12 Refreshing Summer Drinks To Help You Beat The Heat

A cool drink is especially nice in summer, especially when it's just too darn hot to eat. Cocktails, smoothies, slushies – it's hard to say no to a refreshing beverage on a sweltering day out in the sun. They're also a great way to wind down a balmy evening after a family cookout, BBQ, or picnic. Check out the following 12 thirst-quenching recipes and get your summer drink on!

1. Watermelon Kiwi Slushie

Summer is at its peak and most people are trying to soak up every sunny moment. If you're still undecided as to which seasonal beverage is your favorite, allow us to introduce another candidate that's sure to knock it out of the park! This watermelon kiwi cocktail is perfect for adult summer gatherings, but it's simply delicious with or without alcohol, so even the little ones can lift their glasses in a toast. Get the full recipe & instructions here.

2. Raspberry Frosé

It's that time of year when people start bemoaning summer's end. Did you not get around to that beach trip? Not enough cocktails by the pool with friends? Well, there's still time to turn things around and enjoy these last warm days properly. With this recipe, you can enjoy all the goodness of a fruity, refreshing slushie, but with an added bonus. That's right, this slushie was created especially for adults. So get your raspberries and rosé ready – the evening is warm and waiting for you! Get the full recipe & instructions here.

3. Coffee Smoothie

Coffee is to mornings as salt is to pepper. After a few sips of that "liquid gold," dark under eye circles begin to disappear and excessive yawning comes to a halt. Many people simply can't live without it! A different and perhaps more healthy alternative in the morning is the increasingly popular smoothie. What would happen if both of these favorites were combined? The answer is simple: the best breakfast of all time, of course! Get the full recipe & instructions here.

4. Blackberry Margarita

In December 1953, Esquire magazine named the margarita as its "Drink of the Month," calling it nice to look at, exciting, and provocative. Since then, it hasn't changed much, but in the meantime a new model has arrived on the scene: the blackberry margarita – the perfect addition to a summer evening spent hanging out with your friends on the patio. Get the full recipe & instructions here.

5. Big Apple Cocktail

Frank Sinatra once sang about New York City's special brand of magic. A trip to the "city that never sleeps" is quite often an unforgettable one. But because the big city is not around the corner for everyone, some trips are easier dreamed of than made. With this recipe, let the Big Apple come to you! Hey, if you can't be in NYC, at least you can raise your "glass" to it with this delicious cocktail! Get the full recipe & instructions here.

6. Blackberry Soda Float

If shaken or held the wrong way, a carbonated beverage can lead to disaster. But you can also use the bubbly effects of sparkling water to your advantage by creating this light, fruity beverage. Go on and sweeten up your balmy summer evenings! Get the full recipe & instructions here.

7. Strawberry Kiwi Sangria

Whether it's a birthday party, a garden party, or a girls' night out, every special occasion calls for boozy punch.  If an event is approaching, this tropical refreshment is sure to delight your guests! It's got quite the kick, and not only because of the alcohol. This fruity, refreshing beverage is also loaded with vitamins! Get the full recipe & instructions here.

8. Watermelon Lemonade

There's nothing better than a refreshing drink on a hot day. Unfortunately, many ready-made lemonades (or limeades!) are either too sweet, or really expensive. And even though water is thirst-quenching, sometimes you just need something fruity. With this recipe, you can make a delightful summer drink at home with very simple ingredients, and no artificial sweeteners. Get the full recipe & instructions here.

9. Strawberry Milkshake

Who can resist a yummy strawberry milkshake? This one not only tantalizes the taste buds, but is also a real treat for the eyes! It's also the perfect dessert to enjoy out on the patio after your summer BBQ winds down. Get the full recipe & instructions here.

10. Mermaid Cocktail

This recipe sweeps us back in time to the Caribbean of long ago. When Spanish explorers discovered the island of Curaçao north of Venezuela in 1527, they tried to grow orange trees, but the attempt failed due to the soil and weather conditions. The trees did produce fruit, but it was inedible. The orange trees continued to grow wild and developed into a subspecies of bitter oranges. The peel of this fruit is used to make the famous Blue Curaçao liqueur that gives so many cocktails their vibrant color, one of which is this delicious mermaid cocktail! Get the full recipe & instructions here.

11. Caramel Apple Sangria

When pondering sangria, our minds might think of hot summer days at an outdoor cafe, watching as a fruit-filled glass pitcher perspires under the heat of the sun. But if you're more of a fall or winter person and just can't wait until the leaves and temperature start dropping, here's a seasonal cocktail to tide you over until then. Get the full recipe & instructions here.

12. Strawberry & Melon Wine Slushie

If you're looking to make the most of summer and all this sunshine, this indulgent slushie is just the thing for staying refreshed. And there's more than enough for two, so you won't be short on company when keeping cool! Get the full recipe & instructions here.