A hot summer day is best spent outside in the backyard with the grill fired up and a refreshing cooler in hand. But stay away from store-bought juices because they're all just sugar. Besides, nothing tastes better than the homemade variety. So go get some fresh fruits and vegetables then whip up the perfect drink to pair with your barbecue!
Here are some of the best healthy summer drink recipes you can try making at home:
1. The Tropical Twist
What you need:
- 2 cups freshly-squeezed orange juice
- 2 cups orange sherbet
- 1 cup confectioner's sugar
- 1 tsp. vanilla extract
- 3 cups crushed ice
- 1 cup water
Combine the orange juice, orange sherbet, confectioner's sugar and vanilla extract in a blender. Pulse until all ingredients are thoroughly mixed. Add the crushed ice and water then blend until smooth. Serve immediately.
2. Lime Sublime
What you need:
- 4 slices lime
- 2 cups lime cordial
- 2 cups club soda
- 1/2 cup lightly packed fresh mint leaves
- Ice cubes
Place the lime cordial and the mint leaves in a blender, leaving 4 to 5 leaves for garnish. Pulse until mint is finely ground. Add the club soda. Pour into serving glasses with ice and garnish with lime slices and mint leaves.
3. Classic Watermelon Slushy
What you need:
- 4 cups cubed watermelon slices (seeds removed)
- 1/3 cup fresh lime juice
- 1/4 cup white sugar
- 1/8 tsp. salt
- 10-12 ice cubes
Mix together watermelon slices and ice in a blender. Pulse for 10 seconds. Stir fresh lime juice, white sugar and salt then blend until smooth. Garnish with a small slice of watermelon if desired.
4. Cool Cucumber
What you need:
- 2 large cucumbers, peeled, seeded and chopped
- 1/3 cup white sugar
- 3/8 cup fresh lime juice
- 2/3 cup water
- 10-12 ice cubes
Mix together chopped cucumber, white sugar, lime juice, water and ice cubes in a blender or food processor. Puree until smooth.
5. Red Limeade
What you need:
- 1 1/2 cups sliced strawberries (frozen)
- 1/2 cup fresh lime juice
- 1/4 cup white sugar
- 2 cups cold water
- 6-8 ice cubes
Combine strawberry slices, lime juice, white sugar and cold water in a blender. Blend until smooth, adding ice cubes one at a time while the blender is running. Garnish glasses with strawberry slices. Serve immediately.
6. Lemon-Grape Fusion
What you need:
- 3 cups white grape juice (unsweetened)
- 2 cups lemon or lime flavored carbonated drink
- 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 lemon, sliced into rounds
- 1 lime, sliced into rounds
Arrange lemon and lime slices at the bottom of a large plastic container and freeze until solid. When ready, dip in warm water to loosen. Place in a punch bowl and pour in white grape juice, lemon or lime flavored carbonated drink
And lemon juice. Stir gently before serving.
Upgrade your backyard barbecue with these easy-to-make coolers for added fun and nutrition!