When the temps rise, the only thing better than a shady spot is a cold drink in your hand. From fruity refreshers to creamy indulgences, these 17 summer sips are here to keep things cool and delicious. Whether you’re poolside, porch-swinging, or just dreaming of a beach day, there’s a drink in here calling your name.
Sherbet Punch
This sherbet punch is hands-down one of the easiest ways to beat the heat. Just toss some sherbet in a bowl, pour over lemon-lime soda, and that’s it—instant fun. It’s fizzy, creamy, and hits the spot on a hot day. Perfect for summer hangouts, and yeah, it always disappears quick.
Get the Recipe: Sherbet Punch
Strawberry Milkshake
Got a sweet tooth and a hot day? Whip up this strawberry milkshake with strawberry ice cream, fresh berries, and a splash of syrup. Toss it all in the blender and boom—you’ve got a creamy, fruity treat that totally hits the spot. It’s like drinking summer. Might want to make a second one—you won’t wanna share.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Milkshake
Vodka Watermelon Punch
Watermelon, pineapple juice, limeade, and vodka—yeah, it’s as good as it sounds. Just blend it up and boom, you’ve got a fruity, boozy slush that’s way too easy to drink. It’s perfect for hot days, chill hangs, or whenever you just don’t feel like adulting. Make a big batch—this one goes fast.
Get the Recipe: Vodka Watermelon Punch
Fresh Squeezed Lemonade
This fresh squeezed lemonade is just like the kind Grandma used to make—super simple, extra refreshing, and only three ingredients. It’s perfect for BBQs, picnics, or just hanging out on the porch. Honestly, it tastes even better when you’re sipping it while judging your neighbor’s lawn. Make a big batch—everyone’s gonna want a glass.
Get the Recipe: Fresh Squeezed Lemonade
Chocolate Milkshake
Hot out and need a chocolate fix? This homemade milkshake’s got you covered—just toss a few basics in the blender and you’re good to go. It’s cold, creamy, and seriously hits the spot. No need to leave the house, and yeah, you’re totally allowed to slurp it straight from the glass.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Milkshake
Banana Daiquiri
This banana daiquiri couldn’t be easier—just four ingredients and boom, you’re drinking summer. It’s perfect for lazy days by the pool, backyard hangs, or pretending your patio is a tropical getaway. One sip and you’re basically on vacation. Honestly, it goes down so easy you’ll be blending up round two before you know it. Might as well make a double.
Get the Recipe: Banana Daiquiri
Mint Julep
Whip up a Mint Julep that tastes like a getaway in a glass—no passport, no plane, just good vibes. It’s super easy with only three ingredients and comes together in no time. Cool, minty, and just the right amount of fancy without trying too hard. Perfect for hanging with friends or kicking back solo. Honestly, once you take a sip, you’ll probably want another.
Get the Recipe: Mint Julep
Whiskey Sour
This fruity, refreshing cocktail is perfect for warm nights when a whiskey sour sounds like the right move. It’s super easy to mix up at home, no fancy bar skills required. Just a few ingredients, a good shake, and you’re all set. Trust me, once you make one, you’ll want a second.
Get the Recipe: Whiskey Sour
Electric Lemonade
Cool off with a glass of blue electric lemonade—just vodka, blue curaçao, lemonade, and a splash of lemon-lime soda. It’s sweet, fizzy, and totally tastes like vacation in a cup. Perfect for BBQs, pool days, or whenever it’s way too hot to think straight. Kick back, sip slow, and pretend you’re somewhere with a breeze.
Get the Recipe: Electric Lemonade
Fizzy Watermelon Slushi
This fizzy watermelon slushie is basically summer in a cup—sweet, icy, and stupid easy to make. Drink it as-is or throw in a little booze, then park yourself in a lawn chair and do absolutely nothing. Your backyard just got a serious upgrade. Make one and you’ll probably want another.
Get the Recipe: Fizzy Watermelon Slushi
Kiwi Pear Green Smoothie
This kiwi pear green smoothie is light, fruity, and seriously refreshing—basically summer in a glass. Just four ingredients, no dairy, no added sugar, and yep, it’s totally vegan. It’s super easy to throw together and perfect when it’s way too hot to deal. Tastes like something you’d get at a fancy juice bar, but way cheaper. You might end up making it every day.
Get the Recipe: Kiwi Pear Green Smoothie
Ocean Water Cocktail
Ocean water cocktail is basically a beach day in a glass. It’s super easy to throw together with coconut water, pineapple juice, blue Curaçao, and coconut rum. Tastes like the Caribbean and goes down way too easy. Make one and pretend you’re on island time.
Get the Recipe: Ocean Water Cocktail
Orange Julius
Who needs the mall when you can make this creamy orange smoothie at home in like five minutes? It tastes just like an Orange Julius—cool, sweet, and super easy. One sip and you’re gonna be obsessed. Honestly, it’s kinda dangerous how simple it is. I’ve already made it three times this week.
Get the Recipe: Orange Julius
Transfusion Cocktail
The Transfusion Cocktail is a chill mix of vodka, grape juice, and ginger ale that goes down easy and tastes amazing. It’s one of those drinks that fits any vibe—laid-back nights, weekend hangs, you name it. Super simple to throw together, and yeah, it’s kind of addictive. You’ll be making this one on repeat.
Get the Recipe: Transfusion Cocktail
Blueberry mocktail
This blueberry mocktail is summer in a glass—just muddled blueberries, a splash of lime, fresh ginger, and some bubbly sparkling water. It’s light, fizzy, and crazy refreshing. Perfect for chilling outside, hanging with friends, or just cooling down after a hot day. No booze needed—it’s that good. Honestly, you might end up making another round.
Get the Recipe: Blueberry mocktail
Raspberry Mojito Cocktail
Want a drink that tastes like summer in a glass? This raspberry mojito is super refreshing—full of juicy berries, a pop of lime, and a hint of mint. It’s light, fruity, and perfect for chillin’ on the patio. Honestly, it’s the kind of drink that disappears fast.
Get the Recipe: Raspberry Mojito Cocktail
Homemade Gatorade
When summer heat’s got you sweating, a DIY sports drink is where it’s at. Ditch the store-bought bottles and whip up this easy homemade Gatorade—fresher, cheaper, and just plain better. It tastes great and keeps you going when the sun won’t quit. Bonus: you probably already have the ingredients on hand.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Gatorade