4 Refreshing Summer Drinks

If you’re looking for colorful, fresh, fruit drinks that are refreshing and perfect for summer, here are four homemade drink ideas: Strawberry Limeade, Summer Melon Sorbet Floats, Homemade Raspberry Vanilla Soda, and Cantaloupe Agua Fresca. 

Most of the components can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge or freezer, so that it’s quick and easy to assemble when you’re ready to serve.

There is an abundance of recipes for alcoholic drinks of all kinds, but I wanted to create a series of non-alcoholic drinks that were impressively beautiful, refreshing, and delicious.

Summer drinks that can be enjoyed by kids and adults alike, whether it’s at a special family gathering or a larger party with friends and neighbors, are what I have for you here.

Each drink recipe below is simple to make, and the components can be made in advance and stored in the fridge or freezer.

Each one has its own character to it, and highlights different types of gorgeous summer fruit.

The triple melon sorbet float is fruity and fizzy, the strawberry limeade is perfectly sweet and tart, the homemade raspberry vanilla soda is aromatic and bubbly, and the cantaloupe agua fresca tastes like the most wonderful fresh melon water.

Below I have recipes and videos for each one. After you’ve tried them, make sure to also try my Strawberry Iced Tea, Sparkling Peach Iced Tea, or Watermelon Slushie, which are all great for entertaining and a hot summer day.

Strawberry Limeade:

Homemade lemonade is one of the most popular summer drinks (and I do have a mint lemonade I love), but I like limeade even more!

I find the flavor of tart lime juice to be a bit brighter than lemon juice, and to pair with the fresh strawberries beautifully. It’s a refreshing drink and classic that’s enjoyed by pretty much everyone.

Start with a simple syrup, made with equal parts sugar and water, then add that to extra water, lime juice, strawberries, and fresh mint to make the base.

Serve in a tall glass, garnished with extra fresh mint and strawberry slices.

If someone wants to make it alcoholic, they can always add a shot of vodka for a refreshing cocktail.

Summer Melon Sorbet Floats:

Root beer floats are the most popular float drink, but you can go lighter with fresh melon balls, fruit sorbet, and seltzer.

What’s neat too is the melon balls act as ice cubes here, keeping your glass extra cool on a hot day.

While seltzer water is my preference because it doesn’t have any added minerals (which can alter the taste), you may use any sparkling water, club soda, or soda water that you prefer.

Add some mint leaves on top for garnish. The fresh herbs give off a delicious aroma that really influences the taste of this refreshing summer drink. A mint garnish is often times the secret ingredient that takes the flavor over the top!

Homemade Raspberry Vanilla Soda Recipe:

No storebought soda can compare to a fresh soda made at home, using real fruit syrup cooked from scratch. Freshly made is always best for the ideal drink!

Here I make a raspberry vanilla simple syrup, but you could also do other flavors using Strawberry Simple Syrup or the Peach Simple Syrup from this Sparkling Peach Iced Tea. All would be great options for a summer party drink at a backyard barbecue.

Serve in a highball glass with a pretty paper straw, and a couple fresh raspberries on top for garnish.

Cantaloupe Mint Agua Fresca Recipe:

For my last non-alcoholic summer drink, we have an agua fresca, which may be the most summery beverage of all.

Agua frescas are the perfect drink for truly appreciating the flavor of the fruit, and while this recipe uses cantaloupe, honeydew melon is another great option.

Make sure to thoroughly chill the agua fresca mixture so it’s sufficiently cool, before adding the ice. This is especially important if serving in warm weather or summer heat.

For more homemade drinks, try my Blueberry Banana Smoothie or my Caramel Macchiato.

You can also experiment with these recipes trying other kinds of fruit juices, like cranberry juice, orange juice, and pineapple juice. You can also try grapefruit juice in place of lemon or lime, for a more exotic flavor.

Coconut water is also great, and ginger ale can be swapped in for sparkling water when you want to add a different flavor in addition to carbonation.

For alternate garnishes, lemon peel is another beautiful and aromatic choice for topping a cold drink. You can also grate a touch of lemon zest on top if you don’t have the tools to make a pretty lemon peel.

I hope you get to enjoy these alternatives for your next happy hour!

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