Summer is so close, you can taste it — literally! As temperatures rise, there’s nothing more satisfying than sipping on a colorful, refreshing drink to epitomize the hot season. These summer beverages, easily adjusted to create the ideal drink for everyone, are the perfect addition to a day in the sun.
Floats
A summer must, the nostalgic float offers a mix of creamy decadence and fizzy bubbles for a cold treat, perfect for beating the heat.
Japanese Cream Sodas
For a twist on the classic drink, try Japanese cream sodas, which combine Ramune or fruit-flavored sodas, most popularly melon and strawberry, with a scoop of sweet vanilla ice cream or sour sherbet, fizzing up into a charming pastel dessert. Top with a maraschino cherry for a colorful finish to a bubbly and fun crowd-pleaser.
Orange Creamsicle
If you’re in a kick of nostalgia, an orange creamsicle float might hit the spot. Simply combine orange soda and a helping of vanilla ice cream for a tangy-sweet punch, reminiscent of the iconic brightly colored popsicle. Savor slowly as the rich ice cream melts, blending into the soda to create a creamy citrus swirl.
Matcha and Coffee Float
Need a boost of caffeine? Try a matcha or coffee float — a reverse affogato of sorts. Brew your favorite matcha or coffee blend, whether it’s a latte or plain, and top with a scoop of ice cream. The sharp bitterness of the matcha or coffee wonderfully complements the smooth, creamy sweetness of the ice cream, creating a truly indulgent, yet rejuvenating drink.
Sparkling Mocktails
Looking for a drink fizzing with more flavors? Sparkling mocktails are the way to go, blending refreshing bubbles with bold, complex notes, creating an easy-going, celebratory mood for every summer day.
Shirley Temple
Take the Shirley Temple, a timeless embodiment of lounging by the pool. Traditionally made with ginger ale, modern versions of the mocktail swap in sparkling water or lemon-lime soda for a brighter base. Add a splash of grenadine (pomegranate syrup), lime juice for light acidity, and garnish with syrupy maraschino cherries for the drink’s signature ruby red hue. The result is a fizzy and fruity burst of indulgent sweetness.
Calpico and Yakult Mocktails
For something with a little more zing, try a Calpico or Yakult mocktail. These yogurt-flavored delights, popular in Korea and Japan, have a unique creamy but very light tanginess that pairs beautifully with the effervescence of sparkling water. Choose from a wide variety of Calpico or Yakult flavors, such as peach and strawberry, mix with carbonated water with a hint of flavored syrup, and add fresh mint, citrus slices, or even diced fruit for a thirst-quenching drink.
Blue Lagoon Mocktail
A family-friendly version of the beloved cocktail, the Blue Lagoon mocktail is a standout choice everyone can enjoy. This vibrant and stunning drink combines the gentle citrus tartness of lemonade with the bright blue hue of cuacao syrup. Shake well with light ice, mix with sparkling water or lemon-lime soda, serve it over a bed of crushed ice, and garnish with extra citrus slices and a maraschino cherry for a drink as brightly flavored as its color.
Lemonade
Lemonade is the quintessential summer drink, but these recipes are a far cry from the basic variety you buy at a typical roadside stand.
Brazilian Lemonade
This creamy twist combines fresh lime with indulgence in the form of rich, sweetened condensed milk, creating a smooth, velvety texture that balances the limes’ sharp tart and flowery notes. Start by blending 4-5 whole limes with 3 cups of water, straining out the pulp, and blending the concoction with condensed milk and crushed ice — adjust these ratios based on preference.
Citron Honeyade
For something light and more aromatic, try citron honeyade, bringing together the citrus flavors of yuju marmalade and fizziness of sparkling water with the natural, gentle sweetness of honey. This Korean drink has a fragrant floral quality with just the right amount of tang, for a mellow and refreshing hydration boost.
Hot-honey Lemonade
If you’re in the mood for a bit of spice, the hot-honey lemonade might be in your ballpark. Mix either homemade or store-bought hot honey with fresh lemon juice and ice for a perfect balance between sweet, sour, and spicy. To enhance the drink’s heat, garnish the rim of the glass with chili flakes or Tajin for an added savory component, making a drink ideal to slowly sip on while the sun sets.
Fruit Desserts
While technically not a drink, these delicious treats still share the same refreshing qualities, fusing together fruits, unique textures, and a perfect amount of sweetness!
Hwachae
As many viral TikToks have displayed, try quenching your thirst by making Hwachae, a vibrant Korean punch drink combining many seasonal fruits of choice, like watermelon or grapes, with lemon-lime soda or strawberry milk as its base. For extra fun, throw in some chewy, jelly pieces and serve the dessert in an emptied-out watermelon shell, adding a festive touch perfect for sharing at gatherings.
Che Thai
Fruit cocktail varieties exist all over Asia, including Vietnam, with Che Thai. This dessert mixes a rich blend of tropical fruits, like jackfruit, lychee, and logan, to create a delicious fusion. Garnish with unique toppings like refreshing grass or pandan jelly, chewy tapioca balls, and even crunchy red rubies (dyed water chestnuts) or pomegranate seeds. Served with coconut milk or half-and-half, Che Thai delivers a creamy and sweet medley of flavors and textures, making each spoonful a delight.
Fruit Sago
Heading next to Hong Kong and Taiwan, fruit sago is a popular dessert consisting of mini tapioca pearls called sago, coconut jelly, various diced fruit, and purees like mango and strawberry, and your milk of choice. The sago’s bouncy and chewy texture, combined with the infused milk’s bright fruity notes, creates a refreshing treat that is both light and flavorful.
Summer is the perfect time to get creative and experiment with new drinks. Whether you are gulping down a fizzy float or savoring a tangy mocktail, these refreshing beverages are a great way to cool off while indulging in something more exciting and flavorful than just plain water. So gather your ingredients, crush some ice, and treat yourself to a glass!
