We all know that all-American adage: when life gives you lemons, make lemonade. Even Beyoncé shared with us how that has empowered her throughout her career. But sometimes, you just don’t want lemonade. There are a plethora of other summertime drinks available, alcoholic or not, and you just need a bit of creativity to get the juices flowing.
1. Hibiscus Iced Tea
Photo by Clark Halpern
What says summer more than this hibiscus iced tea? Also check out these 17 must-try iced tea recipes for more unique combos.
2. Kiwi and Pineapple Mojito
Photo by Kailla Coomes
Jazz up a classic mojito by adding some yummy summertime fruit to impress all your friends. This kiwi and pineapple mojito will have you feeling very #tropical.
3. Nutella Milkshake
Photo by Jocelyn Hsu
We can’t guarantee that this will help you with those rock-hard abs, but it will provide you with hazelnut-chocolatey deliciousness (and maybe some boys to the yard, too).
4. Watermelon Margarita
Photo by Lauren Kaplan
Put the salt-rim versus sugar-rim debate to rest by making this yummy watermelon margarita. When it’s extra hot, enjoy it frozen instead.
5. Sex on the Beach
Photo by Margaret Weinberg
All the fun, none of the mess. Enjoy this sex on the beach cocktail beachside or poolside.
6. Agua Fresca
Photo by Kathleen Lee
Tequila-infused water. Need we say more?
7. Thai Iced Tea
Photo by Irene Kim
You don’t need to travel to Thailand, or even to your favorite Thai restaurant, by making this easy Thai iced tea at home.
8. Fruit Cocktail
Photo by Mira Nguyen
This fruit cocktail is a bit different than the fruit cocktail fruit cup your mom used to put in your lunchbox.
9. Smoothies
Photo by Rachel Piorko
Make your smoothie your own by adding in your favorite fruits, milks, seeds, and nut butters. While you’re at it, check out why frozen fruits are actually healthier than fresh ones.
10. Dunkin’ Donuts Arnold Palmer
Photo by Phoebe Melnick
One part coffee + one part limoncello = complete bliss. Find out how to cut costs by using leftover Dunkin’ to make your very own Arnold Palmer.
11. Sangria
Photo by Krysten Dorfman
Sangria can be made white or red, so be sure to get creative.
#SpoonTip: Make a sangrita by mixing some sangria into a frozen margarita.
12. South Side
Photo by Julia Murphy
Who said Chicago gets to have all the fun? Try this South Side cocktail regardless of where you call home this summer.
13. Frozen Hot Chocolate
Photo by Karina Rao
This may seem a bit oxymoronic, but we’ll let it slide just this one time. Make Christmas in July with this frozen hot chocolate.
14. Coconut Water
Photo by Hailey Maher
Put the lime in the coconut and shake it all up. Check out this definitive ranking of coconut waters in order to be a better consumer.
15. Blackberry Gin Fizz
Photo by Daniel Schuleman
Super easy to make, super easy to drink. Pick up some fresh blackberries from your farmers’ market and cool off with this blackberry gin fizz.
16. Kombucha Slushie
Photo by Stephanie Gaudreau
Now you can stay healthy and hydrated all summer long with this kombucha smoothie. Give this sangria slushy a go as well for your boozy needs.