I am always looking for drink recipes for the summer. Alcoholic or not, we all need something to cool us down when the temperature rises. Check out these recipes for some thirst-quenching refreshments.
Strawberry Banana Protein Smoothie
Source: Google
I absolutely love strawberry and banana smoothies, especially on a warm summer day. Smoothies are great because they taste good and they are packed with nutrients, but sometimes I feel like they are lacking protein, which is why I added a scoop of protein powder in this recipe. This helps me feel fuller longer and stay energized.
Ingredients:
1 scoop of whey protein powder
½ cup of favorite type of juice (like strawberry or orange)
1 cup of frozen strawberries
2 bananas, sliced
3 tablespoons of honey
¾ cup of vanilla flavored yogurt of any kind
¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions:
Place all the ingredients in the blender and process until smooth. Serve!
Serves: 2
Watermelon and Cucumber Refreshment
As I was browsing on Martha Stewart, I found this recipe and it looked amazing. I decided to give it a try, but I changed it up a bit. I am always looking for cocktails to sit poolside with, and with watermelon being in season, this is the perfect recipe.
Ingredients:
5 cups cubed seedless watermelon
¼ cup fresh lime juice
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon superfine sugar
1/3 cup triple sec
2/3 to 1 cup vodka (depending on preference)
Ice to your liking
Directions:
- Puree the watermelon and sugar in a blender until well blended. Using a strainer, remove any solid pieces.
- Pour the watermelon into a pitcher. Add the vodka, limejuice, honey, triple sec and ice. Mix well and serve!
This recipe serves: 2
Easy as Pie Lemonade
Source: Google
Summer lemonade — is there anything better? This drink hits the spot when it’s hot and muggy outside. This recipe takes me back to my childhood when I used to sell lemonade on the side of the road; maybe it will do the same for you too.
Ingredients:
8 cups of cold water
½ cup of granulated sugar
1 cup of fresh lemon juice
2/3 cup of hot water (not boiling water)
1 cup of ice
1 lemon sliced for garnish
Directions:
- Place the hot water and sugar into a pitcher until the sugar dissolves completely.
- Add the lemon juice and cold water. Stir until well mixed.
- Add the ice cubes and stir (You can also pour ice into the individual glasses instead of the pitcher). Garnish with lemon slices.
This recipe serves: 2-3
Frozen Mocha Drink
Source: Google
For all of my fellow coffee lovers out there, this drink is cold and gives us the java we need daily. I love anything that has coffee in it, but a frozen coffee drink in the summer makes for the perfect afternoon (or morning) pick-me-up. This combination of milk and coffee hits the sweet tooth, but doesn’t overdo it, allowing for the perfect frozen drink.
Ingredients:
2 cups of brewed coffee
1 cup of low fat milk (or skim milk)
2 to 3 tablespoons of maple syrup
1 teaspoon of granulated sugar
3 tablespoons of cocoa powder
1/8 teaspoon of vanilla extract
1 tablespoon chocolate syrup (or you can go without)
½ teaspoon cinnamon for garnish
Ice cubes as needed
Directions:
- Freeze the coffee into individual ice cube trays overnight.
- Combine the coffee cubes, milk, maple syrup, sugar, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, and chocolate syrup in a blender. Combine until the ice is blended and the mixture is smooth.
- Divide between two glasses and dust with cinnamon for garnish.
Note: I also love to use non-fat whipped cream or homemade whipped cream with this drink, in addition to chocolate shavings on top. This indulgence is one of the healthier frozen coffee drinks.
This recipes serves: 2