Summer Drink Recipes



Warm-weather entertaining is a breeze with cool, refreshing drinks made in batches. Keep these tips in mind when planning your next summer get-together:

  • Offer at least two choices of drinks.
  • If serving alcohol, provide at least one non-alcoholic beverage option.
  • Cold cocktails made in batches make serving a crowd easy and fun.



Alcoholic Drinks


Passion Fruit HurricanesPassion Fruit Hurricanes

This is our Test Kitchen's version of the famous Hurricane beverage that's so popular in New Orleans.
—Taste of Home Test Kitchen



Brandy SlushBrandy Slush

This slush with a hint of citrus keeps you cool on hot summer days. Even if you're no a tea lover, you'll likely find the mix of flavors pleasing.
—Taste of Home Test Kitchen



Frozen Strawberry DaiquirisFrozen Strawberry Daiquiris

Blend this refreshing pink drink to serve on a hot summer day, for a barbecue or during your Mexican-themed party.
—Taste of Home Test Kitchen



Spiked LemonadeSpiked Lemonade

Rum gives a tropical addition to this fabulous homemade lemonade. For a variation, substitute vodka for the rum.
—Taste of Home Test Kitchen





Non-Alcoholic Drinks


Pretty pitchers of lemonade and other non-alcoholic choices let guests help themselves, and it's easy to keep plenty on hand in reserve.

Sunny Orange LemonadeSunny Orange Lemonade

Here's a beverage that'll really hit the spot. Filled with tangy goodness, it'll quench your thirst any time of year.
—Martha Schwartz, Sarasota, Florida



Raspberry Ice TeaRaspberry Ice Tea

I treasure this recipe because of the make-ahead convenience it offers.
—Lois McGrady, Hillsville, Virginia





Wine Drinks


Ideal summer wines are light, affordable and best served with a slight chill. For red wine, choose an inexpensive Chianti, which is great with grilled meats; or Beaujolais, a fruity, young, fun wine that's perfect for picnic foods or light hors d'oeuvres. Pop reds into ice for 20-30 minutes before serving.

For white wines, consider a light, versatile Riesling or, if feeling a bit more adventurous, Portugal's Vinho Verde (green wine) is refreshing, tart and excellent served ice-cold. Also try these chilled wine recipes.

White SangriaWhite Sangria

Fruity, sweet and party-pretty, this light, refreshing beverage goes together in minutes.
—Taste of Home Test Kitchen



Sensational SangriaSensational Sangria

This red wine sangria offers a refreshing change of pace for your next patio party.
—Taste of Home Test Kitchen





Drink Tips


Summer Drink Recipes
  • Iced tea or lemonade for a party looks lovely and tastes great when served with special ice cubes. Freeze a sprig of mint or lemon balm or several slivers of lemon zest in each cube and drop a few in each glass. I also put cubes of frozen pink lemonade (sometimes with maraschino cherries in the center) in regular lemonade. As they melt, the yellow lemonade turns a delicate pink.
    —Ginger B., Reidsville, North Carolina
  • Make "flavored" ice cubes from lemonade, fruit juice or punch to help chill the same beverage. This keeps the drink cold without diluting it.
    —Julia Griffin, Walsh, Colorado
  • I freeze leftover fruit juices in an ice cube tray. I use these fruity ice cubes to add extra flavor to lemonade and iced tea. They're handy to have on hand when someone drops in to visit because they seem a little more special.
    —Betty D., Abbotsford, Wisconsin



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How to Make a Beverage Tub >

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Summer Recipes >