32 Summer Drinks That Keep You Cool When Everything Else Is Melting

When the air feels like soup and the sidewalk could fry an egg, you need backup. Summer drinks are the kind of backup that knows how to cool things down without making a big deal about it. They're easy, fast, and hit the spot without requiring a blender the size of your sink. These are the kinds of sips that turn a sweaty mess into something almost manageable. If your fridge isn’t stocked with at least one pitcher, now’s the time.

A margarita glass filled with a thick, red frozen drink, garnished with a slice of lime on the rim. — Photo credit: Art of Natural Living.

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Avocado Spinach Smoothie

Two glasses of green smoothie with a lemon half and avocado in the background. — Avocado Spinach Smoothie. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This smoothie is creamy without being too heavy, thanks to the avocado. Spinach blends in easily and doesn’t overpower the flavor. It's a good choice when you want something quick that still feels balanced.
Get the Recipe: Avocado Spinach Smoothie

Strawberry Lemonade

Fresh strawberries and lemon juice keep this drink light and bright. It's easy to prep ahead and works well for casual hangouts. If your berries are really sweet, you might not need much added sugar.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Lemonade

Shirley Temple Drink

A glass of red cherry soda with ice cubes and a straw, next to a pink and white checkered napkin on a light surface. — Shirley Temple Drink. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This fizzy drink stays simple with just a few ingredients and no extra steps. It’s fun to serve at birthday parties or just keep on hand for movie nights. You can also make a larger batch without much effort.
Get the Recipe: Shirley Temple Drink

Cold Brew Coffee

Cold brew gives you a smoother cup without needing extra cream or sugar. You can leave it strong or water it down depending on how bold you like it. Since it keeps for days, it’s nice to have ready during busy weeks.
Get the Recipe: Cold Brew Coffee

Starbucks Vanilla Bean Frappuccino

A whipped cream-topped milkshake with a striped straw, accompanied by cinnamon sticks on a wooden surface. — Starbucks Vanilla Bean Frappuccino. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This vanilla bean frappuccino is thick, smooth, and blends up fast. You can control the sweetness or add toppings like whipped cream. It’s a smart pick when you want a cool treat without going out.
Get the Recipe: Starbucks Vanilla Bean Frappuccino

Pineapple Banana Smoothie

This smoothie brings together banana for thickness and pineapple for a burst of flavor. It’s quick to whip up and doesn’t need a lot of extras. Add ice or yogurt based on how creamy you want it.
Get the Recipe: Pineapple Banana Smoothie

Blueberry Vodka Lemonade

A glass of red berry iced tea with lemon slices and blueberries, accompanied by fresh lemons and a container of blueberries on a white countertop. — Blueberry Vodka Lemonade. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This drink brings together fresh lemon and blueberries for something crisp and cool. It’s one of those summer drinks that works well for weekends or quiet evenings outside. Serve it over ice and enjoy slowly.
Get the Recipe: Blueberry Vodka Lemonade

Iced Sweet Blackberry Tea

A red drink in a mason jar with blackberries on top, beside a small bowl of blackberries and a striped cloth on a white surface. — Iced Sweet Blackberry Tea. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Blackberry tea is easy to make in batches and doesn’t need a lot of sugar. It stays flavorful even after chilling, which makes it great for hot days. You can also throw in fresh mint if you want a small change.
Get the Recipe: Iced Sweet Blackberry Tea

Coconut Shake

Two coconut milkshakes topped with whipped cream, served in tall glasses with colorful straws, on a wooden table. — Coconut Shake. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This shake has a smooth texture with a deeper flavor from the toasted coconut. It's rich enough to feel like a treat but still simple to pull together. It works well on its own or after a light dinner.
Get the Recipe: Coconut Shake

Mango Pineapple Smoothie

A clear glass filled with a yellow smoothie with green specks and a straw on a cutting board surrounded by mint leaves. — Mango Pineapple Smoothie. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Mango and pineapple give this smoothie a tropical vibe without needing extra sweeteners. It blends up fast, and it tastes great even after sitting in the fridge. You’ll probably want to double the batch next time.
Get the Recipe: Mango Pineapple Smoothie

Strawberry Spinach Smoothie

A glass of strawberry smoothie garnished with a whole strawberry, surrounded by fresh strawberries and spinach leaves. — Strawberry Spinach Smoothie. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This drink combines fresh fruit with spinach in a way that stays light and smooth. It’s not too thick, which makes it easier to sip on the go. It's also a practical way to use up those last bits of greens.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Spinach Smoothie

Sonic Copycat Cherry Limeade

A glass of bright red beverage with ice, a lime wedge, cherries, and a straw, accompanied by a bowl of cherries and a pitcher in the background. — Sonic Copycat Cherry Limeade. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Cherry and lime come together for a drink that’s both tart and sweet. It's one of those summer drinks you can enjoy at home without a lot of prep. Try adding extra lime slices if you want more kick.
Get the Recipe: Sonic Copycat Cherry Limeade

Starbucks Copycat Iced Americano

A glass of iced coffee with a straw, next to a coffee press and a beige napkin, on a light background. — Starbucks Copycat Iced Americano. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This iced Americano is bold without being bitter and easy to make in minutes. Pour it over ice and add a splash of milk if you prefer. It’s one of the simplest summer drinks you can put together with just two ingredients.
Get the Recipe: Starbucks Copycat Iced Americano

Pink Drink

A close-up view of a glass filled with ice and sliced strawberries, with a pink tinted liquid visible. — Pink Drink. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

The Pink Drink is cool and fruity with just enough cream to round it out. It’s refreshing without being too sweet. Keep it in mind when you want something light but still fun.
Get the Recipe: Pink Drink

Frosé

Two glasses of peach smoothie topped with fresh raspberries, placed on a white surface with extra raspberries and a peach slice nearby. — Frosé. Photo credit: Mae's Menu.

Frosé blends up cold and just sweet enough, with no need for special tools. It fits right in with other summer drinks that are easy to serve to a group. You can prep it fast and enjoy it during the hottest part of the day.
Get the Recipe: Frosé

Frozen Aperol Spritz Cocktail

A glass filled with an orange slushy drink, garnished with an orange slice, set against a plain white background. — Frozen Aperol Spritz Cocktail. Photo credit: Basics With Bails.

Frozen Aperol Spritz balances citrus and bubbles in a cool, blended format. It’s a bright choice for outdoor events when the temperature climbs. You only need a few ingredients and a blender to get started.
Get the Recipe: Frozen Aperol Spritz Cocktail

Frozen Mango and Creamy Coconut Margaritas

Three bowls of yellow dessert topped with lime wedges and pink flower petals are arranged on wooden coasters on a blue surface, with extra lime slices and petals scattered around. — Frozen Mango and Creamy Coconut Margaritas. Photo credit: Little Black Skillet.

These frozen margaritas come together fast, and they don’t skimp on flavor. The mango keeps things sweet, while the coconut adds a creamy finish that feels extra. Honestly, they’re almost too easy to make during happy hour.
Get the Recipe: Frozen Mango and Creamy Coconut Margaritas

Strawberry Watermelon Smoothie

Two glasses of frothy pink watermelon smoothie, each garnished with a watermelon slice, on round wooden coasters beside a green cloth and limes. — Strawberry Watermelon Smoothie. Photo credit: Green Heart Love.

This smoothie hits the sweet spot between fruity and refreshing. It takes just a few ingredients and less than five minutes to throw together. Add a squeeze of lime and it’s instantly more fun.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Watermelon Smoothie

Cherry-Berry Beet Smoothie

A glass of red smoothie with two red-and-white striped straws, next to a bottle of yellow-orange juice on a light surface. — Cherry-Berry Beet Smoothie. Photo credit: Foodess.

You’d think the beets might take over, but the cherries (or berries) totally balance things out. It’s got a bright flavor and a deep color that just looks cool. Plus, the orange juice adds a little tang without being too sharp.
Get the Recipe: Cherry-Berry Beet Smoothie

Green Smoothie

Don’t let the color scare you—it’s actually sweet and super easy to sip. The mango and peach keep it light, and the spinach blends in without getting weird. I grab this for breakfast when I want something quick but still solid.
Get the Recipe: Green Smoothie

Crown Royal Blackberry Sangria

A glass of dark red frozen drink garnished with a slice of peach and a sprig of mint. — Crown Royal Blackberry Sangria. Photo credit: Our Crafty Mom.

This sangria brings a punchy mix of blackberry and a splash of Crown Royal. You can stir up a pitcher in minutes, which is great when people show up hungry and thirsty. It’s fruity, chilled, and perfect for sitting outside.
Get the Recipe: Crown Royal Blackberry Sangria

Banana Ginger Turmeric Smoothie

Two glasses of creamy smoothie topped with mint leaves and seeds sit on a light surface beside a striped cloth and metal straws. — Banana Ginger Turmeric Smoothie. Photo credit: The VGN Way.

This smoothie packs in bananas, ginger, and turmeric for a combo that feels bold and fresh. It’s ready fast and doesn’t need anything fancy. I like it best when I’ve been up too late and need something easy.
Get the Recipe: Banana Ginger Turmeric Smoothie

Bahama Mama Tropical Smoothie

A glass of pink smoothie topped with a strawberry slice, pineapple chunk, and white chocolate chips, placed on a wooden board with scattered fruit pieces. — Bahama Mama Tropical Smoothie. Photo credit: Easy Homemade Life.

You only need four ingredients and a few minutes to pull this off. It tastes fruity and bright, like summer in a glass without getting too sweet. I keep coming back to this one when I don’t feel like cooking breakfast.
Get the Recipe: Bahama Mama Tropical Smoothie

Coconut Cucumber Juice

Two clear glasses filled with a light green beverage, each garnished with a slice of cucumber, placed on a light surface with a gray cloth in the background. — Coconut Cucumber Juice. Photo credit: Luci's Morsels.

Cucumber juice doesn’t sound exciting, but just wait. Mix it with coconut water and suddenly it’s weirdly addictive. It’s also a smart way to use up those cucumbers you forgot about in the fridge.
Get the Recipe: Coconut Cucumber Juice

Vegan Dragon Fruit Smoothie

Two glasses of bright pink smoothie topped with fresh mint leaves, set on a light surface with a blurred background. — Vegan Dragon Fruit Smoothie. Photo credit: The VGN Way.

The color alone makes this one fun, but the taste holds up. Dragon fruit blends up smooth and mild, and it pairs well with just about anything. I usually go for this when I want something cool but not super sweet.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Dragon Fruit Smoothie

Lavender Cocktail

A glass of iced pink drink garnished with a lavender sprig sits on a wooden board with two strawberries and a gray cloth nearby. — Lavender Cocktail. Photo credit: Luci's Morsels.

This cocktail feels fancy without being fussy. The strawberries and herbs make it refreshing enough to sip all evening. It’s a fun switch-up when you want something different from your usual drink.
Get the Recipe: Lavender Cocktail

Sunrise Sunset Smoothie

Two mason jars filled with orange smoothie and topped with blue polka dot straws sit on a countertop with a white tiled background. — Sunrise Sunset Smoothie. Photo credit: Daniel's Plate.

It’s packed with fruit and somehow still feels light. The blend of tropical flavors gives it a bright taste without being too sugary. I reach for it in the afternoon when coffee just isn’t cutting it.
Get the Recipe: Sunrise Sunset Smoothie

Tofu Smoothie with Black Sesame

A glass of thick, dark grey smoothie with cucumber slices pressed against the side, a clear straw, and a blurred glass and cloth in the background. — Tofu Smoothie with Black Sesame. Photo credit: The Sound of Cooking.

I didn’t expect to like this, but the combo of tofu and black sesame totally works. It’s creamy, nutty, and surprisingly filling. This one’s great if you need a snack that doesn’t feel like dessert.
Get the Recipe: Tofu Smoothie with Black Sesame

Vegan Orange Julius

A mason jar filled with orange smoothie, decorated with a unicorn horn and ears, and a face drawn on the glass. Sliced oranges and a whole orange are in the background. — Vegan Orange Julius. Photo credit: Vegan Dollhouse.

This version skips the dairy and eggs but still keeps that same creamy-orange flavor you remember. It blends up in minutes and tastes like something from the mall, just way easier. I always forget how good this one is until I make it again.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Orange Julius

Virgin Strawberry Margarita

You don’t need alcohol for this to taste like a fun drink. It’s bright, fruity, and slightly tart, thanks to the lime. I usually bring out a pitcher of these when kids are around—or when I just want a break.
Get the Recipe: Virgin Strawberry Margarita

Lemon Basil Watermelon Cocktail

Two glasses of a pink iced drink garnished with fresh basil leaves, with a hand holding one glass, on a wooden surface. — Lemon Basil Watermelon Cocktail. Photo credit: Good Grief Cook.

It’s sweet from the watermelon and gets a fresh twist from the basil. You can skip the vodka if that’s not your thing—it still tastes just as refreshing. I like this one best right after dinner when it’s still hot out.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Basil Watermelon Cocktail

Mexican Mangonada

A glass rimmed with chili powder is being filled with mango drink; fresh mangoes and tamarind sticks are on the table in the background. — Mexican Mangonada. Photo credit: Mexican Made Meatless.

This drink mixes mango with chamoy and Tajin for a combo that’s sweet, salty, and a little spicy. It’s easy to blend up and always fun to serve. I never get tired of that tangy-sweet thing it’s got going on.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Mangonada