Spoon University Logo
photo 1496568934502 9e86936646be?ixlib=rb 0.3
photo 1496568934502 9e86936646be?ixlib=rb 0.3
Recipes

The Best Summer Refreshers to Quench Your Thirst

This article is written by a student writer from the Spoon University at Queen's U chapter.

If I had a genie in a bottle, I would probably ask him for is an unlimited Starbucks gift card so I could buy all the summer refreshers I could ask for, but sadly, I’m genie-less and as broke as a student could be. So while I melt in the heat of the summer, and count my coins to see if I can spare some change for a Starbucks run, I think, is there an easier way? Guess what? There is! You don’t always have to run to your nearest Starbucks or Cold Drink Café to get the handcrafted refreshment you’ve been craving. You can make them yourself! I’ve made it my mission to find the tastiest and most thirst quenching refreshers of this summer, that are so easy to make, you can do it at home. Now get ready to bring out your inner Martha Stewart, because we’re about to whip up some of the most thirst quenching refreshers of the summer!

Man, sunglass, person and drink HD photo by Atikh Bana (@tikh) on Unsplash
Unsplash on unsplash

1. Berry Hibiscus Iced Tea Lemonade Refresher 

Drink, pink, bevarage and mixed drink HD photo by Yuvraj Singh (@yxvi) on Unsplash
Unsplash on unsplash

When I first started drinking refreshers from Starbucks, I think the Very Berry Hibiscus Refresher was my favourite, and it was definitely my go to order. The only problem was if I didn’t have the cash for a Starbucks run, I was out of luck… Well guess what? Everyone’s favourite Starbucks drink now comes in an amazing knock off recipe! This delicious combination of hibiscus tea and lemonade is good for your health and the heat all in one! Hibiscus tea has been said to help improve oral health, lower blood pressure, and it is a tea rich in antioxidants. Put this delicious blend of hibiscus tea, honey, and lemonade over ice, and you make a drink that’s good for heart and happiness!

2. Blueberry Summer Refresher 

Mocktail photo by Vitchakorn Koonyosying (@mggbox) on Unsplash
Unsplash on unsplash

If you were like me, and your mom could never get you to eat blueberries for the life of her; your mom is going to LOVE this recipe! This delicious blueberry refresher is the perfect way to get your fruits and your sweet kick all in one… Trust me, even the blueberry haters are going to love this one! Combining orange zest, blueberries and sparkling water is the magic combination that brings you the summer refresher approved by moms everywhere. With only a three step process, this fruity refresher is sure to fix your thirst in a pinch! It’s also dairy and gluten-free, as well as vegan, so everyone can enjoy!

3. Ginger Peach Soda

Glass of lemon and ice photo by Julia D'Alkmin (@jdalkmin) on Unsplash
Unsplash on unsplash

One of my recent favourites for summer drinks to enjoy Starbucks is their peach tea lemonade. I’ve recently discovered it, and am in love… So what could I possibly enjoy as much as this favourite? Ginger Peach Soda! This five step recipe will take you about forty-five minutes to whip together, but I promise every second is worth it! Made from only fresh ingredients, it’s a recipe you can create from common grocery store items. With one batch making about eight glasses, you can make enough to share with all your friends, and cool everybody down during this heatwave! 

4. Grapefruit Citrus Sparkler 

Pink Pepper Collins photo by Christine Trant (@christinedtrant) on Unsplash
Unsplash on unsplash

For anyone who’s looking for a summer refresher that’s more sour than sweet, try whipping up a batch of this simple Grapefruit Citrus Sparkler! Made with only five ingredients, this drink is simple and satisfying to help you take on the outdoors on a hot summer day. This recipe mixes up a flavour combination of the sour grapefruit juice and the sweeter flavours of sprite and/or syrup, makes the perfect balance of sweet and sour. Add in the perfect complimenting garnish of rosemary or thyme along with a grapefruit wedge, and you’re ready to serve! 

5. Non-Alcoholic Sangria 

Summer vibe, summer, event decoration and event HD photo by Frank Zhang (@terasproductions) on Unsplash
Unsplash on unsplash

Pictures of all my friends sipping on sangria seems to be taking over all my feeds this summer; sangria is truly the craze of the season. But what if you’re not legally old enough to join what seems to be the rest of the world, in enjoying this sweet summer drink? Well, don’t worry, because with this Non-Alcoholic Sangria recipe, you’ll be sure to understand the obsession in no time! With a prep time of only twenty minutes for a full ten serving yield, this drink is sure to be your summer crowd pleaser! The best part? This recipe is gluten free and vegan, so everyone can enjoy!

Starbucks iced coffee photo by Seth Doyle (@sethdoylee) on Unsplash
Unsplash on unsplash

With all these summer refresher recipes in my pocket, it doesn’t matter if I have change for a Starbucks run or not. Counting on me and my kitchen, I’ll be able to whip up some of the most refreshing drinks of the summer and keep me and my friends cool, and you can too! With recipes as easy as one, two, three, you’ll be your own barista in no time! Get out of that heat and into the kitchen, and get started on making the best summer refreshers to quench your thirst!