Cool Off with These Summer Drinks

It’s officially summer and time to quench your thirst and indulge yourself a little. Make some summer drinks for your family, guests or just enjoy a taste treat while sitting out back relaxing with a good book.

We’ve pulled a few recipes to help motivate you into your summer swing (figuratively and literally)!

Cold, Rich Coffee Brew

There’s been a lot of buzz on the news lately about the benefits of cool coffee. Prepared properly, you’ll enjoy a full, rich tasting brew.

Ingredients:

454 grams (1 lb.) medium roast coffee
9 cups water
Milk for serving, if desired

Directions:

  • Combine ½ coffee grounds with 6 cups cold water and let sit 5 minutes
  • Add remaining coffee and 3 cups cold water, cover and let sit in fridge for 24 hours
  • Remove from fridge and pour through a fine sieve; pour coffee concentrate into an airtight container and store in fridge (good for two weeks)
  • Dilute with equal parts milk and water when serving

Iced Tea with Lime

Summer screams for iced tea. Here’s an easy, delicious version with a twist.

Ingredients:

16 cups boiling water
6 black tea bags
1 ½ cups sugar
4 limes, juiced
Basil leaves (optional)

Directions:

  • Pour water into a 4 liter jar. Let it steep 45 minutes.
  • Remove tea bags.
  • Stir in sugar and lime juice until sugar has dissolved.
  • Cool to room temperature and then refrigerate.

Gramma’s Lemonade

This lemonade is the perfect combination of sweet and tart. Kids love it so keep a jar of this on the go in your fridge.

Ingredients:

6 lemons
1 cup white sugar
6 cups cold water

Directions:

  • Juice lemons to make 1 cup of juice (tip: roll lemons between your hand and the counter before cutting and juicing lemons)
  • Combine lemon juice, sugar and water; adjust water to taste
  • Chill and serve over ice
  • Garnish with lemon slices when serving
  • Add basil leaves for extra zip

Sangria

This non-alcoholic version of the famous Spanish drink is sure to be a crowd pleaser. Packed full of nutrients and so very tasty. A favourite with adults and kids alike.

Ingredients:

4 cups white grape juice
1 cup blueberries
1 cup orange juice
3 limes
2 oranges
2 bananas
2 peaches
Ice

Directions

  • Blend white grape juice with ¼ cup blueberries
  • Pour into large jar
  • Add orange juice and juice from 1 lime; stir well
  • Add ice to jar; add chopped fruits (2 limes, oranges, bananas, peaches); add remaining blueberries
  • Refrigerate for two hours

Margaritas

Another non-alcoholic version of a perfect festive summer drink.

Ingredients

Lime wedges
Coarse sugar
1 can frozen limeade concentrate
¾ cup orange juice
⅔ cup unsweetened grapefruit juice
4 cups ice cubes

Directions

  • Rub edge of glasses with lime wedge
  • Dip rims in coarse sugar
  • Use a blender to combine limeade concentrate, orange juice, grapefruit juice and ice cubes until slushy
  • Serve garnished with a lime wedge

We hope you try some of these drinks. Treat yourself and enjoy!