7 Crowd-Pleasing Summer Beverages

Summer is here, and the temperatures are soaring. Are you tired of serving the same old sodas and juices at your backyard barbeque, but defer to old standbys because it feels like too much work to find something new? These seven infused summer beverages are perfect for entertaining and equally suited for sipping throughout the day on your patio. They’re all big-batch friendly recipes that could be spiked if the crowd prefers, or left on their own if you’re sharing with little ones. These combinations are fancy enough for entertaining, but take less time to make than a box of taquitos!

Start with a quart sized pitcher and drop in two big fistfuls of the following combos, add ice, and top with seltzer for a fizzy finish. This recipe also makes a fabulous base for a white wine spritzer, if that’s up your alley.

7 Crowd-Pleasing Summer Beverages:

White Nectarine Rosemary

Slice nectarines in quarter inch slices, or cube and add full sprigs of rosemary.

Blueberry Lime

Add a large handful of blueberries and thinly sliced lime; gently smash with wooden spoon to release juices.

Cucumber Mint

Slice seedless cucumbers very thin and add a handful of torn mint leaves.

Apple Rosemary

Slice apples in quarter inch slices, or cube and add full sprigs of rosemary.

Strawberry Mint

Slice strawberries and add a handful of torn mint leaves.

Orange Kiwi Strawberry

Slice oranges and kiwis in quarter inch semi-circles, and strawberries into slices or cubes.

Citrus Cucumber Mint

Slice oranges in quarter inch semi-circles and seedless cucumbers very thin. Add a handful of torn mint leaves.

Kid-Friendly Mix-Ins for these Summer Beverages:

Want a way to get the kiddos in on the fun? Let them become soda-scientists and host a soda lab at your next gathering! A fantastic way to let them be creative and enjoy a fizzy drink that won’t end in a sugar-induced melt-down.

• Berries (strawberries, blueberries, blackberries)
• Cubed Apples
• Mint
• OJ
• Cranberry Juice
• Citrus fruits (oranges, limes, lemons, grapefruit)
• Kiwi
• Grapes
• Melon (watermelon, honeydew, cantaloupe)

Get them set up with ice, spoons, lots of kid-safe cups, straws, and flavored and plain seltzer, and watch them work up some fabulous concoctions. This set up works best outdoors so spills won’t get in the way of the fun!

Now get out there, and quench your thirst, with a twist!