These are the best drink recipes to sip on to cool down and relax on a scorching hot summer day.
88 Thirst-Quenching Drinks
Updated Aug. 22, 2024
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Perfect Lemon Martini
Time to relax with a refreshing lemon drop martini! The combination of tart lemon and sweet liqueur will tingle your taste buds. —Marilee Anker, Chatsworth, California
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Iced Melon Moroccan Mint Tea
I grow mint on my balcony, and this refreshing beverage is a wonderful way to use it. It combines two of my favorite drinks—Moroccan Mint Tea and Honeydew Agua Fresca. For extra flair, add some ginger ale. —Sarah Batt Throne, El Cerrito, California
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Peach Champagne
I searched high and low for the perfect punch recipe and finally decided to create my own. This sipper is a big hit at parties, especially weddings. In summer I freeze fresh peaches and fresh strawberries; if you don't have fresh fruit, store-bought frozen fruit works just as well. —Linda Hall, Evington, Virginia
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Blueberry Lime Slush
My husband's family makes a cranberry beverage for the holidays. I changed it up and serve it this way in winter and summer, when blueberries are in season. —Rebecca Bratsman, Tacoma, Washington
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Paloma
The paloma is a popular Mexican cocktail starring smooth tequila and sweet-tart grapefruit soda. This simple recipe makes a citrusy cocktail that is perfectly refreshing. ¡Salud!
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Midwest Mary
In the Midwest, Bloody Marys garnished with meats, cheeses and veggies are works of art. My beverage has skewers of bratwurst, cheese curds and dill pickles. —Kathryn Conrad, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
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Rubies on Ice
Ginger and pomegranate are made for each other, and the color of this beverage is tantalizing. If you're looking for a nonalcoholic option, you can easily leave out the vodka for a delicious and festive drink! —Tara Deshpande, New York, New York
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Peach-Basil Cooler
Mix peaches and basil with club soda for a cool and refreshing mocktail! —Dana Hinck, Pensacola, Florida
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Grilled Lemon & Thyme Lemonade
We use our grill for most summer dinners, so we thought, "why not grill the lemonade?" The flavor is surprisingly smooth, with just the right amount of honey and herbs. We call it Thyme for Lemonade. —Susan Jordan, Denver, Colorado
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Iced Honeydew Mint Tea
I grow mint in the garden on my balcony. For this tea, I blend two of my favorite beverages—Moroccan mint tea and honeydew agua fresca. —Sarah Batt Throne, El Cerrito, California
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Strawberry-Basil Cocktail
This cocktail of sun-ripened strawberries and tender basil is so refreshing without being overly sweet. It’s our favorite. —Mary Marlowe Leverette, Columbia, South Carolina
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Mimosa Floats
Everyone needs a little treat at brunch! I wanted to kick things up a notch, so I added a scoop of ice cream to my mimosas. Sometimes I add chocolate, too.—Amy Lents, Grand Forks, North Dakota
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Kentucky Lemonade
Mint and bourbon give this drink a bit of a Kentucky kick, and ginger ale makes it a fizzy party punch.—Cathy Justus, Taylor, Michigan
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Maple Blackberry Mojito
This refreshing blackberry cocktail is how you take advantage of prime berry season during the summer months. I've also used other types of fruit, including raspberries, kiwi and strawberries. —Donna Noel, Gray, Maine
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Lemon, Ginger and Turmeric Infused Water
This turmeric, lemon, ginger water is a fantastic pick-me-up when you are feeling a little under the weather or find yourself in need of a health boost. Turmeric is commonly used in Indian cuisines, and studies indicate it’s chock-full of antioxidants. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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Rhubarb Punch
I love the tart taste of rhubarb, and this lively, beautiful punch makes a refreshing treat at any get-together. —Eleanor Martens, Rosenort, Manitoba
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Apricot Brandy Slush
While spending the summer in New Mexico, we tasted this refreshing golden color tea beverage enhanced with something borrowed from the cocktail world: apricot brandy.—Shirley Miller, Williamsport, PA
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Blackberry Shrub
Making a shrub recipe is a creative way to use up extra fruit all the way through Labor Day. We were inspired by sampling the house-made shrubs at a restaurant in California. They are as colorful and refreshing as summer drinks should be. —Gina Nistico, Denver, Colorado
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Strawberry-Lavender Infused Water
A little bit of lavender goes a long way, so be sure not to overdo it! This pretty combo screams summer, but you can also dry out the lavender and enjoy this anytime.
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Lemon-Basil Mojito Mocktails
In this twist on the classic summer beverage, lemon and basil take the place of mint. For a grown-up version, just add your favorite rum or vodka. —Cheryl Perry, Hertford, North Carolina
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Tangy Strawberry Slush
When temperatures rise, cool things down with this ice-cold fruity slush. Keep some in the freezer for when guests pop in on a sultry evening.—Laura Reigel, Sheboygan, Wisconsin
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Cranberry Sparkler
The flavors of this refreshing cran-raspberry cocktail are great any time of year. In winter, the cranberry makes it a good fit for holiday parties; on a warm summer's night, the raspberry comes to the fore. It's a favorite for our girls' night! —Susan Stetzel, Gainesville, New York
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Belmont Breeze
It may be juicy, but it’s not too sweet. This flavorful refresher is the perfect drink for whiskey lovers to sip on a hot day. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
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Pomegranate Cosmo
Every soiree needs a signature drink. Sugar dresses up this simple cosmo that lets you enjoy a cozy evening with friends and still shake things up. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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Basil Citrus Cocktail
Fruity, fantastic and lighter in calories! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
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Moscow Mule
You do not have to go to a trendy cocktail bar to have a top-notch drink. Start with just three simple ingredients to make this ultra-refreshing cocktail.
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Watermelon-Lime Cooler
When temps heat up, chill some glasses and cool down with a slushy blend of watermelon, lime and ginger ale. Slurp and repeat. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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Citrus and Cucumber Infused Water
If you’ve ever enjoyed cucumber and citrus in a drink before, you know how beautifully they go together. Skip the soda and try this instead for the ultimate in infused water refreshment.
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Bloody Mary
Make the classic Bloody Mary your own with homemade mix and fun garnishes. Did someone say brunch?
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Nectarine, Basil and Clementine Infused Water
Nectarine and basil may sound a little strange, but trust us, this combination is a real winner. A few slices of clementine seal the deal. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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Lemony Pineapple Iced Tea
I like to garnish this iced tea with some of our sweet Hawaiian pineapple. —Beverly Toomey, Honolulu, Hawaii
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Blueberry Mojito
An ice-cold blueberry mojito is the perfect way to beat the heat this summer, whether you're pitmaster or sitting poolside.
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Cantaloupe, Mint and Lemon Infused Water
Nothing beats fresh melon. You can also play around with this recipe and swap cantaloupe for honeydew or watermelon, or go ahead and use all three.
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Sweet Tea Boysenberry Shandy
I love an ice-cold beer on a hot summer day. I also love sweet tea, so one day I got the great idea to mix the two. Wow! It was absolutely delish. I experimented with different flavorings, and this combination was my favorite. —Kelly Williams, Forked River, New Jersey
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Aunt Frances’ Lemonade
My sister and I spent a week each summer with our Aunt Frances, who always had this thirst-quenching lemonade in a stoneware crock in her refrigerator. It makes a refreshing drink after a hot day of running around. —Debbie Reinhart, New Cumberland, Pennsylvania
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Iced Raspberry Tea
Frozen raspberries lend fruity flavor and lovely color to this pretty iced tea that's good throughout the year. The recipe calls for just a few common ingredients and offers make-ahead convenience. —Lois McGrady, Hillsville, Virginia
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Strawberry Watermelon Slush
We like to relax on the back porch with glasses of my slush after a long, hot day. Strawberries and watermelon blend up with lemon juice and sugar for an instant refresher. —Patty Howse, Great Falls, Montana
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Lemonade Iced Tea
I have always loved iced tea with lemon, and this delightful thirst quencher just takes it one step further. Lemonade gives the drink a nice color too. I dress up each glass with a slice of lemon on the rim. —Gail Buss, New Bern, North Carolina
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Cappuccino Punch
When I tried this punch at a friend's wedding shower, I had to have the recipe. Guests will eagerly gather around the punch bowl when you ladle out this frothy mocha ice cream drink. —Rose Reich, Nampa, Idaho
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Orange Lemonade
This juice is a favorite at our place. I'll often double the batch and send a jar next door to my mother-in-law! I was looking for a way to sweeten lemonade without using more sugar when I came up with the recipe. —Wendy Masters, Grand Valley, Ontario
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Morning Orange Drink
I love to treat overnight guests to this creamy orange frappe. Just blitz a few basic ingredients in your blender and enjoy. —Joyce Mummau, Mount Airy, Maryland
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Blackberry Lemonade
Here's a special drink that's perfect when blackberries are in season. It has a tangy, refreshing flavor. —Rich Murray, Nevada, Missouri
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Mixed Berry Sangria
This is a light, tasty beverage to serve with spoons so everyone can enjoy the fresh berries once the sangria is gone. — Linda Cifuentes, Mahomet, Illinois
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Fruit Punch
This pink cooler is deliciously thirst-quenching on a warm day. Seeing its color, folks guess it might be pink lemonade. They're pleasantly surprised to discover the bubbly blend includes cranberry, pineapple, orange and lemon juices. —Marion Lowery, Medford, Oregon
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Strawberry-Basil Refresher
Fresh strawberries and basil are everywhere, so get them together for a cooler that’s pure sunshine. I garnish with basil leaves and sip outdoors. —Carolyn Turner, Reno, Nevada
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Banana Brunch Punch
A cold glass of refreshing punch really brightens a brunch. It's nice to serve a crisp beverage like this that's more spectacular than plain juice. With bananas, orange juice and lemonade, it can add tropical flair to a winter day. —Mary Anne McWhirter, Pearland, Texas
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Fresh Lime Margaritas
This basic fresh margarita recipe is easy to modify to your tastes. Try it frozen or with strawberries. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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Brandy Slush
Brandy slush is as ubiquitous in Wisconsin as cheese. This frozen drink made with juice concentrates, brandy and tea is perfect for parties and get-togethers any time of year.
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Rainbow Spritzer
Layers of colorful fruit submerged in a fizzy, sweet beverage make this a kid-friendly sipper that gets two thumbs-up. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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Peachy Keen Daiquiris
You won’t mind breaking out the blender for these frosty fruit drinks—they’re a breeze to whip up. If you don't have fresh, use frozen peaches. A dash of grenadine gives the golden daiquire a blush of red.—Joan Antonen, Arlington, South Dakota
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Spicy Tomato Juice
You can drink this juice plain or use it in most any recipe like chili that calls for vegetable juice as an ingredient. —Kathleen Gill, Butte, Montana
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Pineapple Iced Tea
We have a large family, so we go through beverages quickly at our house. This thirst-quenching tea is simple to mix together and has a sparkling citrus flavor we all enjoy. —K. Kitell, Lenexa, Kansas
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Sparkling Rhubarb Spritzer
Folks with a rhubarb plant or two will love this recipe. It's a nice change from the usual lemonade—we enjoy it all summer long. —Sue Rebers, Campbellsport, Wisconsin
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Strawberry Milkshake
Grab your spoon: this strawberry milkshake is thick, bright with strawberry flavor and infinitely customizable.
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Spiked Lemonade
Rum gives a tropical addition to this fabulous homemade lemonade. If you have vodka on hand, try that instead of the rum. —Susan Hein, Burlington, Wisconsin
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Passion 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, Greendale, Wisconsin
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Beer Margarita
A beer margarita gives you the casual ease of a beer with the citrusy pop of a margarita. Cheers!
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Minty Tea Punch
Forget sugary (and boring) sodas for your next potluck and treat your family and friends to a refreshing homemade punch. —Crystal Bruns, Iliff, Colorado
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Red, White and Blue Frozen Lemonade
This patriotic drink is as pretty as it is delicious. With cherries, blueberries and lemon juice, we created a striped lemonade that is perfect for a Fourth of July celebration. —Shawn Carleton, San Diego, California
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Apricot Lemonade Iced Tea
Every special occasion deserves a refreshing beverage (and a lovely punch bowl). Our tea has a tangy flavor from lemonade, apricot nectar and mint. —Kay Chon, Sherwood, Arkansas
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Horchata
In this Horchata recipe, the mixture of ground rice and almonds is accented with a hint of lime. Depending on your preference, you can use more or less water for a thinner or creamier beverage. —James Schend, Dairy Freed
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Blackberry Beer Cocktail
This refreshing hard lemonade has a mild alcohol flavor; the beer adds just enough fizz to dance on your tongue as you sip. Sorry, adults only! —Ginger Sullivan, Cutler Bay, Florida
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Champagne Party Punch
To make this punch even more festive, float an ice ring in the punch. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
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Brandy Old-Fashioned
In Wisconsin, we do things differently with this classic cocktail. Learn how to make a Badger State brandy old-fashioned to sip wherever you call home.
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Sparkling Punch
As a table brightener, fix a bowl of festive fruity punch—it's a refreshing beverage you can mix together in moments. To dress it up even more, I add an ice ring filled with oranges, lemons and cranberries. —Karen Ann Bland, Gove, Kansas
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Old-Fashioned Ice Cream Sodas
I keep the ingredients for these ice cream sodas on hand so I can enjoy a treat anytime I want. You can easily make more when feeding a crowd. —Anna Erickson, Terrebonne, Oregon
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Rhubarb Citrus Punch
Rhubarb grows abundantly in our large farm garden. I'll make this punch for summertime gatherings or for special occasions with our extended family. —Ina Frey, St. Clemens, Ontario
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Watermelon-Strawberry Cooler
My family gulps this frosty cooler because we love, love, love watermelon. The strawberries give it an extra pop. This is a perfect drink for Texas heat. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas
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Grilled Peach & Pineapple Sangria
Grill up fresh peaches and pineapple slathered in cinnamon butter and use them to make a refreshing summer sangria. I also like to add slices of grilled lemon and lime to drop in the glass for a citrusy boost of flavor. —Heather King, Frostburg, Maryland
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Cranberry Limeade
When cranberry and lime juice get together, the result is thirst-quenching. Add ice and you’ve got a party in a glass. —Michael Passow, Poughkeepsie, New York
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Raspberry Refresher
This recipe explodes with raspberry flavor! It's a wonderful summertime treat.—Doreen Patterson, Qualicum Beach, British Columbia
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Pina Colada
Velvety-smooth texture and a taste of the tropics are what this tropical drink delivers. The easy-to-make pina colada recipe can be mixed and chilled ahead of time. When ready to serve, just blend for a creamy and delicious beverage. —Linda Schend, Kenosha, Wisconsin
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Sparkling Peach Bellinis
Folks will savor the subtle kiss of peach flavor in this elegant brunch beverage. — Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
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Red and Blue Berry Lemonade Slush
This delightfully sweet-tart beverage showcases fresh raspberries and blueberries. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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Sweet Raspberry Tea
You need only a handful of ingredients to stir together this refreshing spring sipper. Its brilliant color and smile-fetching flavor will make a popular thirst quencher as the weather turns warm. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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Rhubarb Mint Tea
A bumper crop of rhubarb and mint from my garden inspired me to create this thirst-quenching pick-me-up. Raspberries deepen the tea's vibrant red color, making the drinks a pretty addition to your table. —Laurie Bock, Lynden, Washington
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Celebration Punch
Looking for vodka punch recipes for your next party? Look no further! This easy punch is fresh, fruity and refreshing. Best of all—it's super simple to mix up for a crowd.
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Watermelon Margarita
Upgrade a classic lime margarita with this watermelon margarita recipe. The pretty, pink drink uses a sugared rim and blended watermelon to give the drink a sweet twist.
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Agua de Jamaica
This agua de Jamaica is an iced tea made from hibiscus, which is tart and deep red like cranberry juice. Add rum if you like. —Adan Franco, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
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Champagne Punch
This bubbly champagne punch combines fruit juices, sparkling and sweet wine, and fruit. The pretty ice ring is a flavorful way of keeping the punch cold throughout the festivities.
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Rosemary Lemonade
A friend suggested I add a sprig of rosemary to lemonade. The herb makes the drink taste fresh and light, and it's a pretty garnish. —Dixie Graham, Rancho Cucamonga, California
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Orange Juice Spritzer
Here’s a zippy twist on regular orange juice. It is not too sweet and is refreshing with any breakfast or brunch entree. —Michelle Krzmarzick, Torrance, California
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Spring Strawberry Sangria
Wine-infused berries make a lovely addition to this special-occasion drink. I love serving this during the beginning of spring to celebrate the new season. —Gina Quartermaine, Alexandria, Virginia
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Thin Mint Milk Shake
Save a sleeve of Girl Scout cookies for this creamy milkshake that's fun for kids and adults, too. —Shauna Sever, San Francisco, California
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Limoncello Spritzer
A perfect hint of lemon highlights in this popular, refreshing cooler.—Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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Black-Eyed Susan
The Kentucky Derby has the mint julep; the Preakness has the black-eyed Susan. The drink is a sunny mix of vodka, rum, and pineapple and orange juices to toast your special events.—Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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Bloody Maria
Tequila, lime and jalapenos give the brunch classic a fresh Mexican twist.—Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, WIsconsinOriginally Published: June 27, 2018
