Since Memorial Day is the official kick-off of the summer season, here is a list of drink ideas that are both tasty and refreshing. They can be made with or without alcohol, so serve them up at a party or make a batch for a family dinner.
1. The Arnold Palmer
Iced tea and lemonade are both go-to warm weather favorites. They're even more delicous when you combine them. If you're not a fan of the lemon flavor, mix it up by using raspberry iced tea and raspberry flavored lemonade.
2. Fizzy Fruit Punch
This one is simple: just combine fruit punch and seltzer. This way, you cut down the sugar levels but don't lose the taste. The bubbly beverage is a healthier substitute for soda.
3. D.I.Y. Spa Water
It's important to stay hydrated during the summer (and all other seasons, too), but water can get boring -- fast! The flavored water at spas is super-yummy, so why not make a verson of this yourself? Combine ginger root, lemon, and cucumber in a large pitcher of water. You can experiment by adding mint or any other element you think would mix nicely. Add as much or as little of each ingredient as you want, according to your taste. Can't you just feel the stress melting away already?
4. Fresh Fuit and Veggie Combos
All you need are your favorite fuits or veggies and a juicer. Orange juice and apple juice are good stand-bys to start with, but don't be afraid to get creative. The A-B-C (named for it's ingredients: apples, beets, and carrots) is a common combination, and for good reason! Even foods that you wouldn't expect -- spinach or kale, for example -- could be used to create some mouth-watering drinks when added to the right flavors. See what you can come up with.
5. Egg Cream
For a more dessert-type drink, try an egg creme. There are two ways to do this. First, there's the old-fashioned way, mixing seltzer with vanilla or chocolate syrup and milk. Then, there's the quicker way, combining cream soda and milk. Either way, you put the ingredients together, stir, and enjoy! There's a reason this drink is a classic favorite.
