On those days when you’re craving something light and delightful without the fuss, we’ve got you covered! Dive into our collection of 18 Refreshing Simple Drink Recipes Easy to make at home. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just treating yourself, these quick and tasty options are sure to impress. Keep scrolling to discover your new favorite sip!
Lemonade with Mint
Just when you thought lemonade couldn’t get any better, we’re tossing in fresh mint for that extra zing. This isn’t your grandma’s lemonade—it’s a refreshing twist that’ll have you hooked from the first sip.
Ingredients
- 1 cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 4-5 lemons)
- 1/2 cup of sugar (adjust if you like it sweeter or tangier)
- 4 cups of cold water
- A handful of fresh mint leaves (plus a few extra for garnish)
- A splash of sparkling water (optional, for some fizz)
- Ice cubes (as much as you like)
Instructions
- Grab your lemons and roll them on the counter before juicing—this trick gets you more juice.
- In a pitcher, mix the lemon juice and sugar until the sugar dissolves completely. No one likes gritty lemonade.
- Toss in the mint leaves and gently muddle them with a spoon to release their oils. Don’t go wild; you want flavor, not bits.
- Pour in the cold water and give it a good stir. Taste and adjust the sweetness if needed.
- Chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors mingle. Patience is key here.
- When serving, add ice cubes to each glass, pour the lemonade, and top with a splash of sparkling water if you’re feeling fancy.
- Garnish with a mint sprig for that Instagram-worthy finish.
Outrageously refreshing, this lemonade with mint is the perfect balance of sweet, tart, and herby. Serve it in mason jars with striped straws for that picnic-ready vibe, or spike it with a shot of vodka for an adult version.
Iced Green Tea
Unlock the secret to the perfect summer sip with this refreshing iced green tea recipe. It’s crisp, it’s cool, and it’s ridiculously easy to make.
Ingredients
- 2 green tea bags (go for high-quality for the best flavor)
- 4 cups of water (filtered, if you’re fancy)
- A splash of honey (about 2 tbsp, but hey, you do you)
- A couple of ice cubes (or a whole tray, no judgment)
- Half a lemon, sliced (for that zesty kick)
Instructions
- Boil 4 cups of water to 175°F – green tea loves a lower temp to avoid bitterness.
- Steep the tea bags for 3 minutes max. Oversteeping is the enemy of flavor.
- Pull out the tea bags and stir in the honey while it’s still warm. Pro tip: Dissolves like a dream.
- Chill the tea in the fridge for at least an hour. Patience is key here.
- Fill a glass to the brim with ice, pour the tea over, and garnish with lemon slices. Instant refreshment.
Velvety smooth with a hint of sweetness, this iced green tea is your go-to for beating the heat. Try adding a sprig of mint or a dash of ginger for an extra flavor twist.
Homemade Lemon Iced Tea
Nothing beats the zing of homemade lemon iced tea on a scorching day. Whip up this refreshing sip in minutes—your taste buds will thank you.
Ingredients
- 4 cups of water (just enough to fill your favorite pitcher)
- 5 black tea bags (go for the strong stuff)
- 1/2 cup of sugar (sweeten the deal)
- A splash of lemon juice (freshly squeezed, no cheating)
- A couple of ice cubes (keep it chill)
- Lemon slices for garnish (because we eat with our eyes first)
Instructions
- Boil 4 cups of water in a kettle until it’s bubbling like a mini volcano.
- Steep the 5 tea bags in the hot water for 5 minutes—set a timer so it’s just right.
- Remove the tea bags and stir in 1/2 cup of sugar until it dissolves completely. Tip: Swirl the spoon gently to avoid splashing.
- Pour the tea into a pitcher and add a splash of lemon juice. Tip: Taste as you go—adjust the lemon to your liking.
- Chill the tea in the fridge for at least an hour. Tip: No time? Toss in a couple of ice cubes to cool it down fast.
- Serve over ice, garnished with lemon slices for that Instagram-worthy look.
Yummy, right? This lemon iced tea is crisp, tangy, and just sweet enough. Try adding a sprig of mint or a dash of honey for a twist.
Sparkling Water with Fresh Fruit
Need a quick, refreshing pick-me-up? This sparkling water with fresh fruit is your go-to for a burst of hydration and flavor—no fancy tools needed.
Ingredients
- A couple of cups of sparkling water (chilled)
- A handful of fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries)
- A splash of fresh lime juice
- A few mint leaves for that extra zing
Instructions
- Grab your favorite glass—wide mouth works best for fruit infusion.
- Drop in a handful of fresh berries. Pro tip: Slightly muddle them at the bottom to release those juicy flavors.
- Add a splash of fresh lime juice. This little acid kick makes the fruit flavors pop!
- Toss in a few mint leaves. Gently clap them between your hands first to awaken the oils.
- Fill the glass to the top with chilled sparkling water. Pour slowly to keep the fizz.
- Give it a light stir with a spoon to mix the flavors without losing the bubbles.
Light, effervescent, and just sweet enough from the fruit, this drink is a summer staple. Try serving it in a mason jar with a colorful straw for that picnic-ready vibe.
Cucumber Lime Cooler
Hit refresh on your drink game with this Cucumber Lime Cooler—it’s crisp, it’s zesty, and it’s begging to be your new go-to sip.
Ingredients
- 1 large cucumber, peeled and chopped
- Juice of 2 limes
- A splash of simple syrup
- A couple of cups of ice
- 1 cup of sparkling water
- A handful of mint leaves
Instructions
- Blend the chopped cucumber until smooth, then strain through a fine mesh to get that pure, crisp juice.
- Mix the cucumber juice with lime juice and a splash of simple syrup in a pitcher—taste as you go to hit that sweet-tart balance.
- Fill glasses to the brim with ice, because nobody likes a lukewarm cooler.
- Pour the cucumber lime mix over the ice, leaving a little room at the top for the sparkling water.
- Top each glass with sparkling water for that fizzy lift, and give it a gentle stir to combine.
- Garnish with a mint leaf or two for that fresh, Instagram-worthy finish.
Outrageously refreshing, this cooler pairs the cool crunch of cucumber with the sharp kick of lime. Serve it in a mason jar with a striped straw for that picnic-perfect vibe, or spike it with a shot of gin for an adult twist.
Strawberry Basil Lemonade
Fresh summer vibes call for this Strawberry Basil Lemonade—bright, herby, and just the right amount of sweet. Blend, sip, repeat.
Ingredients
- 1 cup of fresh strawberries, hulled
- a handful of fresh basil leaves
- 1/2 cup of fresh lemon juice (about 4 lemons)
- 1/4 cup of sugar
- a splash of cold water
- ice cubes, as much as you like
Instructions
- In a blender, toss in the strawberries, basil leaves, lemon juice, and sugar. Blend until smooth.
- Strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve into a pitcher to remove seeds and basil bits. Tip: Press down with a spoon to get all that juicy goodness.
- Add a splash of cold water to the pitcher and stir. Tip: Adjust water based on how strong you like your lemonade.
- Fill glasses with ice cubes and pour the lemonade over. Tip: For an extra chill, freeze some strawberry slices in your ice cubes ahead of time.
Cool, refreshing, and with a hint of basil sophistication, this lemonade is a summer staple. Serve it in mason jars with a strawberry and basil garnish for that Instagram-worthy touch.
Virgin Mojito
Zesty and refreshing, this Virgin Mojito is your go-to summer sip. No alcohol? No problem. It’s all about that minty lime kick.
Ingredients
- A handful of fresh mint leaves
- 2 limes, juiced (about 1/4 cup)
- 2 tbsp of sugar
- A splash of club soda
- 1 cup of ice cubes
- A couple of lime wedges for garnish
Instructions
- Grab a tall glass and muddle the mint leaves with sugar at the bottom. Tip: Muddle gently to release the oils without shredding the leaves.
- Pour in the lime juice and give it a quick stir to mix the flavors.
- Fill the glass to the top with ice cubes. Tip: Crushed ice works best for quicker chilling.
- Top off with club soda, leaving a little room at the top for garnish.
- Stir once more to combine everything. Tip: Use a long spoon to reach the bottom without spilling.
- Garnish with lime wedges and a sprig of mint on the rim.
Vibrant and fizzy, this mocktail dances on the palate with sweet and tangy notes. Serve it in a mason jar for that rustic picnic vibe or with a colorful straw to amp up the fun.
Peach Iced Tea
Brew up this summer’s MVP drink that’s about to blow your taste buds away—Peach Iced Tea. It’s sweet, it’s peachy, and it’s ridiculously easy to make.
Ingredients
- 4 cups of water (just enough to get things steeping)
- 2 black tea bags (go for the classic, nothing fancy)
- 1/2 cup of sugar (because sweet tea is the best tea)
- 2 ripe peaches, sliced (the star of the show)
- A splash of lemon juice (for that zesty kick)
- A couple of ice cubes (to keep it chill)
Instructions
- Boil 4 cups of water in a medium saucepan over high heat—watch for those bubbles!
- Once boiling, remove from heat and add 2 tea bags. Let them steep for 5 minutes for full flavor.
- While the tea steeps, mix 1/2 cup sugar with 1/2 cup warm water in a small bowl until dissolved. Pro tip: This simple syrup trick avoids gritty sugar at the bottom of your glass.
- After steeping, remove tea bags and stir in the sugar water. Let the tea cool to room temperature—patience is key here.
- In a blender, puree 2 sliced peaches with a splash of lemon juice until smooth. Strain if you’re not into pulp, but hey, fiber’s good for you.
- Combine the peach puree with the cooled tea in a pitcher. Stir well—this is where the magic happens.
- Fill glasses with ice, pour over the peach tea, and garnish with a peach slice if you’re feeling fancy.
Enjoy the silky smooth texture with a peachy punch that’s not too sweet. Serve it at your next BBQ or sip solo on the porch—it’s a vibe either way.
Blueberry Lemonade
Whip up this zesty Blueberry Lemonade to beat the summer heat—it’s a vibrant, refreshing sip that’s as easy to make as it is Insta-worthy.
Ingredients
- 1 cup of fresh blueberries (the juicier, the better)
- 1/2 cup of granulated sugar (because we like it sweet)
- 1 cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 4-5 lemons, no cheating with bottled stuff)
- 4 cups of cold water (keep it chill)
- A splash of sparkling water (for that extra fizz)
- Ice cubes (as much as you can handle)
Instructions
- In a blender, puree the blueberries until smooth. Tip: Strain through a fine mesh to skip the seeds if you’re not into that texture.
- In a large pitcher, mix the blueberry puree, sugar, and lemon juice until the sugar dissolves. Tip: Warm the mixture slightly if the sugar’s being stubborn.
- Stir in the cold water and give it a good mix. Taste test time—adjust sweetness or tartness by adding more sugar or lemon juice.
- Right before serving, add a splash of sparkling water for bubbles and toss in a handful of ice cubes. Tip: Freeze some blueberries or lemon slices into ice cubes for a fancy touch.
Dive into this drink’s bold berry-meets-citrus flavor, with a texture that’s smooth yet fizzy. Serve it in mason jars with striped straws for that picnic-perfect vibe, or spike it with a shot of vodka for an adults-only twist.
Orange Mint Cooler
Perfect for beating the summer heat, this Orange Mint Cooler is your go-to refreshment. Packed with zesty oranges and fresh mint, it’s a breeze to make and even easier to love.
Ingredients
- 2 large oranges, juiced (about 1 cup)
- A handful of fresh mint leaves (about 1/4 cup)
- A splash of sparkling water
- A couple of ice cubes
- 1 tbsp honey (or to sweeten)
Instructions
- **Juice the oranges** until you have about 1 cup of fresh orange juice. Pro tip: Roll the oranges on the counter before juicing to get more juice out.
- **Muddle the mint leaves** in a glass to release their flavor. Don’t have a muddler? The back of a spoon works just fine.
- **Add the orange juice** to the glass with the mint.
- **Stir in the honey** until it’s fully dissolved. Taste and adjust sweetness if needed.
- **Top with a splash of sparkling water** for that fizzy kick.
- **Drop in a couple of ice cubes** to keep it chill.
- **Give it a good stir** to mix all the flavors together.
This cooler is all about the vibrant contrast between sweet orange and cool mint, with a fizzy twist. Try serving it in a mason jar with a sprig of mint for that Instagram-worthy look.
Pineapple Coconut Water
Hit refresh with this Pineapple Coconut Water—your taste buds will thank you. It’s the ultimate sip for beating the heat, blending tropical vibes with hydrating goodness.
Ingredients
- 2 cups of fresh pineapple chunks
- 1 cup of coconut water (chilled)
- A splash of lime juice
- A couple of ice cubes
- A pinch of salt
Instructions
- Grab your blender and toss in the fresh pineapple chunks.
- Pour in the chilled coconut water for that creamy, tropical base.
- Add a splash of lime juice to brighten up the flavors.
- Throw in a couple of ice cubes to keep it frosty.
- Sprinkle a pinch of salt to enhance all the flavors—trust us, it’s a game-changer.
- Blend on high for 30 seconds until smooth and frothy.
- Strain through a fine mesh sieve if you prefer it pulp-free (or skip for extra fiber).
- Pour into a tall glass and serve immediately for the best experience.
Absolute perfection in a glass—this drink is creamy, tangy, and just sweet enough. Try serving it in a hollowed-out pineapple for that Instagram-worthy touch.
Raspberry Lime Spritzer
Mix up your summer with this Raspberry Lime Spritzer—bright, bubbly, and downright refreshing. Perfect for those scorching days when you need a quick cool-down.
Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh raspberries
- Juice of 2 limes
- A splash of simple syrup
- A couple of mint leaves
- 1 cup sparkling water
- Ice cubes
Instructions
- In a glass, muddle the fresh raspberries and mint leaves together until the raspberries are crushed and the mint is fragrant.
- Add the lime juice and a splash of simple syrup to the glass, stirring gently to combine.
- Fill the glass to the top with ice cubes for that crisp, chilled effect.
- Pour in the sparkling water, giving it a light stir to mix everything without losing the bubbles.
- Garnish with a lime wheel or a few extra raspberries on top for that Instagram-worthy finish.
Serve this spritzer immediately to enjoy the effervescence at its peak. The raspberries add a sweet-tart punch, while the lime keeps it zesty. Try serving it in a mason jar with a colorful straw for a fun, picnic-ready vibe.
Watermelon Slush
Dive into the ultimate summer refresher with this Watermelon Slush—cool, vibrant, and ridiculously easy to whip up.
Ingredients
- 4 cups of cubed watermelon (seedless, duh)
- A splash of lime juice (about 1 tbsp)
- A couple of ice cubes (to keep it frosty)
- A drizzle of honey (1 tbsp, or skip if your watermelon is sweet enough)
Instructions
- Chuck your watermelon cubes into a blender. Pro tip: Freeze them overnight for an extra icy slush.
- Squeeze in that lime juice—brightens the whole thing up.
- Toss in the ice cubes. If you went the frozen watermelon route, you can skip these.
- Drizzle honey over the top if you’re feeling fancy.
- Blend on high until everything’s smooth and slushy. No chunks allowed.
- Pour into glasses immediately. It melts fast, so no dilly-dallying.
Get ready for a slush that’s all about that juicy watermelon flavor with a zesty lime kick. Serve it with a fun straw or a tiny umbrella for those extra vibes.
Apple Cinnamon Infused Water
Craving something refreshing with a twist? This apple cinnamon infused water is your go-to for a hydrating boost with a cozy kick.
Ingredients
- 1 medium apple, thinly sliced
- 1 cinnamon stick
- A splash of lemon juice
- 4 cups of cold water
Instructions
- Grab a large pitcher and toss in the thinly sliced apple.
- Add the cinnamon stick right on top of the apple slices.
- Squeeze in a splash of lemon juice for that extra zing.
- Pour in 4 cups of cold water, ensuring everything is submerged.
- Let it chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours to let the flavors mingle. Tip: The longer it sits, the stronger the flavor!
- Give it a gentle stir before serving to mix the flavors evenly. Tip: Use a wooden spoon to avoid bruising the apple slices.
- Serve over ice for an extra refreshing sip. Tip: Add a fresh cinnamon stick to each glass for a fancy touch.
For a drink that’s as crisp as a fall morning, this infused water blends sweet apple with warm cinnamon. Try serving it in mason jars with a slice of apple on the rim for a rustic vibe.
Ginger Lemon Honey Tea
Need a quick immune boost or just a cozy sip? This Ginger Lemon Honey Tea is your go-to—easy, zesty, and oh-so-soothing.
Ingredients
- 1 inch of fresh ginger, thinly sliced (no need to peel)
- 1 cup of water
- Juice of half a lemon
- A generous drizzle of honey (about 1 tbsp)
- A pinch of cayenne pepper (optional, for a kick)
Instructions
- Grab a small pot and toss in the ginger slices with the water.
- Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then lower the heat and let it simmer for 10 minutes—this extracts all that spicy ginger goodness.
- Tip: Cover the pot to keep all the steam and flavor in.
- After simmering, remove from heat and strain the ginger pieces out.
- Stir in the lemon juice and honey until the honey dissolves completely.
- Tip: If you like it sweeter, add more honey, but the lemon’s tang balances it perfectly.
- For an extra zing, add that pinch of cayenne pepper now.
- Pour into your favorite mug and enjoy warm.
- Tip: Let it cool a bit if it’s too hot—sip, don’t scald!
Feel the warmth with every sip—spicy ginger, tangy lemon, and sweet honey create a harmony of flavors. Perfect for chilly mornings or when you need a little pick-me-up.
Cherry Limeade
Make your summer sizzle with this zesty Cherry Limeade—cool, tangy, and bursting with flavor. Perfect for backyard BBQs or lazy poolside afternoons.
Ingredients
- 2 cups of fresh cherries, pitted
- 1 cup of freshly squeezed lime juice (about 8 limes)
- 1/2 cup of granulated sugar
- 4 cups of cold water
- A splash of sparkling water (optional, for fizz)
- A couple of lime slices and cherries for garnish
Instructions
- In a blender, puree the pitted cherries until smooth. Strain through a fine mesh to remove any pulp, pressing down to extract all the juice.
- In a large pitcher, whisk together the cherry juice, lime juice, and sugar until the sugar completely dissolves. Tip: If your sugar isn’t dissolving, microwave the mixture for 30 seconds to help it along.
- Stir in the cold water. Taste and adjust sweetness if needed, but remember, the ice will dilute it slightly.
- Chill in the fridge for at least an hour to let the flavors meld. Tip: The longer it chills, the better it tastes!
- Serve over ice, topped with a splash of sparkling water if you like it fizzy. Garnish with lime slices and cherries for that Instagram-worthy look. Tip: Freeze some cherries in your ice cubes for a fun, flavorful twist.
Bold and refreshing, this Cherry Limeade dances between sweet and tart with every sip. Try serving it in mason jars with striped paper straws for a nostalgic, picnic-ready vibe.
Vanilla Almond Milk
Forget the store-bought stuff—homemade vanilla almond milk is creamy, dreamy, and stupid easy to whip up.
Ingredients
- 1 cup of raw almonds (soaked overnight, trust me)
- 4 cups of filtered water (because tap water is a no-go here)
- A splash of vanilla extract (go for the good stuff)
- A couple of pitted dates (for that sweet, sweet vibe)
- A pinch of sea salt (to make everything pop)
Instructions
- Drain those soaked almonds and give them a quick rinse under cold water.
- Toss the almonds, water, vanilla extract, dates, and sea salt into a blender. Blend on high for a solid 2 minutes—no cheating!
- Strain the mixture through a nut milk bag or cheesecloth into a bowl. Squeeze like you mean it to get every last drop.
- Pour the milk into a glass jar or bottle and chill for at least 2 hours. Patience is key here.
- Shake well before serving because separation is totally normal.
Just like that, you’ve got silky, subtly sweet almond milk with a hint of vanilla. Perfect over granola, in your coffee, or straight from the fridge at 2 AM—no judgment here.
Hot Chocolate with Cinnamon
Get ready to cozy up with this dreamy hot chocolate that’s got a spicy kick. It’s creamy, it’s dreamy, and that cinnamon? *Chef’s kiss*.
Ingredients
- 2 cups of whole milk (or your fave milk alternative)
- A couple of tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder
- A splash of vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup of sugar (adjust if you’ve got a sweet tooth)
- A pinch of salt (trust me, it’s a game-changer)
- 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon (plus extra for dusting)
- A handful of mini marshmallows (optional, but highly recommended)
Instructions
- Grab a small saucepan and pour in the milk. Heat it over medium heat until it’s warm but not boiling—about 3 minutes.
- Whisk in the cocoa powder, sugar, and salt until everything’s dissolved and the mixture is smooth. No lumps allowed!
- Stir in the vanilla extract and ground cinnamon. Keep whisking for another minute to let those flavors meld.
- Pour the hot chocolate into your favorite mug. Top with mini marshmallows and a dusting of cinnamon for that Instagram-worthy finish.
Rich, velvety, and with just the right amount of spice, this hot chocolate is your new go-to. Serve it with a cinnamon stick stirrer for extra flair and warmth.
Conclusion
Unquestionably, this roundup of 18 refreshing, simple drink recipes is your ticket to effortless hydration and delight. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or savoring a quiet moment, these easy-to-make beverages promise to elevate any occasion. We’d love to hear which recipes became your favorites—drop us a comment below! And if you found this collection inspiring, don’t hesitate to share the love on Pinterest. Cheers to delicious discoveries!
Michael Johnson is the founder of Pan Mastery, Inspired by his blacksmith grandfather’s legacy has a deep appreciation for hand-crafted pots and pans, he provides invaluable guides, reviews, and recipes to enhance your culinary journey.