It gets boring drinking nothing but water and other bland drinks. Summer is here, so let’s switch things up! Summer is a time to be creative and do things you wouldn’t do during any other season, and that includes consuming various beverages.
We’re here to bring you four different and creative beverage recipes that will spice up your summer. Note: Some of these are alcoholic beverages, but each can be made sober- and kid-friendly with substitutions or virgin versions.
Blueberry Ginger Mojito
Ingredients Needed. A mojito is a sweet and sour little drink that’s incredibly refreshing during the hot summer months, but it definitely needs some reimagining very now and again. This version of the drink involves both fresh blueberries and some pungent ginger. The recipe implements fresh fruit and aromatics that add a healthy twist to the drink. Even if you aren’t a fan of vodka (or can’t drink/serve it for any reason), switch it out for standard lemonade and you’ll still have a tasty drink.
For other substitutions, consider different berries and skip out on so much ginger. You might end up with a totally different drink — like a minty, strawberry-flavored lemonade drink — but that just makes it all the more adventurous!
Watermelon Champagne Cocktail
Ingredients Needed. Champagne is still alcohol, but it’s on the lower end of the spectrum. If you can drink a glass at New Years, you can handle this drink just fine.
Watermelon is one of the staple fruits of summer. It’s juicy, healthy and hydrating, making it a triple threat. This drink is easy to make and also helps to quench your thirst. This recipe, however, blends pureed watermelon with three different types of liquor: vanilla vodka, triple sec and champagne. If you want a much more subtle drink, sans the triple sec and vodka, then replace it with a lemon lime soda or seltzer water.
Muddled Lemonberryade
Ingredients Needed. This is one drink you don’t have to modify if you want something free of spirits. For a unique summer drink that’s kid-friendly, try this one: simple lemonade with mint and berries. There’s also a quart of club soda to make things fun and fizzy.
However, this doesn’t mean you aren’t allowed to switch things up. Berries and soft fruits are easiest to turn into a lemonade additive. Try fruits like peach and combine them with mint and grenadine for something a little more syrupy and special. You can also make things a little more special by switching out the club soda for a lemon lime soda.
Tequila Sangria
Ingredients Needed. Finally, here’s a drink that combines some pretty adventurous liquor with equally adventurous fruits. Before we start, know that you can easily substitute the tequila and flavored liqueur for club soda, lemonade or simply take them out altogether.
This drink certainly pushes the boundaries. With oranges, pineapple slices, blackberries, limes and two different types of juice, this beverage is honestly perfect as is without the tequila and red wine. Keep in one spirit or all of them — it’s certainly a tasty beverage as is or modified slightly!
