By Menachem Goodman @totallytalentedteen

I can’t believe it’s summer already! It feels like just yesterday I was ordering my winter coat. Don’t get me wrong, I’m so happy that the sun is out. I can’t wait to lie under the sun and spend my summer afternoons poolside. But there is always that one thing that makes summer feel like summer, and that for me is a glass of cold lemonade. Ahhhh…… so refreshing.

Inspiration For The Perfect Drink

I love Starbucks, I admit it. My usual go-to order is an iced brown sugar shaken espresso (I give a recipe below of my homemade version). On hot summer days, what better way to cool down than with cold drinks and refreshers that will always hit the spot. These homemade versions I created are just as good as the originals and will bring you that ahhhh sensation without having to leave the pool.

Are They Hard To Make

I created all these drinks to be simple as 1-2-3. I like to make them ahead of time and place them in the fridge so when I’m in the mood for a cold drink it’s already there. Another tip is to keep stock of the ingredients in your pantry. That way you are prepared and ready. (Just make sure to have lots of ice cubes in the freezer!)

Party Drinks

All the drink recipes I share below are going to make about 10 cups. I know it seems like a lot, but it’s not! You can sip away all day or serve them to a crowd. They’ll bring that summer feel to your next BBQ.

How To Serve

If making these drinks for a party, place them in pitchers or drink dispensers. For self-serve, I advise getting clear cups with lids. I buy mine on Amazon and they’re amazing. They just make the drink taste better!

Customize Your Drink

Be creative and make the drink to your liking. You can add some freeze-dried fruits like the cafes do. You can also adjust the level of sugar to your taste. This is your drink – be creative.  

Raspberry Lemon Iced Tea:

This drink is simple, yet so good. You won’t be disappointed.

Ingredients:

4 raspberry tea bags – steeped in 1 cup of water for 2 hours
4 cups white grape juice
1/2 cup lemon juice
4 cups cold water
1 cup simple syrup (see note)
Ice cubes – for serving

Directions:

1) Remove tea bags and discard. In a large pitcher, add the tea, juice, water, simple syrup, and mix well. Place in fridge for up to one week. Serve over ice.

Chefs Note:

To make a simple syrup, combine equal parts boiling water and sugar. Mix well until sugar is fully dissolved. 

Pineapple Guava Refresher:

I know this is a weird combo, but I decided to try it, and what can I say, it’s so amazing.

Ingredients:

4 cups cold water
4 cups pineapple juice
4 cups guava juice – available at your local grocery store and on Amazon
1/4 cup lemon juice
Ice cubes – for serving

Directions:

1) In a large pitcher, add the water and juices and mix well. Place in fridge for up to one week. Serve over ice.

Blueberry Lemonade:

I decided to keep the blueberries whole in this drink. For me, it’s like a little treat when I get to the bottom of the cup. P.S. This drink has the most amazing look.

Ingredients:

1 (12-ounce) bag frozen blueberries
1/4 cup lemon juice
3/4 cup sugar
6–8 cups store-bought or homemade lemonade – I used Simply Lemonade
Ice cubes – for serving

Directions:

1) In a small bowl, add the blueberries, lemon juice, and sugar. Mix well and cover with plastic wrap. Place in fridge for 24 hours to allow fruit to macerate.

2) To serve, place the blueberry mixture on the bottom of large pitcher. Top with lemonade and ice cubes. Serve immediately.

Brown Sugar Iced Coffee

This drink is my favorite to order at Starbucks, and I decided to create it at home. It is so, so good. Enjoy!

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons ground coffee
2 tablespoons light brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 cup boiling water
1 cup oat milk – or any milk you prefer
Ice, for serving

Directions:

1) In a hot cup, add the coffee, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Using a spoon, mix well until everything is combined. Add the boiling water and mix again until coffee and brown sugar are fully dissolved.

2) In a glass cup, or a 20oz plastic cup, add ice. Pour your coffee mixture into the cup and top with milk. Mix well and enjoy!

Explosion Iced Coffee

This iced coffee is exploding with flavor. It’s for those of you who like your coffee sweet. I mean, I prefer this over a plain cup of Joe any day.

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons ground coffee
1 tablespoon peanut butter
1/4 of a bar your favorite dairy chocolate
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup boiling hot water
1 cup milk of choice
Ice, for serving

Directions:

1) In a hot cup, add all the ingredients besides the hot water, and milk. Mix well until everything is somewhat combined. Add the boiling water and mix well. Allow to stand for 5 minutes to allow the peanut butter and chocolate to melt, stirring occasionally.

 
2) In a glass or 20-ounce plastic cup, add the ice. Pour the coffee mixture and milk on top of the ice. Stir well and enjoy!

I hope you enjoy these drinks as much as I do! Happy Summer!

Disclaimer:

Please take note of recent kashrut alerts regarding Starbucks store drinks. The above are tasty alternatives to make at home.