Summertime means gathering together, eating and drinking with friends and family, BBQs, grilling, and outdoor activities. It also means trying new food and drink recipes on unsuspecting guests. Tired of sodas and lemonade as your summer drink staples? Here are a few recipes for fun and refreshing summer drinks. I’ve added non-alcoholic “mocktail” options for the kids, or for anyone who doesn’t drink alcohol. These summer drinks are easy to make because time in the kitchen is never as fun as making memories with your friends and family.

 

Whipped Frozen Creamsicle

Remember running to the ice cream truck for a Creamsicle? This tastes like that: summertime.

(Makes about two 12-ounce glass servings)

Ingredients:

• 1 ¼ cups orange juice or tangerine juice (fresh or refreigerated, not concentrate)
• ½ cup unsweetened vanilla coconut milk
• 1 ½ cups ice cubes
• ¼ cup frozen mango chunks
• 2 ounces vodka, vanilla vodka, orange vodka, vanilla rum, or white rum (optional)
• 2 orange slices as garnish

Combine orange/tangerine juice, coconut milk, ice, frozen mango, and vodka or rum (if using) in a blender. Blend until the mango is pureed and the ice is a slushy consistency. Divide the creamsicle between two 12-ounce glasses and garnish each with an orange slice. Serve immediately.

 

Frozen Pineapple Margaritas

Super refreshing with a pineapple zing.

(Makes about 4 margaritas)

Ingredients:

• 5 cups frozen pineapple chunks
• 3 cups ice
• 1 cup tequila (or substitute 1 cup of your choice of soda)
• ⅔ cup lime juice
• ½ cup Triple Sec
• ¼ cup simple syrup

Place pineapple, ice, tequila (or soda), lime juice, Triple Sec, and simple syrup in a blender. Puree until smooth. Divide into glasses and serve immediately.

 

Berry Bubbly Soda

Crisp and bubbly, this super refreshing drink is perfect for those hot days.

(Makes about four 10-ounce drinks)

Ingredients:

• 3 ounces vodka (optional)
• 1 cup frozen berries, thawed
• 1 cup ice (more or less, per preference)
• 2 12-ounce cans seltzer water (use flavored seltzer for extra wow)

Combine vodka (if using), berries, and ice in a cocktail shaker or mason jar. Cover and shake until chilled. Transfer to four glasses and top with seltzer.

 

I hope these summer drink recipes add a little fun and refreshing pizazz to your next get-together! It’s always more about the company, but a great drink never hurt, either. Cheers!