6 Incredible Refreshing Drinks to Beat the Summer Heat

As summer heats up, there’s nothing better than  refreshing drinks to help you stay cool. Whether you’re relaxing on your balcony, enjoying the stunning rooftop views, or lounging in one of the many resident lounges at The Collective, these six refreshing drinks will make your summer days delightful. Here are three alcoholic and three non-alcoholic drink recipes perfect for beating the heat.

Classic Mojito

A mojito is a timeless favorite perfect for a hot summer day.

Ingredients:

• 10 fresh mint leaves
• 1/2 lime, cut into 4 wedges
• 2 tablespoons white sugar
• 1 cup ice cubes
• 1 1/2 ounces white rum
• 1/2 cup club soda

Instructions:

1. Place mint leaves and one lime wedge into a sturdy glass. Use a muddler to crush the mint and lime to release the mint oils and lime juice.
2. Add 2 more lime wedges and the sugar, and muddle again to release the lime juice. Do not strain the mixture.
3. Fill the glass almost to the top with ice. Pour the rum over the ice, and fill the glass with club soda. Stir, taste, and add more sugar if desired.
4. Garnish with the remaining lime wedge and a sprig of mint.

Enjoy this classic cocktail while soaking up the sun on your balcony or hosting friends on the rooftop at The Collective.

Watermelon Lemonade

This non-alcoholic drink is as refreshing as it is delicious, perfect for a barbecue or a quiet afternoon. You can easily pick up some watermelon at the Whole Foods located within the community!

Ingredients:

• 4 cups watermelon, cubed and seeded
• 1 cup fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 2 cups cold water
• Ice cubes
• Mint leaves for garnish

Instructions:

1. Blend the watermelon in a blender until smooth. Strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve into a pitcher.
2. Add the lemon juice and sugar to the watermelon juice. Stir until the sugar is dissolved.
3. Add the cold water and mix well. Serve over ice and garnish with mint leaves.

These refreshing drinks are perfect for using any leftover watermelon from your summer barbecues.

Cucumber Gin Fizz

A cucumber gin fizz is light, refreshing, and just the right amount of fancy for your summer evenings.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cucumber, sliced
• 2 ounces gin
• 1 ounce fresh lime juice
• 1 ounce simple syrup
• Club soda
• Ice cubes
• Cucumber slices and lime wedges for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a shaker, muddle the cucumber slices.
2. Add gin, lime juice, and simple syrup to the shaker. Fill with ice and shake well.
3. Strain into a glass filled with ice. Top with club soda.
4. Garnish with cucumber slices and a lime wedge.

These elegant and refreshing drinks is perfect for sipping while enjoying the panoramic city views from The Collective’s rooftop.

Tropical Pineapple Smoothie

A tropical smoothie is a healthy and delicious way to cool down and hydrate.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup pineapple chunks
• 1 banana
• 1/2 cup coconut milk
• 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
• 1 tablespoon honey
• Ice cubes

Instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.
2. Pour into a glass and enjoy immediately.

This smoothie is a great way to start your day or enjoy after an intense workout in the gym.

Sparkling Peach Sangria

Try this sparkling peach version for a fruity and bubbly twist on a traditional sangria.

Ingredients:

• 1 bottle of white wine (Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio)
• 1 cup peach schnapps
• 2 cups sparkling water
• 2 peaches, sliced
• 1 lemon, sliced
• 1 lime, sliced
• Ice cubes
• Mint leaves for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a large pitcher, combine the white wine and peach schnapps.
2. Add the sliced peaches, lemon, and lime.
3. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to blend.
4. Just before serving, add the sparkling water and ice cubes. Garnish with mint leaves.

These refreshing drinks is perfect for entertaining guests on the rooftop or enjoying a quiet evening on your balcony.

Iced Hibiscus Tea

Iced hibiscus tea is a vibrant, caffeine-free alternative to traditional iced tea.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups water
• 1/2 cup dried hibiscus flowers
• 1/4 cup sugar (or to taste)
• 1 lime, sliced
• Mint leaves for garnish
• Ice cubes

Instructions:

1. Bring the water to a boil. Remove from heat, add the hibiscus flowers, and let steep for 20 minutes.
2. Strain the tea into a pitcher and stir in the sugar until dissolved.
3. Let the tea cool to room temperature, then refrigerate until cold.
4. Serve over ice, garnished with lime slices and mint leaves.

This tea is not only refreshing but also packed with antioxidants, making it a healthy choice for hot summer days.

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These six refreshing drinks will keep you cool and refreshed all summer. Whether you’re enjoying them alone or sharing with friends, each beverage is enhanced by the beautiful surroundings at The Collective. Cheers to a delicious and hydrated summer!