13 Refreshing Homemade Drinks to Try This Season

When temperatures start to get higher use homemade drink to help you feel refreshed. Preparing your own beverages at home not only gives you more control over the ingredients but also offers a budget-friendly option compared to store-bought choices. From familiar favorites to mild and slightly surprising blends, these drinks can be both enjoyable and simple to make. Whether you’re relaxing on a sunny afternoon or hosting a small get-together, these easy-to-prepare drinks will offer a pleasant way of refreshing and are healthy.

1. Watermelon Mint Cooler

Blend 500g of seedless watermelon chunks with 10 fresh mint leaves and the juice of one lime until smooth. Strain the mixture through a fine sieve to remove pulp. Add 250ml of cold water and 2 tablespoons of honey, stirring until dissolved. Pour over ice and garnish with extra mint leaves and watermelon cubes. The natural sweetness of watermelon means you need minimal added sweetener. For an extra cooling effect, freeze watermelon cubes beforehand and use them instead of ice. This red drink not only tastes refreshing but also provides hydration thanks to watermelon’s high water content.

2. Tamarind Date Cooler

Soak 100g of tamarind pulp and 10 pitted dates in 500ml of hot water for 30 minutes. Mash thoroughly with a fork, then strain through a fine sieve, pressing to extract all liquid. Add 2 tablespoons of brown sugar and stir until dissolved. Mix in 750ml of cold water and the juice of one lemon. Refrigerate until completely chilled. The sweet-tangy flavor profile makes this drink particularly helpful on hot days. Serve over ice with a sprinkle of roasted cumin powder (about ¼ teaspoon per glass) for an authentic touch. This traditional drink is popular across many Middle Eastern and South Asian countries for its thirst-quenching properties.

3. Cucumber Lime Slush

Peel and chop one large cucumber (approximately 300g). Blend with the juice of 3 limes, 3 tablespoons of honey, and 1 cup of crushed ice until smooth. For a spicy kick, add a small pinch of salt and ¼ teaspoon of ground black pepper. Pour the mixture into a shallow container and freeze for 1 hour. Remove and scrape with a fork to add a slush-like texture. Return to freezer and repeat scraping every 30 minutes until desired consistency is achieved. Serve in chilled glasses garnished with cucumber slices and lime wheels. The combination of cucumber and lime adds a cooling effect that’s especially welcome during hot weather.

4. Ginger Turmeric Immunity Booster

Bring 750ml of water to a boil with a 5cm piece of fresh ginger (peeled and sliced) and 2 teaspoons of ground turmeric. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes. Remove from heat and add 2 tablespoons of honey and the juice of one lemon. Strain into a pitcher and allow to cool completely before refrigerating. This yellow drink can be served hot during cooler weather or cold with ice during warmer months. The combination of ginger and turmeric provides anti-inflammatory benefits. For maximum flavor, add a pinch of black pepper which helps you absorb the beneficial compounds in turmeric.

5. Basil Seed Lemonade

Soak 2 tablespoons of basil seeds in 250ml of water for 20 minutes until they swell and form a gel. Meanwhile, prepare a simple syrup by dissolving 100g of sugar in 100ml of hot water, then cooling completely. Combine the soaked basil seeds (with their liquid), 200ml of fresh lemon juice (about 6-8 lemons), the cooled syrup, and 750ml of cold water in a large pitcher. Stir well and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. The basil seeds add an interesting texture similar to tapioca pearls in bubble tea. They’re also loaded with fiber and help keep you feeling full. Garnish each glass with mint leaves and lemon slices for an added touch of freshness.

6. Rose Milk Tea

Brew 3 tablespoons of loose black tea or 3 tea bags in 500ml of hot water for 5 minutes. Strain and allow to cool completely. Mix in 2 tablespoons of rose syrup (made from boiling 1 cup of dried rose petals with 1 cup of sugar and 1 cup of water, then straining). Add 500ml of cold milk (dairy or plant-based) and stir well. For a frothy texture, blend for 30 seconds. The subtle floral flavor complement the robust tea flavor. Serve over ice and garnish with dried rose petals if available. This pink-tinted beverage works well as an afternoon refreshment or as a caffeine-free version using rooibos tea instead of black tea.

7. Avocado Smoothie

Blend one ripe avocado (approximately 200g of flesh) with 300ml of cold milk, 2 tablespoons of honey, and 100g of ice cubes until completely smooth. For extra creaminess, add 2 tablespoons of plain yogurt. The natural oils in avocado adds silky texture that’s almost like a milkshake. Adjust sweetness according to taste, as some avocados are naturally more buttery and need less honey. A pinch of salt enhances the flavors. Pour into glasses and sprinkle with a dash of cinnamon or cardamom powder. This nutrient-dense drink makes a satisfying breakfast or afternoon snack. The healthy fats from avocado help keep you full longer while providing a cooling effect during hot weather.

8. Strawberry Basil Fizz

Muddle 250g of fresh strawberries with 15 basil leaves and 3 tablespoons of sugar until berries are completely crushed. Allow mixture to sit for 15 minutes so flavors can meld. Strain through a fine sieve, pressing firmly to extract all juices. Mix the strawberry-basil syrup with the juice of one lemon and 750ml of sparkling water. The combination of sweet berries and aromatic basil adds an versatile but delicate flavor pairing. The fizzy texture makes it refreshing on hot days. Serve immediately over ice, garnished with strawberry slices and small basil leaves. For a more concentrated flavor, you can reduce the amount of sparkling water.

9. Coconut Horchata

Soak 200g of white rice and 50g of unsalted almonds in 500ml of water overnight. Blend the mixture until very smooth, then strain through a fine cloth. Add 250ml of coconut milk, 3 tablespoons of sugar, and ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Stir well until sugar dissolves completely. The rice base adds a creamy texture while the coconut adds tropical flavor. This dairy-free alternative is particularly refreshing when thoroughly chilled. Serve over plenty of ice and garnish with a cinnamon stick. For added coconut flavor, sprinkle with 1 tablespoon of toasted coconut flakes per glass.

10. Blueberry Maple Lemonade

Simmer 200g of fresh or frozen blueberries with 60ml of maple syrup and 60ml of water for 10 minutes, mashing berries as they cook. Strain through a fine sieve and cool completely. Combine the blueberry syrup with 250ml of fresh lemon juice and 750ml of cold water. The deep purple color makes this drink visually appealing while the maple syrup adds complexity not found in regular sugar-sweetened lemonades. For added flavor, add 1 teaspoon of grated ginger to the blueberry mixture while simmering. Serve over ice garnished with fresh blueberries and lemon wheels.

11. Roasted Barley Tea

Toast 100g of barley grains in a dry pan until golden brown and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes. Add the toasted barley to 2 liters of water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes. Remove from heat and steep for another 10 minutes. Strain the tea and chill thoroughly in the refrigerator. This caffeine-free alternative to iced tea has a nutty, slightly smoky flavor that’s incredibly refreshing. In Korea, where it’s known as boricha, it’s served year-round in most households. Serve plain over ice or with a squeeze of lemon. No sweetener is typically needed as the roasting process brings out natural sweetness.

12. Saffron Cardamom Lassi

Soak a pinch of saffron threads (about 15-20) in 2 tablespoons of warm milk for 10 minutes. Blend 500g of plain yogurt with 250ml of cold water, 3 tablespoons of sugar, ¼ teaspoon of ground cardamom, and the saffron milk until smooth and frothy. The yellow color and aromatic spices make this drink both visually appealing and flavorful. Adjust thickness by adding more water if desired. For best results, use full-fat yogurt which adds a richer texture. Serve in tall glasses with a sprinkle of additional cardamom on top. This cooling yogurt-based drink is particularly refreshing during hot weather and aids digestion after meals.

13. Jalapeño Pineapple Agua Fresca

Blend 500g of fresh pineapple chunks with 750ml of cold water until smooth. Strain through a fine sieve. Add the juice of 2 limes, 2 tablespoons of honey, and 1 thinly sliced jalapeño pepper (seeds removed for less heat). Allow the mixture to infuse in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. The longer it sits, the spicier it becomes. Remove the jalapeño slices before serving if you prefer a milder flavor. The sweet-spicy combination adds pleasant and flavor profile. Serve over ice garnished with pineapple wedges and mint leaves. This refreshing drink is popular in Mexico during summer.