Discover a delicious drink to impress your guests at your barbecue or pool party this summer! The classic recipes are tried and true, but what about something new?
Anyone can whip up a simple punch. But the secret to truly refreshing your guests is to test out something new and delicious.
The trick is to create a simple drink that tastes complex with lots of flavours that pack a punch. Check out our five recipes to wow everyone this summer (the easy way)!
* Featured image shows the Refresh Beverage Dispenser, 8.5L and Refresh Beverage Dispenser with Infuser, 8.5L from Maxwell & Williams.
Cucumber Sangria
Original recipe from Better Homes & Gardens here.
This ultra-fresh recipe combines fruit and flavour with just the right amount of tang. It’s zingy green colour and crisp fruity look is perfect for summer!
Serves: 8
Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus chill for 2 hours)
Ingredients
1 small honeydew melon
1 seedless cucumber
12 fresh mint leaves
1 lime, thinly sliced
¼ cup of lime juice
¼ cup of honey
1 x 750ml bottle of Sauvignon Blanc (or other dry white wine)
1 x 1L bottle of carbonated water
Method
- Cut the honeydew into thin slices and toss into a large pitcher along with the cucumber and lime slices, plus the 12 mint leaves
- In a small bowl, mix the lime juice and honey together into a syrup and pour this over the fruit mix in your pitcher
- Add the wine to the pitcher and stir gently
- Cover and chill in the fridge for two hours
- Pour the carbonated water into a drink dispenser when you’re ready to serve!
Watermelon Basil Daiquiri
Original recipe from Better Homes & Gardens here.
A bright drink for your summer days! This cocktail-based recipe combines the fresh taste of summer melon with delicious herbs for a match made in heaven.
Serves: 1
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Ingredients
Cubes of watermelon
Frozen watermelon spears/wedges
Basil leaves
¼ cup of light rum
2 tbsp. lime juice
1 ½ tbsp. simple syrup (sugar and water)
Method
- Combine watermelon and basil in a cocktail shaker until the fruit is broken up and juiced
- Add rum, lime juice, simple syrup, and ice, then shake until chilled
- Double strain into a glass over ice
- Garnish with frozen watermelon
White Iced Tea
Original recipe from Woman’s Day here.
This version of an iced tea looks fantastic in a drink dispenser or large pitcher, showing off all the herbs and flowers inside. This one is a definite crowd-pleaser!
Serves: 8
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Ingredients
4 white tea bags
4 cups of water
½ cup of sugar
Fresh tarragon sprigs (or your favourite herbs) to taste
Method
- Steep the tea bags in 4 cups of boiling water (just like you do in the morning!) then leave it to chill
- Bring 1 cup of water and ½ a cup of sugar to the boil on your stovetop
- Add tarragon/herbs, steep the mixture into a syrup, then cool
- Use this tarragon syrup to flavour your iced tea mixture and voila!
Pineapple, Lime & Coconut Spritzer
Original recipe from Real Simple here. Image credit: Fearless Homemaker here.
A delicious take on tropical pineapple flavours, this drink will have you relaxed and refreshed as you enjoy the summer afternoon.
Serves: 8
Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus chill 30 minutes)
Ingredients
3 cups of pineapple juice
2 cups of coconut water
½ cup of lime juice
2 cups of carbonated water
½ a pineapple, cored and cut into spears
A splash of rum (if you fancy it!)
Method
- Combine the pineapple juice, cocounut water and lime juice in a large pitcher and chill (can be stored for up to 12 hours)
- Before serving, add the carbonated water and a splash of rum (optional)
- Garnish with the chunky spears of pineapple for an impressive display
Rhubarb Lemonade
Original recipe from Woman’s Day here.
An award-winning recipe from the good folk at Quick & Simple, this out-of-the-box drink is not only delicious but looks delectable in a pitcher or drink dispenser on your table. Love it!
Serves: 8
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Ingredients
6 lemons
2 rhubarb stalks
1 cup of sugar
4 cups of water
Method
- Peel the zest from the lemons and squeeze the juice from the remaining lemons into a cup
- Combine the rhubarb, lemon zest, sugar and 2 cups of water in a saucepan
- Bring the mixture to the boil until sugar is dissolved and rhubarb is tender
- Strain the mix and add lemon juice then chill in the fridge
- When ready to serve, pour into a pitcher or dispenser and add the remaining 2 cups of water
- Garnish with lemon slices and enjoy!
