As the temperature rises, there’s nothing like a refreshing drink to quench your thirst and revitalize your senses. But if you’re tired of the same old boring beverages, don’t worry – we’ve got you covered! In this article, we’ll be sharing 20 simple yet delightful drink recipes that are perfect for beginners. From classic treats like sparkling lemonade and iced tea to unique twists like strawberry basil infused water and ginger turmeric tonic, there’s something on this list for everyone.
Whether you’re looking for a sweet treat or a healthy pick-me-up, these refreshing drinks are sure to hit the spot. And the best part? They’re incredibly easy to make – no fancy equipment or complicated ingredients required! So grab a glass, get creative, and let’s dive into the wonderful world of simple drink recipes!
Sparkling Lemonade with Fresh Mint
Brighten up your day with this refreshing twist on classic lemonade. This sparkling drink combines the sweetness of lemons with the cooling flavor of fresh mint, perfect for warm weather gatherings.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 4 cups water
– 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
– 1 liter sparkling water
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, mix together lemon juice and sugar until the sugar is completely dissolved.
2. Add the water to the pitcher and stir well.
3. Muddle the fresh mint leaves in the mixture using a muddler or the back of a spoon to release their oils and flavor.
4. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
5. Just before serving, add the sparkling water and stir gently.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Iced Honey Green Tea
Beat the heat with a soothing and sweet tea that combines the subtle flavor of green tea with the warmth of honey. This refreshing drink is perfect for a hot summer day or anytime you need a calming pick-me-up.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup brewed green tea (cooled)
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1 lemon, sliced
– Ice cubes
– Fresh mint leaves, optional
Instructions:
1. Brew a cup of green tea according to the package instructions and let it cool.
2. In a large glass, combine the cooled tea, honey, and lemon slice.
3. Stir until the honey dissolves.
4. Add ice cubes to the glass and stir gently.
5. Garnish with fresh mint leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: None! This drink is ready in just a few minutes.
Strawberry Basil Infused Water
Add a twist to your daily hydration routine with this sweet and savory infused water recipe. Perfect for warm weather or anytime you need a refreshing pick-me-up!
Ingredients:
– 1 quart (4 cups) water
– 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
– 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
– Ice cubes (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine the sliced strawberries and fresh basil leaves.
2. Pour in the quart of water and stir gently to combine.
3. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
4. Just before serving, add ice cubes if desired.
5. Stir well and serve the infused water chilled.
Cooking Time: None! This recipe is a quick and easy infusion process that requires no cooking time.
Enjoy your refreshing Strawberry Basil Infused Water!
Cucumber Lime Cooler
Beat the heat with this refreshing Cucumber Lime Cooler, perfect for hot summer days. This easy-to-make drink is a great way to enjoy the flavors of cucumber and lime in a cool and revitalizing way.
Ingredients:
– 2 large cucumbers, peeled and thinly sliced
– 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1 cup water
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Ice cubes
– Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, combine cucumber slices, lime juice, and water.
2. Blend until the mixture is smooth and the cucumber is fully broken down.
3. Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a large bowl to remove any pulp or fibers.
4. Add honey and stir until dissolved.
5. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
6. Serve cold, garnished with fresh mint leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes (including chilling time)
Yield: 2-3 servings
Enjoy your Cucumber Lime Cooler!
Vanilla Almond Milk Smoothie
A refreshing and healthy drink that’s perfect for a warm day or as a pick-me-up any time of the year. This vanilla almond milk smoothie is quick to make, creamy, and packed with nutritious ingredients.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup almond milk
– 1/2 cup frozen vanilla yogurt
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Ice cubes (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a blender, combine almond milk, frozen vanilla yogurt, and honey.
2. Blend until smooth and creamy, stopping to scrape down the sides as needed.
3. Add vanilla extract and blend for another second or two, just until combined.
4. Taste and adjust sweetness or flavor as desired.
5. Pour into a glass and add ice cubes if you want a thicker consistency.
Cooking Time: None! This smoothie is ready in seconds.
Pineapple Coconut Mocktail
Escape to a tropical paradise with this refreshing Pineapple Coconut Mocktail! This sweet and tangy drink is perfect for warm weather or anytime you need a little getaway.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups pineapple juice
– 1 cup coconut water
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1/4 cup simple syrup (equal parts sugar and water, dissolved)
– Ice cubes
– Pineapple wedges and toasted coconut flakes for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine pineapple juice, coconut water, and lime juice. Stir to combine.
2. Add simple syrup and stir until dissolved.
3. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
4. Serve the mocktail over ice in tall glasses. Garnish with pineapple wedges and toasted coconut flakes.
Cooking Time: None required! Just chill and serve.
Blueberry Lavender Lemonade
This unique lemonade combines the sweetness of blueberries with the subtle floral flavor of lavender, perfect for a warm day. This refreshing drink is sure to impress your guests and quench their thirst.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 4 cups water
– 1/4 cup dried lavender buds
– 2 lemons, juiced (about 1/2 cup)
– Ice cubes
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine the blueberries and sugar. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes to allow the blueberries to release their juice.
2. Add the water and dried lavender buds to the pitcher. Stir well to combine.
3. Squeeze in the lemon juice and stir again.
4. Refrigerate the mixture for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld together.
5. Strain the lemonade into a separate pitcher or jug to remove the blueberry solids and lavender buds.
6. Chill the lemonade before serving over ice.
Cooking Time: None required! This recipe is ready in under an hour, mostly hands-off time.
Ginger Turmeric Tonic
Boost your immune system and energize your body with this refreshing Ginger Turmeric Tonic! This invigorating drink is perfect for a quick pick-me-up any time of the day.
Ingredients:
– 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, peeled and thinly sliced
– 2 teaspoons of turmeric powder
– 1 cup of water
– 1 tablespoon of honey (optional)
– Fresh mint leaves or lemon slices for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, combine the sliced ginger and turmeric powder.
2. Pour in the water and bring the mixture to a boil.
3. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the liquid has reduced slightly and the flavors have melded together.
4. Strain the tonic into a large pitcher or individual glasses.
5. Add honey to taste, if desired.
6. Garnish with fresh mint leaves or lemon slices, if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Servings: 1-4
Enjoy your Ginger Turmeric Tonic and reap its numerous health benefits!
Watermelon Mint Slush
Beat the heat with this cool and revitalizing slush made with juicy watermelon and refreshing mint!
Ingredients:
– 3 cups cubed seedless watermelon (about 1 small melon)
– 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
– 1 tablespoon lime juice
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Ice cubes
Instructions:
1. In a blender, combine watermelon, mint leaves, lime juice, and honey.
2. Blend until smooth and creamy, stopping to scrape down the sides of the blender as needed.
3. Taste and adjust sweetness or tartness to your liking.
4. Add ice cubes and blend until slushy and frosty.
5. Pour into glasses and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 5-7 minutes
Enjoy your refreshing Watermelon Mint Slush!
Cold Brew Coffee with Cinnamon
This refreshing cold brew coffee recipe infuses the richness of cinnamon into every sip, making it perfect for warm mornings or anytime you need a pick-me-up.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup coarsely ground coffee beans
– 4 cups water
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– Optional: sugar or sweetener to taste
Instructions:
1. Combine coffee grounds and water in a large glass or plastic container.
2. Stir gently to ensure all coffee grounds are saturated with water.
3. Cover the container and refrigerate for at least 12 hours or overnight.
4. Strain the cold brew into another container using a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth, discarding the coffee grounds.
5. Add ground cinnamon and stir well to combine.
6. Taste and adjust sweetness as desired.
Cooking Time: 12 hours
Peach Iced Tea with Rosemary
Elevate your tea game with this refreshing and unique blend of peaches and rosemary.
Ingredients:
– 2 ripe peaches, diced
– 1 tablespoon loose-leaf black tea
– 4 cups water
– 1/4 cup honey (optional)
– Fresh rosemary leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, combine the diced peaches and water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 10-12 minutes or until the peaches are tender.
2. Strain the peach mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a large pitcher, pressing on the solids to extract as much juice as possible.
3. Add the loose-leaf black tea to the pitcher and stir well. Let it steep for 5-7 minutes or according to package instructions.
4. Strain the tea again to remove the peach solids and tea leaves. Discard the solids.
5. If desired, add honey to taste and stir until dissolved.
6. Chill the tea in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
7. Garnish with fresh rosemary leaves and serve over ice.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Orange Carrot Immune Booster Juice
This refreshing juice recipe combines the antioxidant powers of oranges and carrots to create a delicious and healthy drink that supports your immune system. With just five simple ingredients, you can enjoy a glass of this immunity-boosting elixir in no time!
Ingredients:
– 2 medium-sized oranges
– 2 large carrots
– 1/2 lemon
– 1-inch piece of fresh ginger
– 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
Instructions:
1. Peel the oranges, carrots, and lemon.
2. Cut the oranges into wedges and remove any seeds or membranes.
3. Juice all the ingredients using a juicer or blender.
4. Strain the juice to remove any pulp or sediment.
5. Add honey if you prefer your juice sweeter.
Cooking Time: 0 minutes (no cooking required)
Tips:
– Use fresh and organic ingredients for optimal flavor and nutrition.
– Adjust the amount of ginger to your taste, as it can be quite potent.
– Enjoy this refreshing juice as a daily pick-me-up or post-workout treat.
Chocolate Banana Protein Shake
This indulgent treat combines the natural sweetness of bananas with the richness of chocolate and the power of protein to fuel your active lifestyle. With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a healthy and satisfying snack that’s perfect for post-workout or as a quick pick-me-up.
Ingredients:
– 1 ripe banana
– 1 scoop vanilla protein powder
– 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
– 1/2 cup almond milk
– 1 teaspoon honey (optional)
– Ice cubes (as needed)
Instructions:
1. In a blender, combine banana, protein powder, cocoa powder, and Greek yogurt.
2. Add almond milk and honey (if using) to the blender.
3. Blend on high speed until smooth and creamy, stopping to scrape down the sides of the blender as needed.
4. Taste and adjust sweetness or thickness as desired.
5. Pour into a glass and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 2-3 minutes
Apple Cinnamon Sparkling Water
Elevate your hydration game with this refreshing and flavorful sparkling water recipe. Combining the sweetness of apples with the warmth of cinnamon, you’ll be hooked on this easy-to-make drink.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup apple cider
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 2 cups sparkling water
– Ice cubes (optional)
– Sliced apples or cinnamon sticks for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine apple cider and ground cinnamon. Stir until the cinnamon is fully dissolved.
2. Add the sparkling water to the pitcher and stir gently to combine.
3. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
4. Serve the Apple Cinnamon Sparkling Water over ice cubes, if desired, and garnish with sliced apples or cinnamon sticks.
Cooking Time: 0 minutes (prep time only)
Raspberry Lime Spritzer
This refreshing drink is perfect for warm weather gatherings or as a pick-me-up on a hot day.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups sparkling water
– 1 cup fresh raspberries, pureed
– Juice of 1 lime (about 2 tablespoons)
– 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
– Ice cubes
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine the pureed raspberries and lime juice.
2. Add the granulated sugar and stir until dissolved.
3. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
4. Just before serving, add the sparkling water and stir gently.
5. Fill glasses with ice and pour the Raspberry Lime Spritzer over the ice.
6. Garnish with additional fresh raspberries and a lime wedge, if desired.
Cooking Time: None! This recipe is ready in just 30 minutes.
Matcha Coconut Latte
Brighten up your morning with this refreshing and creamy Matcha Coconut Latte! This recipe combines the subtle bitterness of matcha green tea with the richness of coconut milk, perfect for a relaxing start to your day.
Ingredients:
– 1 teaspoon matcha powder
– 2 cups water
– 1/4 cup unsweetened coconut milk
– 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
– Ice cubes
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, whisk together the matcha powder and water until smooth.
2. In a medium saucepan, warm the coconut milk over low heat or in the microwave for 30 seconds.
3. Add the matcha mixture to the coconut milk and whisk until well combined.
4. If desired, add honey and whisk until dissolved.
5. Pour the latte into a large mug filled with ice cubes.
Cooking Time: 2-3 minutes
Avocado Mango Smoothie
A refreshing blend of creamy avocado, sweet mango, and zesty lime, perfect for a hot summer day.
Ingredients:
– 1 ripe avocado, peeled and pitted
– 1 cup frozen mango chunks
– 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Juice of 1 lime (about 2 tablespoons)
– Ice cubes (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a blender, combine the avocado, mango, yogurt, and honey.
2. Blend until smooth and creamy, stopping to scrape down the sides as needed.
3. Add the lime juice and blend until well combined.
4. Taste and adjust sweetness or tartness to your liking.
5. Add ice cubes if you want a thicker, colder smoothie.
6. Blend again until the ice is crushed and the smoothie is the desired consistency.
Cooking Time: 5 minutes
Cherry Vanilla Almond Shake
Experience the perfect blend of sweet and tart with this refreshing Cherry Vanilla Almond Shake. A delicious treat that’s perfect for hot summer days or any time you need a pick-me-up.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups vanilla ice cream
– 1/2 cup frozen cherries, thawed
– 1 tablespoon almond extract
– 1/2 cup milk (whole, skim, or non-dairy)
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Ice cubes
– Sliced almonds and cherry garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a blender, combine ice cream, cherries, almond extract, and milk.
2. Blend on high speed until smooth and creamy, stopping to scrape down the sides of the blender as needed.
3. Add vanilla extract and blend for an additional 10 seconds.
4. Taste and adjust sweetness or flavor as desired.
5. Pour into glasses and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: None
Herbal Chamomile Iced Tea
Soothe your senses with this gentle and refreshing herbal tea, perfect for unwinding after a long day. This recipe combines the calming properties of chamomile with sweet and floral notes.
Ingredients:
– 1 tablespoon dried chamomile flowers
– 1 quart water
– Honey or sugar (optional)
Instructions:
1. Bring the water to a boil in a large pot.
2. Add the dried chamomile flowers and let steep for 5-7 minutes, or until the tea reaches your desired strength.
3. Strain the tea into a large pitcher or jug. Discard the solids.
4. Chill the tea in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow it to cool and meld flavors.
5. Serve over ice and sweeten with honey or sugar to taste, if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes (steeping time) + chilling time
Spiced Chai Hot Chocolate
Cozy up with this rich and aromatic hot chocolate infused with the warm spices of chai. Perfect for a chilly evening or a pick-me-up any time of the day.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup milk (whole, skim, or a non-dairy alternative)
– 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
– 2 teaspoons loose-leaf black tea or 1 tea bag
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
– 1/8 teaspoon ground ginger
– 3 tablespoons sugar (or to taste)
– 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until steaming hot.
2. Add the cocoa powder and whisk until smooth.
3. Add the tea or tea bag, cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger. Whisk to combine.
4. Remove from heat and stir in sugar until dissolved.
5. If desired, add heavy cream and whisk until combined.
6. Pour into mugs and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Summary
Discover refreshing simple drink recipes perfect for beginners! This collection of 20 easy-to-make drinks will quench your thirst and satisfy your sweet tooth. From classic sparkling lemonade to unique flavor combinations like strawberry basil infused water and blueberry lavender lemonade, there’s something for everyone. Plus, get creative with caffeine-free options like vanilla almond milk smoothie or matcha coconut latte. Whether you’re a fan of fruity flavors or herbal blends, these recipes are sure to become your go-to drinks for hot summer days and cozy winter nights.