5 Drinks to Keep You Cool for the Summer

Photo by: Kobby Mendez

Are you not cool enough for the summer? Fret not, as we bring you five refreshing drinks that will surely keep your body cool and your spirits high!

The following drinks are not only easy to make, they make for great backyard picnic drinks too.

#1 Not-Your-Average Lemonade

*Adapted from this recipe

Ingredients: (makes 6 servings)

1. 6 lemons (squeezed)
2. 1/2 cup simple syrup
   • simple syrup ingredients: zest from 1 lemon, 1 cup white sugar, 1 cup water
3. 1/2 can coconut cream
4. 4 cups water
5. Ice

Method:

1. Make simple syrup:
   1. Zest one lemon, set aside
   2. In a small pot, combine lemon zest, sugar, and 1 cup water
   3. Bring to a boil then simmer until solution begins thickening
   4. Turn heat off and let sit
2. Squeeze lemon juice into a pitcher
3. Using a blender, blend 1/2 can coconut cream until smooth
4. Pour 1/2 cup simple syrup mixture into pitcher of lemonade. Mix well
5. Pour blended coconut cream into pitcher of lemonade. Stir until smooth
6. Add up to 4 cups water to pitcher (adjust based on your taste preference)
7. Fill glasses with ice and coconut lemonade
8. Garnish with lemon (optional)
9. Serve and enjoy!

Photo by Jillian Harris

#2 Mocktail: Paloma Fizz

*Adapted from this recipe

Ingredients: (makes 1 serving)

1. 1/4 cup pink grapefruit juice
2. 2 tbsp rosemary simple syrup
   • simple syrup ingredients: 1/4 cup sugar, 1/4 cup water, 1 sprig fresh rosemary (chopped coarsely)
3. 2/3 cup seltzer water or grapefruit soda
4. Crushed ice
5. (Optional for garnish)
   • rosemary sprig, grapefruit slice

Method:

1. Make simple syrup:
   1. In a small pot, add water, sugar, rosemary
   2. Bring to a simmer until sugar dissolves (~ 3 min)
   3. Strain into a resealable container. Let it cool
2. In a tall glass, pour grapefruit juice and simple syrup. Mix well
3. Fill glass with ice and add seltzer water
4. Garnish with a rosemary sprig and/or grapefruit slice (optional)

Photo by Cheeky Kitchen on tablespoon.com

#3 Sweet and Tart Strawberry Limeade

*Adapted from this recipe

Ingredients: (makes 2 servings)

1. Simple syrup
   • simple syrup ingredients: 1/3 cup sugar, 1/3 cup water
2. 1/2 cup lime juice
3. 1/2 lb strawberries, sliced
4. 20-30 mint leaves
5. 2 cups cold water

Method:

1. Make simple syrup:
   1. In a small pot, combine sugar and 1/3 cup water
   2. Cook over medium-high heat until sugar is dissolved, liquid clear (5-10 min)
2. In a pitcher, combine simple syrup, lime juice, strawberries, mint, and 2 cups cold water. Let sit in refrigerator (2-3 hours)

Photo by Joanne Ozug

#4 Mocktail: Peach Bellini

*Adapted from this recipe

Ingredients: (makes 2 servings)

1. 1/4 cup peach nectar, chilled
2. 3/4 cup ginger ale, chilled
3. 1/4 cup fresh berries
   • strawberries, sliced; blueberries; raspberries

Method:

1. In 2 champagne glasses
   1. Equally pour the peach nectar
   2. Top both with ginger ale and berries
2. Serve immediately

Photo by Christin Mahrlig

#5 Cranberry Sparkler

*Adapted from this recipe

Ingredients: (makes 1 serving)

1. Ice
2. 6 oz cranberry juice
3. Juice of one lime
4. 2 oz sparkling water
5. (Optional for garnish)
   • orange wedge

Method:

1. Fill a tall glass with ice
2. Add cranberry juice and lime juice
3. Top with sparkling water
4. Garnish with orange wedge (optional)

Photo by craftandcocktails.co

What are you waiting for? Put your sunscreen and sunglasses on, and chill out with these drinks!