As the scorching heat of summer envelopes us, there’s nothing quite as satisfying as indulging in refreshing cold drinks to beat the sweltering temperatures.
Whether you’re lounging by the pool, hosting a backyard barbecue, or simply seeking respite from the relentless sun, a chilled beverage can be the perfect companion to keep you cool and hydrated.
Here are three of my favorite delightful and invigorating cold drinks that are sure to quench your thirst. They’re fruity, frothy and fun! So grab your favorite glass or travel tumbler, and prepare to embark on a journey of sipping satisfaction!
Cynthia’s Heavenly Tea
My mom never made iced tea. We drank milk at every meal, and occasionally were allowed the indulgence of an generic-style soda. Very occasionally.
My mother-in-law, however, made iced tea every day, for lunch and dinner. And if she served a soda, it was a real Coca-Cola in a glass bottle, slightly icy from a few minutes spent in the freezer.
While I don’t follow the exact pattern of either of our moms, I do enjoy surprising my hubby with a pitcher of iced tea. Especially during the summer.
It makes me feel accomplished, and it makes him feel extra-loved when I do it.
When I read about Cynthia’s tea recipe in Book 5 from my all-time favorite book series, I knew I had to up my tea game and prepare a cold pitcher of this delightful blend to celebrate the first day of summer.
In the story, Cynthia (the wife of a small-town Episcopal priest) works to come up with the perfect tea recipe when she commits to hosting an event for the ladies of the church.
When she lands on the final concoction, Cynthia raves to her husband, Father Tim.
Did the tea recipe meet his approval?
Absolutely!
“Two thumbs up!” he said.
My hubby agrees. It’s very, very good.
The Perfect Strawberry Smoothie
Another drink that is sure to cool you off over the hot days of a Texas summer is my Perfect Strawberry Smoothie. It’s healthy, smooth, and so refreshingly cold.
This recipe is easy, satisfying and extra-delicious, no matter where you plop down (or strap in) to enjoy it.
Frothy Orange Drink
I started making this drink for breakfast when my kids were in school, but it soon became a favorite cold drink for hot summer afternoons after they had been playing outside.
There’s something incredibly rereshing about the combination of citrus, almond and icy froth that places this drink in a category all its own.
I hope you’re feeling inspired to try these tantalizing concoctions. With each sip, these beverages offer a delightful respite from the sweltering Texas heat.
Whether you choose a tangy burst of citrus, the luscious sweetness of strawberries, or the revitalization of iced tea, these cold drinks are sure to cool you off during scorching summer days.
So, grab your blender, stock up on your favorite fruits and flavorings, and let your creativity flow.
Feel free to experiment with different combinations to customize these recipes to your liking. The possibilities are endless. And the result will always be a thirst-quenching mood-lifter that will make your summer days even more enjoyable.
Cheers to staying cool, hydrated, and fully immersed in the delights of summer, my friend!
Let’s beat the heat, one sip at a time, and make this summer a season to remember.
Encouraging a lifetime of intentional adventure, especially through the hot days of a Texas summer,
PS: I adapted Cynthia’s Heavenly Tea recipe to our taste by using a bit more mint, a little more apricot nectar and an extra teaspoon of almond extract. But you can read the original version and all the other recipes mentioned in my favorite book series in Jan Karon’s Mitford Cookbook and Kitchen Reader.
Here are a few other posts you might enjoy:
Texas Berry Farms: 7 Places to Pick Your Own
