Summer has finally arrived, and with it, the perfect excuse to fire up the grill, gather friends and family, and enjoy refreshing drinks that beat the heat. At BBC Good Food, we’re always looking for new ways to stay cool and hydrated during the warmest months of the year. To help you do just that, we’ve put together a collection of 18 refreshing drinks recipes that are sure to become your go-to’s for summer gatherings and solo sipping alike.
From fruity and fizzy concoctions to sweet and soothing teas, these recipes showcase the best of seasonal ingredients and clever twists on classic flavors. Whether you’re hosting a backyard bash or just need a pick-me-up after a long day in the sun, we’ve got you covered with these delicious and easy-to-make drinks that are sure to quench your thirst and satisfy your taste buds.
Stay tuned for our full roundup of summer drinks recipes, featuring everything from sparkling elderflower lemonade to spiced apple and cinnamon punch. Your summer just got a whole lot more refreshing!
Sparkling Elderflower Lemonade
This refreshing drink combines the subtle sweetness of elderflowers with the tanginess of lemonade, topped off with a splash of sparkling water. Perfect for warm weather gatherings or a relaxing afternoon in the garden.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup freshly made elderflower syrup (or store-bought)
– 2 cups lemon-lime soda
– 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– Sparkling water, to top
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine the elderflower syrup and lemon-lime soda.
2. Stir in the lemon juice and sugar until dissolved.
3. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
4. Just before serving, stir in the sparkling water.
5. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: None
Iced Mango and Passionfruit Tea
Beat the heat with this sweet and tangy tea recipe, featuring the flavors of tropical mango and passionfruit.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup strong brewed black tea (cooled)
– 1/2 cup freshly squeezed mango juice
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed passionfruit juice
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Ice cubes
– Fresh mint leaves or fruit slices for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine the cooled black tea, mango juice, and passionfruit juice.
2. Stir in the honey until dissolved.
3. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
4. Fill glasses with ice and pour the tea mixture over the ice.
5. Garnish with fresh mint leaves or fruit slices, if desired.
Cooking Time: None! This recipe is ready in just a few minutes of prep time.
Classic Pimm’s Cup
The quintessential British summer cocktail, the Pimm’s Cup is a refreshing blend of flavors perfect for warm weather gatherings.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz Pimm’s No. 1 Liqueur
– 4 oz lemon-lime soda (such as 7-Up or Sprite)
– 1/2 cup mixed fruit juice (e.g., pineapple, orange, and grapefruit)
– Sliced cucumber, mint leaves, and fruit for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a highball glass with ice.
2. Pour in the Pimm’s No. 1 Liqueur.
3. Top with lemon-lime soda.
4. Add mixed fruit juice and stir gently to combine.
5. Garnish with sliced cucumber, mint leaves, and your choice of fresh fruit.
Cooking Time: None! This cocktail is ready in just a few minutes.
Enjoy your classic Pimm’s Cup!
Homemade Ginger Beer
Brew your own refreshing ginger beer at home with this simple recipe! This flavorful drink is perfect for warm weather or anytime you need a pick-me-up.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup water
– 1/2 cup sugar
– 1/4 cup fresh ginger, peeled and thinly sliced
– 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/2 teaspoon citric acid (optional)
– Sparkling water
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine the water and sugar. Heat over low heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
2. Add the sliced ginger to the mixture and remove from heat. Let it steep for at least 30 minutes, or overnight in the refrigerator.
3. Strain the ginger syrup into a large pitcher or jug. Discard the solids.
4. Stir in the baking soda and citric acid (if using).
5. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving.
6. To serve, mix 1/2 cup of the ginger syrup with sparkling water to taste.
Cooking Time: None
Strawberry and Basil Smash
Combine the sweetness of strawberries with the brightness of basil in this refreshing summer cocktail. Perfect for warm weather gatherings or a relaxing evening at home.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
– 1/4 cup simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1 tablespoon basil leaves, chopped
– 1 1/2 ounces gin
– Club soda
– Ice cubes
– Fresh strawberry slices and basil leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a cocktail shaker, muddle the sliced strawberries with simple syrup and lime juice until well combined.
2. Add the chopped basil leaves to the shaker and gently press them into the mixture using a muddler or the back of a spoon.
3. Fill the shaker with ice cubes and add the gin.
4. Shake vigorously for about 10-15 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients.
5. Strain the cocktail into a chilled glass filled with ice cubes.
6. Top with club soda and garnish with fresh strawberry slices and basil leaves.
Cooking Time: None
Rhubarb and Rose Fizz
Discover the sweet and tangy combination of rhubarb and rose in this refreshing fizzy drink, perfect for warm weather or anytime you need a pick-me-up.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup freshly made rhubarb syrup (see note)
– 1 cup sparkling water
– 2 tablespoons rose syrup (or to taste)
– Slice of orange, for garnish
– Ice cubes
Instructions:
1. Fill a glass with ice cubes.
2. Pour in the rhubarb syrup and stir gently.
3. Add the rose syrup and stir again.
4. Top with sparkling water and stir once more.
5. Garnish with a slice of orange.
Cooking Time: 0 minutes (no cooking required)
Note: To make rhubarb syrup, combine 2 cups chopped fresh rhubarb with 2 cups sugar in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens and the rhubarb is tender. Strain the syrup through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean bowl. Let cool before using.
Blackberry Mojito Mocktail
This sweet and tangy mocktail combines the flavors of blackberries, lime, mint, and sparkling water to create a perfect drink for warm weather. With its vibrant purple color and refreshing taste, it’s sure to be a hit at your next gathering.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup fresh or frozen blackberries
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1/4 cup club soda
– 2 tablespoons mint leaves
– 2 tablespoons sugar (optional)
– Ice cubes
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, muddle the blackberries and lime juice together until well combined.
2. Add the mint leaves to the pitcher and stir gently.
3. If desired, add the sugar and stir until dissolved.
4. Fill glasses with ice and pour the Blackberry Mojito Mocktail over the ice.
5. Top each glass off with club soda and garnish with additional mint leaves or blackberries.
Cooking Time: None needed!
Peach Iced Tea with Honey
Sip on a refreshing glass of peach iced tea infused with the sweetness of honey. This summer-perfect drink is perfect for hot days, picnics, or just unwinding after a long day.
Ingredients:
– 1 quart water
– 4 black tea bags (such as Earl Grey or English Breakfast)
– 2 ripe peaches, diced
– 1 cup honey
– Ice cubes
Instructions:
1. Brew the tea according to package instructions and let it cool.
2. In a large pitcher, combine the cooled tea, diced peaches, and honey. Stir until the honey dissolves.
3. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
4. Serve the peach iced tea over ice cubes and garnish with additional sliced peaches, if desired.
Cooking Time: None (just chill and serve!)
Cucumber and Mint Cooler
Stay refreshed with this refreshing twist on traditional coolers! This Cucumber and Mint Cooler is perfect for hot summer days or anytime you need a cooling pick-me-up.
Ingredients:
– 2 large cucumbers, peeled and thinly sliced
– 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
– 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1 lemon, juiced (about 2 tablespoons)
– Ice cubes
– Sparkling water (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine cucumber slices and mint leaves.
2. In a bowl, whisk together yogurt and honey until smooth.
3. Add lemon juice to the yogurt mixture and whisk until combined.
4. Pour the yogurt mixture over the cucumber and mint mixture in the pitcher.
5. Stir gently to combine.
6. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
7. Serve cold, garnished with additional mint leaves if desired. Add ice cubes or sparkling water for extra refreshment.
Cooking Time: None! This recipe is a quick and easy refresher that’s ready in no time.
Spiced Apple and Cinnamon Punch
This warm and comforting punch is perfect for crisp autumn evenings or cozy gatherings with friends and family. A blend of apple, cinnamon, and spices creates a deliciously inviting aroma that’s sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups apple juice
– 1 cup water
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 cinnamon sticks (4-6 inches long)
– 6 whole cloves
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
– 1/4 teaspoon allspice
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, combine apple juice, water, and brown sugar. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves.
2. Add cinnamon sticks, cloves, nutmeg, ginger, and allspice to the pot. Simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the mixture is fragrant and the flavors have melded together.
3. Strain the punch into a large serving jug or individual mugs. Serve warm, garnished with additional cinnamon sticks if desired.
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Blueberry and Lime Sparkler
Celebrate with a refreshing twist on the classic spritzer! This Blueberry and Lime Sparkler is perfect for warm weather gatherings or any time you need a pick-me-up.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups mixed berries (blueberries, raspberries, blackberries)
– 1 cup sparkling water
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
– 2 tablespoons honey
– Ice cubes
– Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine blueberries and lime juice. Let it infuse in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
2. Just before serving, stir in honey until dissolved.
3. Add sparkling water and stir gently.
4. Fill glasses with ice and pour Blueberry and Lime Sparkler over the ice.
5. Garnish with fresh mint leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: 30 minutes (infusion time)
Servings: 6-8
Virgin Piña Colada
Experience the tropical taste of a classic Piña Colada without the rum! This refreshing drink is perfect for warm weather or anytime you need a sweet escape.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups pineapple juice
– 1 cup coconut milk
– 1/4 cup simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– 1/2 cup crushed ice
– Pineapple wedges and cherry halves for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a blender, combine pineapple juice, coconut milk, and simple syrup.
2. Add crushed ice to the blender and blend until smooth and creamy.
3. Pour into glasses and garnish with pineapple wedges and cherry halves.
Cooking Time: 5 minutes (blending time)
Servings: 2-4
Enjoy your Virgin Piña Colada!
Raspberry and Elderflower Cordial
Capture the essence of summer with this refreshing raspberry and elderflower cordial. This sweet and tangy drink is perfect for hot days, picnics, or as a twist on traditional lemonade.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup fresh raspberries
– 2 cups water
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup elderflower syrup (or to taste)
– Lemon slices and mint leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Rinse the raspberries and blend them with 1 cup of water until smooth.
2. Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a large bowl, pressing on the solids to extract as much juice as possible.
3. Add the sugar and stir until dissolved.
4. Add the elderflower syrup and stir well.
5. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
6. Serve chilled, garnished with lemon slices and mint leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: None
Lavender Lemonade
Add a touch of elegance to your summer gatherings with this refreshing and flavorful Lavender Lemonade recipe. This unique twist on classic lemonade combines the sweetness of lavender with the tanginess of citrus.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 4 cups water
– 1/4 cup dried lavender buds
– Ice cubes
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, mix together lemon juice and sugar until the sugar is completely dissolved.
2. Add water to the pitcher and stir well.
3. In a small bowl, combine dried lavender buds and 1/2 cup of hot water. Let it steep for 5-7 minutes or until the mixture has cooled down to room temperature.
4. Strain the lavender infusion into the lemonade mixture and stir well.
5. Chill the Lavender Lemonade in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
6. Serve over ice cubes and garnish with a sprig of fresh lavender, if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes (including steeping time)
Watermelon and Lime Agua Fresca
Beat the heat with this refreshing agua fresca recipe, perfect for hot summer days!
Ingredients:
– 3 cups cubed seedless watermelon (about 1 small melon)
– 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1 cup water
– 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
– Ice cubes
– Fresh mint leaves or lime wedges for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a blender, combine watermelon, lime juice, and sugar. Blend until smooth.
2. Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a large pitcher. Discard solids.
3. Add water to the pitcher and stir well.
4. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
5. Serve the agua fresca over ice and garnish with fresh mint leaves or lime wedges, if desired.
Cooking Time: 15 minutes (prep time: 10 minutes, chill time: 30 minutes)
Enjoy your refreshing Watermelon and Lime Agua Fresca!
Hot Mulled Cider
This classic winter drink is a perfect way to cozy up on a chilly day. With its sweet and spicy flavors, hot mulled cider is sure to become a new favorite.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups apple cider
– 1 orange, sliced
– 2 cinnamon sticks
– 6-8 whole cloves
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup brown sugar (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, combine apple cider, orange slices, cinnamon sticks, and cloves.
2. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium-high heat.
3. Reduce heat to low and let it cook for 20-25 minutes, or until the flavors have melded together and the cider has reduced slightly.
4. Stir in ground nutmeg and salt.
5. If desired, add brown sugar to taste.
6. Ladle the mulled cider into mugs and serve hot.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Chai-Spiced Hot Chocolate
Warm up with a mug of Chai-Spiced Hot Chocolate!
Ingredients:
– 2 cups milk (whole, skim, or a non-dairy alternative)
– 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– 2 tablespoons sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
– 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
– 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
– 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Pinch of salt
– Optional: whipped cream and chocolate shavings for topping
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, warm the milk over medium heat until it starts to simmer.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the cocoa powder, sugar, cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, black pepper, and salt until well combined.
3. Gradually whisk the dry mixture into the warm milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
4. Bring the mixture to a simmer, whisking constantly, for 2-3 minutes or until the hot chocolate is smooth and fragrant.
5. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
6. Pour into mugs and top with whipped cream and chocolate shavings, if desired.
Cooking Time: 5-7 minutes
Enjoy your deliciously spiced Chai-Spiced Hot Chocolate!
Blood Orange and Rosemary Spritz
Elevate your cocktail game with this refreshing twist on the classic spritz, featuring blood orange juice and fragrant rosemary.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz Prosecco or sparkling wine
– 1 oz blood orange juice
– 1/4 oz honey syrup (1:1 honey and water, dissolved)
– 3-4 sprigs of fresh rosemary
– Slice of blood orange for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add the Prosecco, blood orange juice, and honey syrup.
3. Gently press the rosemary sprigs against the sides of the shaker to release their oils and flavor.
4. Shake briefly to combine and chill the ingredients.
5. Strain the mixture into a wine glass filled with ice.
6. Garnish with a slice of blood orange.
Cooking Time: None! Simply prepare and serve.
Summary
Beat the heat this summer with these refreshing BBC drinks recipes! From classic Pimm’s Cup to innovative flavors like strawberry and basil, there’s something for everyone. Try making homemade ginger beer or peach iced tea with honey for a taste of sunshine. For a fruity twist, go for rhubarb and rose fizz or blueberry and lime sparkler. And don’t forget the mocktails! With options like blackberry mojito and virgin piña colada, you can enjoy a drink without the booze. Whether you’re lounging in the park or hosting a backyard bash, these recipes are sure to quench your thirst.
