Cool Summer Drinks

May 22, 2007
Credit: Becky Luigart-Stayner
Whether you're entertaining friends or just relaxing at home with your family, these drinks are a tasty breeze on a hot summer day.
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Jamaica Margaritas

View Recipe: Jamaica Margaritas

Hibiscus blossoms can be found at Latin grocery stores. Boiling the blossoms in a sugar-water mixture and then steeping infuses more flavor than just steeping them in warm water. This drink is especially good when made with premium-quality tequila.

Classic Cocktails
Here's what you should have on-hand to mix three classic cocktails.

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Fresh-Squeezed Lemonade

View Recipe: Fresh-Squeezed Lemonade

This quintessential summer drink never becomes outdated, though you can always keep things fresh by adding your favorite fruit juice for a variety of colors and flavors. A favorite of kids and adults alike, this recipe couldn't get much easier: fresh-squeezed lemons, sugar, and chilled water.

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Strawberry Agua Fresca

View Recipe: Strawberry Agua Fresca

Spanish for "fresh water," agua fresca is a refreshing, fruit-infused drink that is served throughout Mexico. This smooth, cool, and utterly refreshing frozen drink is so simple: fresh strawberries, lime juice, sugar, and water in a blender. At just 71 calories, it tastes more indulgent than it really is.

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Planter's Punch

View Recipe: Planter's Punch

This Caribbean classic is right at home by the pool, at the beach, or at a backyard bash. In this 5-star recipe, orange juice meets pineapple juice, guava nectar, and rum. (Leave out the rum for a drink kids will love, too.)

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Blackberry Limeade

Credit: Jeff Kauck
View Recipe: Blackberry Limeade

This refreshing drink just screams summer, and should be sipped ice cold. It also screams healthful, with an array of antioxidants from the blackberries.

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Pomegranate Cocktail

Credit: Karry Hosford
View Recipe: Pomegranate Cocktail

Pomegranate juice has become popular recently, thanks to its powerhouse levels of antioxidants and its unique tart flavor. This drink adds orange and lime juice, plus vodka and grenadine, to create a unique adult beverage that's great to pour at parties.

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Kiwi Colada

Credit: Becky Luigart-Stayner
View Recipe: Kiwi Colada

Tropical coconut and pineapple combine with melon liqueur and the subtle flavor of kiwi in this blended iced cocktail whose green color looks absolutely gorgeous on any party table. If you can find them, try using golden kiwifruit instead for a sweeter taste and pretty golden color.

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Lemon Verbena Iced Tea

Credit: Becky Luigart-Stayner
View Recipe: Lemon Verbena Iced Tea

Nothing is more refreshing on a hot day than a tall glass of sweet tea with just the right amount of tart lemon flavor, especially if sipped in a rocking chair on the porch. The bright citrus flavor of the lemon-verbena syrup will also add sparkle to a variety of cocktails, so make an extra batch.

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Spiked Peach Limeade Granita

Credit: Becky Luigart-Stayner
View Recipe: Spiked Peach Limeade Granita

A story about urban orchards in Boston provided this dish that combines cocktail and dessert. Peaches and mint bring summery flavor, while tart lime balances the sweetness, and rum adds a punch.

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