This article originally appeared on Next Avenue.
Summer’s here and the heat is on. Whether you’re looking for refreshing drinks to share at a Fourth of July party this week or a cool cocktail any hot night, we have you covered. Here are three fresh ideas for summer beverages — each can be enjoyed with or without alcohol:
Red, White and Blueberry Spritzer
Why It’s Great: With little to no added sugar, this refreshing favorite is low on unwanted calories while packing an antioxidant punch with seasonal berries.
Ingredients
- 2 c. blueberries
- 2 c. strawberries, hulled and chopped
- Sparkling water or lemon-lime soda, chilled
Instructions
Layer or mix blueberries and strawberries in a pitcher or individual glasses.
Top with sparkling water or white soda and serve.
For an added kick, include crushed ice and a splash of vodka or gin.
Serves: 4
(Recipe and photo courtesy of Culinary Hill)
Cherry Bombs
Why It’s Great: Perfect for a large group. Prepare the mixture the day before, then serve — no need to be behind a blender all day.
Ingredients
- 2 – 3 lbs. of bing cherries (pitted)
- With alcohol: 1 liter of vodka (lime or cherry flavor if desired)
- Without alcohol: 1 liter of 100 percent pomegranate or cherry juice
- Sparkling water or lemon-lime soda, chilled
- 2 – 3 c. of simple syrup
- 2 c. of lime juice
Instructions
Combine cherries, vodka or fruit juice, simple syrup and lime juice in a large container and refrigerate overnight.
Ladle roughly 4 oz. of mixture (and a few cherries) into a glass filled with ice, then top with soda or sparkling water.
To create both an alcoholic and non-alcoholic version, combine half of the listed ingredients in two separate containers; add vodka to one and fruit juice to the other.
Serves: 20 – 22
Key Lime Cooler
Why It’s Great: A mix between a piña colada and a margarita, this blended beverage has a sweet-tart tanginess.
Ingredients
- 2 c. coconut milk
- 1 ½ tsp grated lime rind
- ¼ c. lime juice
- ¼ c. honey or agave nectar
- 24 oz. key lime flavored yogurt (frozen)
- 10 ice cubes
- Rum (if desired)
Instructions
Combine coconut milk, lime rind, juice and sweetener in blender and process.
Add yogurt and blend.
Slowly add ice cubes and 4 oz. of rum (if desired), until smooth.
Serves: 3 – 4
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