It’s that time of year when the heat is sweltering and all you want in the world is a cold drink in your hand. Want to make something a little more special than your standard beer or lemonade? Here are some fantastic options that’ll leave you refreshed and wanting a refill! (And if you prefer something non-alcoholic, we’ve got you covered, too.)

Sangria

This is one of my favourite beverages to sip while laying out under the sun. You can make it with red or white wine — both are quite refreshing — but personally I prefer white sangria, or sangria blanco, even if it’s non-traditional. It’s a bit lighter, more crisp, and sweet. The citrus fruits give it a punch, and the strawberries are fun to snack on after fishing them out of the glass. Plus, it looks awesome in a big punch bowl. Great for a BBQ!

Sangria ingredients:
- 1 bottle of white wine
- 2/3 cup of sugar
- 1 lime, wedged
- 1 lemon, wedged
- 3 oranges, wedged
- A couple handfuls of strawberries, quartered (or any other fruit on-hand)
- 1/2 litre of club soda

OPTIONAL:
2 oz. Brandy

Pour wine into a pitcher (or punch bowl if you’re doubling or tripling the recipe), and squeeze the juice from the lemon, lime and orange wedges. Add brandy, if desired. Take as many seeds from the fruit as possible and then throw them into the pitcher. Add sugar. Refrigerate overnight and add club soda, strawberries and ice when serving.

For a simple and faster way to make sangria, just take a bottle of Boone’s sangria and add fresh fruit and some orange juice. Easy and yummy!

Creamsicle Martini

Image courtesy of the Epicurean NY

Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 oz. vanilla liqueur
- 1/2 oz. grand marnier
- Orange juice

Combine all ingredients in a martini shaker and mix ‘em up. Pour over ice. How much easier could it be?

Passion Fruit Margarita

Okay, so this one isn’t really a margarita, but that’s what the woman working at the liquor called it when she gave me a sample. Beer and fruit juice may sound like a vile combination, but it’s surprisingly delicious!

Ingredients:
-1 bottle of Corona
-Passionfruit juice
- Wedge of lime

Non-alcoholic options

If you’re in the mood for something a little less alcoholic, (or perhaps are under-age!), here are a couple virgin alternatives.

Fresh Mint and Watermelon Soda Float

Image courtesy of How Sweet Eats

If you’re in the mood for a sophisticated ice cream float, try this one out! The combination of watermelon and mint sounds delicious, and perfect for summer. You can check out the recipe and drool-worthy photos at “How Sweet It Is.”

Arnold Palmer

Dubbed after the American golfer of the same name, this drink is absolutely delicious and easy to make. Just mix equal parts of lemonade and iced (or sweet) tea. Add sugar if you have a sweet tooth!

Screwless Driver

Great name, right? Instead of vodka and orange juice, this recipe calls for ginger ale and OJ. Just add ice.

What’s your favorite drink for summer? Will you be trying any of these? Share a comment and let us know!

Written by Aimee Harper
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Header image courtesy of GluehweinEffects / Getty Images