Summertime is filled with patio sessions and outdoor eating and one of the best ways to stay cool this summer is with a refreshing drink. Keep reading for 4 cooling drink recipes.

During the summer, of course, water should always be your first choice to stay hydrated. You can add in some fresh herbs or fruits to level up the flavor and get those added benefits.

But sometimes you want a little something extra, or you’re looking for the perfect summer beverage to serve at your weekend gathering, here are some delightfully refreshing options to choose from.

Whether you want to add a dash of alcohol into your drink or leave it kid-friendly, these drink options are super refreshing and I hope they inspire you to create some of your own!

Here are my favorite cooling concoctions that you can enjoy for more summer sunshine in your glass with no guilt:

Cheery Cherry Drinks

Ingredients:
• 1 cup organic cherry juice
• ¾ cup organic orange juice
• ¼ cup cold filtered water
• Fresh orange slices
• Alcohol option: 2 ounces of vodka

Directions:
1. Combine all ingredients in a pitcher.
2. Fill glasses with ice and pour the drink mixture in.
3. Garnish with the orange slices.

Passionate Pineapple Punch

Ingredients:
• 1 cup of organic passion fruit juice
• 1 cup organic pineapple juice
• ¼ cup fresh-squeezed lime juice
• ¼ cup of coconut water
• Lime seltzer to taste
• Lime wheels for garnish

Directions:
1. Mix everything except the seltzer together in a pitcher.
2. Fill your glasses with ice and pour the contents of the pitcher in.
3. Top off each glass with the seltzer.
4. Add a lime wheel garnish.

Watermelon Wave

Ingredients:
• 4 cups of watermelon chunks
• 6 to 8 large basil leaves
• Pinch of sea salt
• ¼ teaspoon white wine vinegar
• 1 quart chilled water

Directions:
1. Puree the watermelon in your food processor or blender.
2. Season with salt and vinegar, then strain into a pitcher.
3. Add the chilled water.
4. Add the basil leaves and stir in.

Citrus Sangria

And finally, we’ll end with one just for the adults. Sangria is a true summer delight, especially this citrusy version!

Ingredients:
• 1 bottle (750 mL) chilled medium-dry red wine (like a Malbec or Rioja)
• 2 cups chilled lime seltzer
• 1 cup fresh orange juice
• 2 limes, sliced
• 2 lemons, sliced
• 2 oranges, sliced

Directions:
The hardest part about this drink recipe is waiting!
You combine everything into one large pitcher, cover it and chill it until it’s time to serve.

Don't forget to consume a glass of water regularly throughout the day to avoid dehydration in the summer heat and eating a lot of water-filled foods can help, too, such as watermelon, cucumbers, celery, etc.

I hope you are inspired to make your own versions of these cooling summer drinks recipes. Please let me know in the comments below what your favourite summer drinks are.

AND if you would love some more healthy and easy to make recipes, head over to my Nutrition Resource Library: