of the immensely enjoyed Irish Coffee and is just as yummy and easy to make!
What You Need:
- 3 ounces of strong cold brew
- 1 teaspoon dark-roasted or espresso coffee grounds
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 2 ounces of Irish whiskey
- 1-ounce heavy cream
- ¾ ounces hazelnut syrup (optional)
- 1 cup ice
- 1 cup whipped cream for garnish
How to Prepare:
Combine whiskey and coffee grounds and let it sit for a while.
Strain and mix in with all the other ingredients in a cocktail shaker and shake until cold and blended.
To serve, strain once more and top it with whipped cream, and you’re done!