Nothing says summer like a cool, refreshing drink in hand. Whether you're hosting a backyard barbecue or simply want to treat yourself after a long day in the garden, these summer sippers celebrate the season's best fruit.
Golden Hour Peach Iced Tea
This refreshing iced tea captures summer in a glass with homemade peach syrup that infuses every sip with a sweet and unique flavor.Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 5 ripe peaches (4 chopped, 1 sliced for serving)
- 4 tea bags
- 2 liters water
- Ice
Instructions
In a saucepan, combine sugar with 1 cup water and slowly bring to a boil, ensuring sugar dissolves completely. Add chopped peaches and cook until very soft, then remove from heat and mash peaches with a fork. Let infuse for 1 hour, then strain the syrup through a fine sieve into a jar, pressing the fruit to extract all liquid. The syrup can be kept refrigerated for up to one week.
For the tea, place black tea bags in a large heatproof pitcher and pour 2 liters of boiling water over them. Steep for 4 minutes, then remove tea bags and cool completely before refrigerating until chilled. To serve, pour the syrup into individual glasses and top with tea. Add ice and fresh peach slices.
Watermelon & Strawberry Slushie
The combination of sweet watermelon and strawberries creates a naturally refreshing treat that both kids and adults will love.Ingredients
- 1 small seedless watermelon
- 8 oz ripe strawberries, tops removed
- Juice of 2 fresh limes
- Ice (optional)
Instructions
The day before serving, cut the watermelon into chunks, removing the rind. Place half the watermelon pieces in a freezer bag and freeze for several hours or overnight. When ready to serve, combine the frozen watermelon, fresh watermelon, strawberries, and lime juice in a blender. Blend until smooth and slushy, then pour into chilled glasses and serve immediately. Add extra ice if you prefer a thicker consistency.
Sparkling Water with a Twist
Sometimes the most refreshing drink is also the easiest to make. Transform sparkling water (we love using Nixie), into something special by adding frozen berries or fresh citrus.Drop a handful of frozen strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries into your glass, they'll act as natural ice cubes while slowly releasing their flavor and creating a beautiful color.
For a citrus twist, add slices of fresh lemon, lime, or orange, or muddle a few mint leaves in the bottom of your glass before adding the sparkling water. These simple additions turn ordinary sparkling water into a refreshing, naturally flavored beverage that's perfect for staying hydrated during those hot summer days.
Fresh Cocktails for the Adults
Your summer sipping isn't complete without refreshing cocktails that showcase seasonal fruit at its finest. These grown-up drinks contain alcohol, so please enjoy them responsibly.
Peach Tree Julep
There's something wonderful about the combination of fresh peaches, fragrant mint, and smooth bourbon. This pitcher-style julep is perfect for sharing and celebrates the sweetest stone fruit of the season.Ingredients
- 1 ripe peach, diced
- One bunch of fresh mint leaves
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 12 oz bourbon
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- Crushed ice
Start by muddling the mint leaves until fragrant. Add the diced peaches and sugar, then muddle again until the fruit releases its juices. Add the muddled mixtures into a pitcher and fill the pitcher halfway with ice, then pour the bourbon and lemon juice over top. Stir well to combine all the flavors and serve immediately in chilled glasses over additional ice. Garnish with fresh mint sprigs and peach slices.
Very Strawberry Margarita
Sweet, ripe strawberries transform the classic margarita into a summer celebration. The natural sweetness of the berries pairs beautifully with tart lime and smooth tequila.Ingredients
- 10 oz fresh ripe strawberries; washed, destemmed, and sliced
- 1/2 cup tequila
- 2 oz freshly squeezed lime juice
- 1/4 cup agave nectar or honey
- 1/4 cup orange liqueur
- Coarse salt for the rim of the glass
Combine strawberries, tequila, lime juice, agave nectar, and orange liqueur in a blender. Pulse until smooth, then let the mixture rest for 3-5 minutes. Remove any foam from the top with a spoon and taste to adjust sweetness or tartness as needed. For salt-rimmed glasses, run a lime slice around the rim of each glass, then dip in coarse salt. Fill glasses with ice and pour the margarita mixture over top. Garnish with fresh strawberry slices or lime wedges.
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