Summer: that time of the year you can finally take a step back and focus on the important things in life. For example, getting that perfect back-to-school tan to show your friends how much fun you had relaxing by the pool for the past three months. The only thing that makes this time even more ideal is having the right treats by your side. Here are the summer foods and drinks that make the cut.

1. Frosé

ice, juice, cocktail
Caroline Early

The only thing better than rosé during a hot summer day is having it frozen. This drink is a refreshing new way to enjoy one of the hottest summer wines on the market. Learn here how to make the popular drink yourself, and enjoy poolside for best results.

2. Infused Water

sweet, raspberry, berry, grass
Maddie Cleeff

If you're looking for a non-alcoholic drink option, infused water is an amazing way to cool off while sneaking in some extra nutrients. Plus, there are so many different ways to make infused water that the options are endless

3. Caprese Salad

vegetable, cheese, caprese salad, dairy product, sweet
Hailey Maher

Everyone knows that tomatoes during the summer are inherently superior to any tomatoes grown during the other seasons. Tomatoes also have some pretty impressive health benefits, not to mention that they taste amazing with mozzarella cheese and some balsamic vinegar.

4. Grilled Shrimp

parsley, scampi, shellfish, seafood, prawn, shrimp
Christal Acosido

This dish is lighter than a chicken or meat dish, and it goes perfectly with some rice and lemon juice. The grilled flavor makes this shrimp unique to summer. Check out this guide for other summer grilling favorites. 

5. Açaí Bowls

cream, chocolate, berry, strawberry, sweet
Walker Foehl

The açaí craze has been going on for some time now, but definitely for good reason. The super fruit has many health benefits, like promoting heart health, digestion, and even weight loss. This summer food is refreshing, light, and perfect as a midday snack before the heavy outdoor barbecue. 

6. Gazpacho

cucumber
Sarah Strohl

Have you ever turned down soup during the summertime because the thought of having anything hot within a 50-foot radius of you makes you cringe with discomfort? Well, gazpacho is the perfect solution. Cold vegetable soup is both healthy and refreshing, so it's a win-win all around. 

7. Pesto

oil, pesto, garlic, vegetable, herb
Kristine Mahan

Pesto can really go on anything: sandwiches, chicken cutlets, pasta, you name it. The earthy flavor can help lighten up a dish to make it a perfect summer food. Recipe here

8. Lemon Sorbet

ice, sorbet, cream, dairy product, milk, sweet
Tommy Galfano

Next time you're thinking about what frozen treat to enjoy, stray from ice cream and opt instead for this refreshing, tangy dessert.  It'll cool you off while giving ice cream a day off. Booze-infused versions welcome. 

9. Watermelon

watermelon, melon, vegetable, sweet
Lexi Nickens

The ultimate summer fruit. Enough said.

10. S'mores

peanut butter, chocolate, peanut, cookie, butter, brownie, marshmallow
Mikaela Orenstein

Roasting marshmallows is a great activity to do with friends and family, and the results are especially delicious when paired with graham crackers and melted chocolate. Objectively the best kind of sandwich. However, no campfire? No problem. 

Summertime is too short; make the most of it with these delicious foods. They just don't taste the same in the winter.