10 Easy Cold Drinks to Make with Simple Ingredients

Summer heat calls for cool, refreshing drinks. Whether you’re looking to quench your thirst or serve guests, homemade cold drinks are the way to go. These ten easy-to-make beverages use ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen, making them suitable for any day when you need something cold and tasty. These ten easy-to-make beverages rely on familiar ingredients, offering a mix of comfort and refreshment without much fuss. They’re a pleasant way to stay fresh and experience the season.

1. Honey Lemon Iced Tea

Boil 2 cups of water and steep 2 black tea bags for 5 minutes. Remove the bags and stir in 3 tablespoons of honey until dissolved. Add the juice of 2 fresh lemons (about 4 tablespoons) and mix well. Pour this mixture into a pitcher and add 2 more cups of cold water. Refrigerate for at least an hour before serving. Pour over ice cubes and garnish with lemon slices if desired. This thirst-quencher combines the richness of tea with bright citrus flavor.

2. Minty Watermelon Cooler

Blend 4 cups of cubed watermelon with 10 fresh mint leaves and the juice of 1 lime (about 2 tablespoons) until smooth. Strain if you prefer a pulp-free drink. Add 1 tablespoon of honey or maple syrup if additional sweetness is needed, though ripe watermelon is often sweet enough on its own. Chill for 30 minutes before serving. Pour over ice and garnish with a watermelon wedge and mint sprig. The combination of juicy watermelon and cooling mint makes this drink refreshing on hot days.

3. Spiced Mango Lassi

Combine 1 cup of ripe mango chunks (about one large mango), 1 cup of plain yogurt, 1/2 cup of milk, 1 tablespoon of honey, and a pinch of cardamom powder in a blender. Blend until completely smooth and creamy. For a thinner consistency, add more milk, one tablespoon at a time. Serve immediately in tall glasses with a sprinkle of cardamom on top. This South Asian-inspired drink offers a balance of fruity sweetness and tangy yogurt, with aromatic cardamom adding depth and complexity.

4. Cucumber Mint Refresher

Muddle half a cucumber (peeled and sliced) with 15 mint leaves in a pitcher. This releases the refreshing oils and flavors from both ingredients. Add 4 cups of cold water, 2 tablespoons of lime juice, and 1 tablespoon of honey. Stir until the honey dissolves completely. Let the mixture sit in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to infuse. Strain before serving over ice. The cucumber provides a subtle, hydrating base while mint adds a cooling hint that’s especially welcome during hot weather.

5. Frozen Chocolate Banana Shake

Freeze 2 ripe bananas (peeled and sliced) for at least 4 hours. Place the frozen banana slices in a blender with 1 cup of milk, 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder, and 1 tablespoon of honey. Blend until smooth and creamy, adding more milk if needed to reach your desired consistency. The frozen bananas give this shake an ice cream-like texture without actual ice cream. Serve immediately in a tall glass. This nutritious treat tastes indulgent but contains no added sugar beside the honey and natural fruit sugars.

6. Rose Milk

Heat 1/4 cup of water and dissolve 3 tablespoons of sugar in it to make a simple syrup. Let it cool completely. Add 2 tablespoons of rose syrup (or 1 tablespoon rose water plus 1 extra tablespoon of the simple syrup) to 2 cups of cold milk. Stir in the cooled simple syrup. Mix well and chill for at least an hour before serving over ice. This Middle Eastern and South Asian favorite has a delicate floral aroma and pretty pink color that makes it as beautiful as it is refreshing.

7. Sparkling Fruit

Combine 2 cups of mixed fruit juice (like apple, orange, and grape) with the juice of 1 lemon (about 3 tablespoons) and 2 tablespoons of honey or maple syrup in a large pitcher. Add sliced fruits like oranges, apples, and berries—about 1 cup total. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to let the flavors blend. Just before serving, add 2 cups of sparkling water and stir gently. Serve over ice for a bubbly, fruity treat that’s less sweet than store-bought punch but much more flavorful.

8. Coconut Coffee Frappe

Brew 1 cup of strong coffee and let it cool completely. Pour into ice cube trays and freeze solid (about 4 hours). Place the coffee ice cubes in a blender with 1 cup of coconut milk, 2 tablespoons of maple syrup, and a pinch of cinnamon. Blend until smooth and frothy. Serve immediately in a tall glass. Using coffee ice cubes instead of regular ice means your drink won’t get watered down as they melt. The coconut milk adds tropical richness that pairs well with coffee.

9. Ginger Lemonade

Make a ginger syrup by simmering 1/4 cup of grated fresh ginger with 1 cup of water and 1/2 cup of sugar for 10 minutes. Strain and cool completely. Combine the juice of 6 lemons (about 1 cup) with 4 cups of cold water and 1/4 cup of the ginger syrup. Adjust sweetness by adding more syrup if needed. Chill thoroughly before serving over ice. Garnish with lemon slices and a small piece of crystallized ginger. The spicy kick from the ginger transforms ordinary lemonade into something excitingly different.

10. Avocado Smoothie

Blend 1 ripe avocado (pitted and peeled) with 1 cup of milk, 2 tablespoons of honey, and a pinch of salt until completely smooth. Add 1 cup of ice cubes and blend again until thick and frosty. The salt enhances the natural flavor of the avocado without making the drink taste salty. Serve immediately in a chilled glass. Popular in many Asian and Latin American countries, this creamy, nutritious smoothie has a subtle flavor that’s surprisingly addictive. The healthy fats from the avocado make it satisfying enough for a light breakfast.