Summer is here, and with it comes the perfect excuse to indulge in delicious and refreshing drinks! Whether you're hosting a backyard barbecue, lounging by the pool, or simply seeking a thirst-quenching escape, these four recipes are sure to delight your taste buds and transport you to a state of pure summer bliss. And the best part? Each one comes with a fun twist, offering both alcoholic and non-alcoholic versions to suit your mood and preferences. Always choose organic or non-sprayed ingredients for your recipes.
1. White Sangria: The Classic Gets a Fruity Upgrade
Say goodbye to boring sangria and hello to a burst of summer flavors! This white sangria recipe combines crisp white wine (or white grape juice for a non-alcoholic version) with brandy or peach nectar, juicy citrus fruits, grapes, strawberries, and fresh mint. It's a crowd-pleaser that's perfect for sharing with friends and family.
Alcoholic: Ingredients: 1 bottle dry white wine (Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio), 1/2 cup brandy, 1/4 - 1/2 cup natural sugar or agave (to taste), 1 orange sliced, 1 lemon sliced, 1 lime sliced, 1/2 cup chopped green grapes, 1/2 cup chopped strawberries, 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint, Chilled club soda or sparkling water.
Instructions: Combine all ingredients except club soda in a large pitcher. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or overnight). Add club soda just before serving.
Non-alcoholic: Ingredients: 4 cups white grape juice, 1/2 cup peach or mango nectar, 1 orange sliced, 1 lemon sliced, 1 lime sliced, 1/2 cup chopped green grapes, 1/2 cup chopped strawberries, 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint, Chilled club soda or sparkling water.
Instructions: Same as above, substituting grape juice and peach nectar for wine and spirits.
2. Frosé All Day: Because Summer Deserves a Rosé-Colored Glow
Frosé isn't just a trend; it's a summer staple! This frozen rosé concoction is both chic and refreshing, blending frozen rosé wine (or strawberries for the non-alcoholic option) with vodka (optional), sugar, and lemon juice. Garnish with fresh strawberries for an extra touch of elegance.
Alcoholic: Ingredients: 1 bottle rosé wine, 1/4 cup vodka, 2 tablespoons sugar, 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice, Fresh strawberries for garnish
Instructions: Freeze rosé wine in an ice cube tray overnight. Blend frozen wine cubes with vodka, sugar, and lemon juice until smooth. Serve immediately, garnished with strawberries.
Non-alcoholic: Ingredients: 4 cups frozen strawberries, 1/4 cup sugar, 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice, Sparkling water or club soda
Instructions: Blend frozen strawberries with sugar and lemon juice until smooth. Add sparkling water or club soda to desired consistency.
3. Cucumber Cooler: Spa Day in a Glass
Cool down and chill out with this cucumber cooler, a spa-worthy drink that's as refreshing as it is delicious. Muddle cucumber slices and mint leaves with gin and elderflower liqueur (or just lime juice and simple syrup for a non-alcoholic version), then shake with ice and top with club soda. It's a sophisticated sip that's perfect for those hot summer days.
Alcoholic: Ingredients: 1/2 cup gin, 1/4 cup elderflower liqueur, 1/4 cup lime juice, 1/2 cup cucumber slices, 4 mint leaves, Club soda or sparkling water
Instructions: Muddle cucumber slices and mint leaves in a shaker. Add gin, elderflower liqueur, lime juice, and ice. Shake well and strain into a glass filled with ice. Top with club soda and garnish with cucumber ribbons.
Non-alcoholic: Ingredients: 1/2 cup cucumber slices, 4 mint leaves, 1/4 cup lime juice, Simple syrup or agave nectar to taste, Club soda or sparkling water. Instructions: Same as above, omitting gin and elderflower liqueur. Adjust sweetness with simple syrup or agave nectar. Garnish with cucumber ribbons
4. Lavender Lemonade: A Floral Twist on a Summer Classic
Elevate your lemonade game with this lavender-infused twist! Combine vodka (optional), homemade lavender honey syrup (recipe below!), lemon juice, and club soda for a floral and refreshing drink. Garnish with fresh lavender sprigs for an extra touch of elegance.
Alcoholic: Ingredients: 1/4 cup vodka, 1/4 cup lavender syrup (recipe below), 1/2 cup lemon juice, Club soda or sparkling water, Fresh lavender sprigs for garnish.
Instructions: Combine vodka, lavender syrup, and lemon juice in a glass filled with ice. Top with club soda and garnish with lavender sprigs.
Non-alcoholic: Ingredients: Combine 1/4 cup Lavender syrup (recipe below), 1/4 - 1/2 cup lemon juice, Club soda or sparkling water. Use fresh lavender sprigs for garnish.
Instructions: Same as above, omitting vodka. Adjust sweetness with lavender syrup and lemon juice.
Enjoy these refreshing summer drinks, responsibly!
Bonus Recipe: Lavender Honey Syrup
This homemade lavender honey syrup adds a touch of sweetness and floral notes to your drinks and desserts. Simply simmer water, honey, and dried lavender buds together, then strain and enjoy!
Lavender Honey Syrup
Ingredients:
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup honey
- 1/4 cup dried lavender buds (culinary grade)
Instructions:
- Combine water and honey in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir until honey is dissolved.
- Add lavender buds and bring mixture to a simmer. Reduce heat and simmer for 5-10 minutes, or until syrup has thickened slightly.
- Remove from heat and let steep for at least 30 minutes, or up to several hours for a stronger lavender flavor.
- Strain syrup through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean jar or bottle, discarding lavender buds.
- Let syrup cool completely before using. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Tips:
- For a more intense lavender flavor, use more lavender buds or steep for a longer time.
- If you don't have dried lavender buds, you can use fresh lavender flowers. Use about 1/2 cup fresh lavender flowers and reduce the simmering time to 2-3 minutes.
- Experiment with adding other herbs or spices to the syrup, such as rosemary, thyme, or lemon balm.
Enjoy this fragrant and flavorful lavender honey syrup in your favorite drinks and desserts!
Sip, Savor, and Repeat!
These four summer drink recipes are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to refreshing summer sips. Feel free to experiment with different fruits, herbs, and spirits to create your own signature cocktails and mocktails. Remember, the most important ingredient is to have fun and enjoy the flavors of summer!
Cheers to a summer filled with sunshine, laughter, and delicious drinks!