8 summer drink recipe ideas

Whether you’re a fan of a pool-side cocktail, hosting a garden party or simply seeking something a little different, you’ve come to the right place. Take a look at our roundup of eight delicious summer drinks recipes worth a try when the sun next comes out.

Iced tea

Iced tea has long been an antidote for those long and hot summer days. Made by steeping tea leaves in boiling water and then chilling the infusion over ice, it’s a quick drink to make with ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.

This recipe from BBC Good Food adds orange and mint, and packs more of a refreshing punch than traditional recipes. It’s a versatile drink, so you can try to make your own variations too – like mango iced tea or peach iced tea.

Rosé wine

If you’re a wine drinker, nothing screams summer more than a crisp rosé. Whether you prefer them dry and light or dark and sweet, there’s something special about sipping rosé during the summer months.

It’s a great go-to for those long lunches or garden dinner parties too. As Jancis Robinson says in her BBC Maestro course, “if you are at the table with friends and everyone’s chosen a completely different dish, a dry rosé can often fit the bill.” If you enjoy wine, she shares plenty of tips on choosing the right bottle, including how to pair wine with food. You can try our wine-tasting template to get your senses prepped too.

Limoncello spritz

This Italian-inspired, citrus-infused cocktail is a blend of tangy lemons, limoncello liqueur, and sparkling wine. It’s light and zesty, and when topped with mint, it’s particularly refreshing. If you find mint too strong, try it with a sprig of rosemary for something a little more subtle.

Lavender lemonade

If you’re after something a little different, this lavender lemonade recipe could do just the trick.

Garnished with fresh lavender and made with an easy homemade lavender syrup, it’s a delicious drink that you can whip up pretty quickly (depending on your proximity to fresh lavender). It’s a great one to try if you have a few lemons lying about in the fruit bowl or fridge. And if you want to make it more of a spritz, simply add prosecco or soda water.

White sangria

Known as ‘Sangría Blanca’ in Spain, this delicious drink is made from white wine, fresh fruit and some simple syrup. It’s similar to red sangria, with the main change being it’s made with white wine instead – usually pinot grigio, sauvignon blanc or verdejo.

Some recipes call for ice and adding something fizzy – like sparkling wine or tonic water –while others keep it simple. This recipe uses sliced strawberries, mangos and peaches – so if you’re after a sweet and summery fix, it’s certainly one to try.

Pimm’s

Sipped in pub gardens, picnics and by crowds at rowing regattas and Wimbledon, this classic summer drink is enjoyed by thousands across Britain every year. Pimm’s is a gin-based liquor that’s mixed with lemonade, ice and a combination of fresh fruits. Strawberries, cucumber, oranges, apples and lemon all make an appearance in this recipe, as does fresh mint.

You can make it in a pitcher or jug (a great option if you’re serving a group) or reduce the quantities to 1, serving in a glass.

Frozen margarita

You’ll likely find this popular drink cropping up on menus at beach bars, restaurants, and cocktail clubs in the summer months. It’s a variation of the classic margarita, with the traditional ingredients of tequila, lime juice and orange liqueur blended with ice until smooth and frosty. Best served in a salt-rimmed glass, a frozen margarita is a zesty drink that packs quite a punch.

Mango lassi

If you’re a lover of a summer smoothie, why not try something a little different with this creamy mango lassi recipe? Similar in texture, lassi is an Indian yoghurt-based drink that can be mixed with different fruits or spices to create a whole host of delicious flavours.

“This is India’s most iconic beverage – the lassi. It’s a great summer drink that beats the heat,” says Vineet Bhatia in his BBC Maestro course, Modern Indian Cooking. You can think of the lassi as the first ever smoothie, he explains in his course. Lassi has existed in some shape or form in India since 100BC. “The best for me is a mango lassi,” he says. So grab some fresh mangoes (or mango puree if they’re not in season), saffron, cardamom powder and yoghurt and get mixing.

Whether you’re opting for a chilled rosé or something non-alcoholic, there are plenty of interesting beverages to try. So sit back, relax, and sip…