Add enough ice cubes into a beverage, and you can make anything a summer drink; however, refreshing it is a different challenge. You see, refreshing is an adjective describing something subjective. It’s not just about hydration and invigoration – it’s about a mental and motivational boost. It’s about feeling like you’re in a cool spring breeze regardless of the temperature. It’s also about tastes that we equate with leisure and relaxation. Here’s a list of beverages that can help you make this mental getaway quickly.
1. Lemonade
It’s impossible to imagine a list of summer drinks without starting it with lemonade. Chances are that lemonade is the first thing that pops into mind when you think about summer beverages. Citrus is a fruit in tropical and Mediterranean climates, making it a popular choice.
If you’ve ever made lemonade, tried someone else’s lemonade, or played Lemonade Tycoon, you know that everyone’s perfect lemonade recipe differs. The amount of lemon, ice, and sugar you put per cup/pitcher is up to you and your taste. See what works best for you and adjust the beverage’s temperature to the heat.
2. Orangeade
So, what makes orangeade so perfect for summer? First, it has a high water content, as it’s usually made from fresh orange juice. Since hydration is the key to staying fresh and cool in hot conditions, this is already huge.
It’s also rich in vitamin C and helps restore electrolyte balance. While these two things are not exclusively beneficial during great heats, they make a difference.
Lastly, as mentioned in the lemonade segment, citrus taste is generally associated with summer and refreshments. You should never downplay the significance of this mental connection.
3. Iced tea
One of the best things about tea is that it’s simple to make, especially with so many people already having smart kettles in their households. Since you intend to drink iced, you don’t have to worry about it getting cold. Just brew a huge quantity (a whole pitcher) and prepare enough ice for the job. If you have an ice maker, the situation is even simpler.
The type of tea matters, as well. There’s nothing wrong with fruit teas, but herbal teas seem a better choice. The most popular options for long summer days are either mint tea or hibiscus tea. These two aromas are especially refreshing when served with a few slices of orange (or some other citrus) to add some extra zest. Hibiscus is also an aphrodisiac, which may postpone your need for sex pills.
4. Cocktails
Many people love to relax with a cocktail by the pool. Now, everyone’s definition of a perfect summer cocktail is different. Still, the majority of people would have something like:
- Margarita
- Pina Colada
- Daiquiri
- Gin and Tonic
- Sex on the Beach
At the same time, some people see sangria as a perfect summer beverage.
One of the best things about cocktails and similar alcoholic beverages is that they’re great for social interactions and nights out at the club. Who knows, you may even try something life-changing. According to people behind bottle service Minneapolis, with modern ordering systems, you can even get some of these cocktails to go. This means that if you try something you like, you can enjoy it without revisiting the place.
5. Sparkling water with fresh fruit
Sparkling water is refreshing on its own. Then, you add a couple of ice cubes and are ready to go. However, what if we told you that the ultimate summer beverage is just one simple step away? You only need to slice your favorite fruit into a few pieces and drop them into a pitcher.
Sparkling water will quickly react with the fruit and soak its flavor, drastically improving its taste. While it may sound too simple to be an authentic drink, it can make even the hottest summer days more bearable.
6. Cucumber mint cooler
The best thing about a cucumber mint cooler is how low effort it is. All you need is a cucumber, mint leaves, and ice. You need to understand that this doesn’t take much time or preparation. The fact that this is low-effort will be even more important on a summer day when you’ll already feel sluggish by default.
You just slice the cucumber (into large chunks, you don’t even have to fine-chop it) and add it to water. You can have a mint plant in a pot, pick 3-4 leaves, and then put a couple of ice cubes into the water. You would be surprised just how refreshing this drink can be.
Just remember that you can add anything else too. Slicing a lemon and adding it to the water (without actually squeezing the juice) will enrich the beverage with the aroma of lemon without being too sour.
7. Beer
Beer is on the opposite end of the spectrum of the lemonade. Let’s face it, when you say a refreshing beverage, you’ll either think of beer or lemonade (depending on whether you first thought of an alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverage). High carbonation and the fact that this beverage is usually consumed cold makes the beverage ideal for hot weather.
Also, beer hydrates more than other alcoholic beverages (because it has a higher water concentration than other beverages). Still, just remember that, when it comes to hydration, nothing beats water and that using alcohol for hydration is generally a bad idea.
Just remember to consume beer in moderation. Because it’s hot and you perspire more, chances are you’ll be able to drink more than the usual beer. However, the difference is not nearly as significant as you think so the result may be unpleasant. Like anything else alcoholic or addictive, make sure not to push it too far.
Wrap up
In the end, what’s refreshing is subjective. Some people love the kick from the zest, making them avoid drinks they deem too sweet. While some prefer alcoholic beverages, others see their dehydrating properties as problematic. There’s no universal answer to questions like – which drink is the most refreshing. Also, this is more subjective than you think, so everyone needs to find their answer to this question.
