5 Refreshing Summer Drinks to Cool You Down

Summer can be fun, but let’s be honest—it gets hot. On those warm, sunny days, you need something cool and tasty to drink. In this guide, we’ll show you five refreshing summer drinks to cool you down. They’re all made with fresh ingredients like fruits, herbs, and water. No hard-to-pronounce stuff here.

These drinks are easy, hydrating, and perfect for the whole family. Let’s get started!

Why Summer Hydration Matters

Before we jump into the recipes, let’s talk about why staying cool and hydrated is so important.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), drinking water and fluids is one of the best ways to prevent heat-related illness during hot months.

In fact:

• Your body needs more water in hot weather to stay cool (CDC, 2023).
• Dehydration can make you feel dizzy, tired, or give you a headache.

That’s why these summer drinks are perfect. They’re mostly water, but with a twist of flavor, nutrients, and fun.

Drink #1: Peach and Thyme Iced Tea

This drink is fruity, lightly sweet, and feels fancy—even though it’s easy to make.

Ingredients:

• 4 white or green tea bags
• 6 ripe peaches (or nectarines)
• 8–10 sprigs of fresh thyme
• 1/3 cup maple syrup (or agave or sugar)
• 1 liter hot water
• 1/2 cup lemon juice

Directions:

1. Steep tea bags in hot water for 8–10 minutes.
2. While the tea cools, chop peaches and simmer with thyme, water, and sweetener for 20 minutes.
3. Mash the peaches while cooking, then strain the mix.
4. Mix lemon juice into the cooled tea.
5. Pour 1 part syrup + 2 parts tea into a glass with ice. Garnish with thyme or peach slices.

Tip: You can make the tea and syrup ahead and keep it in the fridge.

Drink #2: Grapefruit and Rosemary Spritzer

This one tastes like sunshine in a glass. It’s zesty, a little sweet, and super bubbly.

Ingredients:

• 2 large grapefruits (zest + juice)
• 2 cups chopped pineapple
• 6 sprigs fresh rosemary
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup water
• Sparkling water (to top it off)

Directions:

1. Simmer pineapple, grapefruit juice, rosemary, sugar, and water for 15 minutes.
2. Mash the pineapple while cooking.
3. Add the grapefruit zest, then strain and cool.
4. In a glass, mix 1 part syrup + 1 part fresh grapefruit juice + 2 parts sparkling water.
5. Garnish with rosemary or grapefruit slices.

Flavor Tip: It smells like a tropical air freshener!

Drink #3: Ginger and Mint Lemonade

This one is quick, punchy, and very refreshing. Ginger lovers—this one’s for you.

Ingredients:

• Juice from 3 lemons
• 1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger
• 2 tablespoons agave syrup (or any sweetener)
• Fresh mint leaves
• 3 cups cold water
• Ice

Directions:

1. Grate the ginger and squeeze out the juice.
2. Mix ginger juice, lemon juice, sweetener, mint, and water in a pitcher.
3. Add ice and stir well.

Quick Tip: No juicer? Just squeeze the grated ginger by hand!

Drink #4: Raspberry Pink Lemonade

A bright and fruity spin on the classic. The color is beautiful and the taste is bold.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 cups raspberries (fresh or frozen)
• 1/4 cup maple syrup (or sweetener of choice)
• Juice from 4 lemons
• 5 cups cold water
• Ice, lemon slices, mint (optional)

Directions:

1. Simmer raspberries and sweetener for a few minutes.
2. Mash and strain out the seeds.
3. Mix with lemon juice and water.
4. Pour over ice and garnish.

Pro Tip: Adjust the sweetness if it’s too tart. Just add a little more syrup.

Why These Drinks Are Great for Summer

Benefit:

Hydration

Nutrients

Low Sugar Option

Quick & Simple

Budget-Friendly

How These Drinks Help:

Made mostly with water and fresh juice

Fruits like peach, raspberry, and citrus add vitamins

Easy to control how sweet you want it

Most take under 15 minutes to prep

Uses seasonal fruits and herbs

According to Harvard Health, fresh fruit drinks can support hydration and offer important vitamins like C, A, and potassium (Harvard School of Public Health, 2022).

Tips for Making the Best Summer Drinks

Here are some easy tips to make your drinks even better:

• Chill before serving: Most drinks taste better cold. Store mixes in the fridge.
• Use seasonal fruit: Summer fruits are fresher and cheaper.
• Try herbal twists: Add mint, basil, or rosemary to change up the flavor.
• Adjust sweetness: Start with less sweetener. Add more if needed.
• Use clear cups or jars: Let the color of the drinks shine!

Can Kids Enjoy These Drinks?

Yes! All five recipes are kid-friendly and alcohol-free. You can even let kids help:

• Have them squeeze lemons or limes
• Let them stir the ingredients
• Add their own fruit slices or ice

Fun activity idea: Freeze fruit chunks into ice cubes and let kids drop them in their drinks!

Make It Ahead: Yes or No?

Final Thoughts

Summer is the perfect time to try something new and refreshing. These homemade drinks are a great way to stay cool, feel healthy, and enjoy time with friends or family. Whether you're having a picnic, grilling outside, or just chilling on your porch, these drinks make everything feel like summer.

So pick your favorite and sip the heat away!

Looking for a Cool New Apartment This Summer?

Just like these refreshing drinks, your next home should feel just right.

Enigma Properties is a local property management company based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. We offer rentals in Milwaukee, Green Bay, and nearby areas.

From cozy apartments to spacious homes, our listings are clean, modern, and move-in ready.

Whether you're relocating or upgrading, we make renting simple and stress-free.

Contact Enigma Properties today to find a cool, comfortable place to call home this summer.