It seems the best summer drinks are all alcohol based and yet we do not always want the alcohol. Here are some colourful, refreshing, non-alcohol, summer drinks that are delicious. Adults and kids can enjoy these. They are perfect for family gatherings or when you are on your own. Make them made ahead of time and store it in the fridge or freezer so it is always ready to serve.
Strawberry Limonade:
Lemonade is good but limonade is amazing and so unexpected by guests! Limes provide a slightly tarter taste than lemons and pair with strawberries beautifully. Start with a basic syrup (equal parts sugar and water) then add extra water, limejuice, strawberries, and fresh mint (rub the mint together to “wake up” the flavours. Serve in a tall chilled glass with extra fresh mint and strawberry slices.
Summer Melon Sorbet Floats:
Forget about Root Beer floats, go for the melon floats! This calls for a combination of melon balls (frozen of course), fruit sorbet, seltzer, and some mint leaves as garnish. Put the sorbet in the bottom of the glass, top it up with frozen melon balls, add fresh mint (as you like), and finally top it off with seltzer water. Let the sorbet thaw to sweeten the drink and add flavour.
Raspberry Vanilla Soda:
For this drink you will need to make a raspberry vanilla simple syrup but you can do other flavours (see the article for more ideas). You will need equal parts of water and sugar, fresh raspberries, lemon juice, vanilla extract, seltzer water and ice. To make the syrup combine the water, sugar, and raspberries in a small sauce pan over medium heat. Cook for about 5 minutes until it is bubbling and the sugar has dissolved. Stir and cook another 5 minutes. Using a fine mesh strainer, strain the raspberry mixture and squeeze out all the juice. Add the lemon juice and vanilla extract and put in the refrigerator to chill. When you are ready to sip on a soda, fill a glass with ice, add 2-3 tablespoons of the raspberry syrup and add seltzer to taste.
Cantaloupe Mint Agua Fresca:
If you really want to appreciate the flavour of the fruit this is the drink for you. Make sure to thoroughly chill the aqua fresca mixture before adding the ice. You will need 1 cantaloupe (4 cups chopped fruit), 1.5 cups cold water, 1 tbsp. fresh lemon juice, some fresh mint, and ice. Add the chunks of cantaloupe into a blender and puree fully. Strain the melon through a fine mesh strainer to collect the juice. Pour the juice into a pitcher and add the water, lemon juice, and mint. Refrigerate for at least one hour. Pour over ice and enjoy.
