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Photo: Photographer: Ryan Liebe, Food Stylist: Judy Kim; Prop Stylist: Paige Hicks
Sip on one of these cold summer drinks to quench your thirst on a hot day. Whether you’re sitting inside to escape the sun or embracing the heat next to the water, we’ve got just what you need in this roundup. From cocktails like classic margaritas, spritzers and martinis, to seasonal juices, fun slushies and mocktails, you’ll be enjoying your favorite summer flavors like cucumber, cherry and more in these refreshing recipes. Chill out with a helping of our Whipped Frozen Lemonade and Watermelon & Peach Rosé Sangarita. Or, impress your guests (and yourself) with our stunning Strawberry-Rhubarb Shrub Cocktail. You’ll want to make these drinks every time you think of summer.
01of 42Whipped Frozen LemonadeCasey BarberWhipped frozen lemonade combines the creaminess of a milkshake with the thirst-quenching tanginess of freshly squeezed lemonade for an incredibly refreshing treat. And this simple frozen lemonade treat comes together with just four ingredients and a blender. You can use light coconut milk or refrigerated coconut milk in place of full-fat coconut milk, though the end result won’t be as rich and creamy.View Recipe
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Whipped Frozen Lemonade
Casey Barber
Whipped frozen lemonade combines the creaminess of a milkshake with the thirst-quenching tanginess of freshly squeezed lemonade for an incredibly refreshing treat. And this simple frozen lemonade treat comes together with just four ingredients and a blender. You can use light coconut milk or refrigerated coconut milk in place of full-fat coconut milk, though the end result won’t be as rich and creamy.
View Recipe
02of 42Classic NegroniThis brilliant red bittersweet cocktail was first created in Italy about a hundred years ago and remains a widely popular aperitif. Made with staple home bar bottles, the Negroni is a great cocktail to brighten up your happy hour. Don’t have gin? Substitute bourbon or rye whiskey to make a classic boulevardier!View Recipe
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Classic Negroni
This brilliant red bittersweet cocktail was first created in Italy about a hundred years ago and remains a widely popular aperitif. Made with staple home bar bottles, the Negroni is a great cocktail to brighten up your happy hour. Don’t have gin? Substitute bourbon or rye whiskey to make a classic boulevardier!
03of 42Cucumber-Mint SpritzerCucumbers and mint pair delightfully in this refreshing spritzer that’s perfect for a summer afternoon on the porch.View Recipe
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Cucumber-Mint Spritzer
Cucumbers and mint pair delightfully in this refreshing spritzer that’s perfect for a summer afternoon on the porch.
04of 42Blueberry Tom CollinsThe classic Tom Collins cocktail just got a bit of an upgrade! With a touch of sweet honey and lots fresh blueberries, this drink will have yours guests asking, “Tom who?“View Recipe
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Blueberry Tom Collins
The classic Tom Collins cocktail just got a bit of an upgrade! With a touch of sweet honey and lots fresh blueberries, this drink will have yours guests asking, “Tom who?”
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Strawberry-Rhubarb Shrub Cocktail
Amy Traynor
06of 42Strawberry-Hibiscus Agua FrescaCarson DowningThis refreshing drink combines strawberries and water with lime juice for a balance of sweet and tart notes. Hibiscus powder adds vibrant color to this sweetened fruit-infused water popular throughout Mexico and South America. We skip straining the pureed fruit for a thicker drink, but you can opt to strain it if you prefer. To make an alcoholic agua fresca, try stirring 1 1/2 ounces of vodka or tequila into each serving.View Recipe
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Strawberry-Hibiscus Agua Fresca
Carson Downing
This refreshing drink combines strawberries and water with lime juice for a balance of sweet and tart notes. Hibiscus powder adds vibrant color to this sweetened fruit-infused water popular throughout Mexico and South America. We skip straining the pureed fruit for a thicker drink, but you can opt to strain it if you prefer. To make an alcoholic agua fresca, try stirring 1 1/2 ounces of vodka or tequila into each serving.
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Ginger-Beet Juice
Photographer: Fred Hardy II, Food Stylist: Margaret Monroe Dickey, Prop Stylist: Phoebe Hauser
08of 42Watermelon-&-Peach Rosé SangaritaRyan LiebeCan’t choose between sangria and a margarita? This big-batch cocktail is for you! We like the summertime combo of peaches and watermelon, but any ripe fruit that catches your eye will be delicious.View Recipe
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Watermelon-&-Peach Rosé Sangarita
Ryan Liebe
Can’t choose between sangria and a margarita? This big-batch cocktail is for you! We like the summertime combo of peaches and watermelon, but any ripe fruit that catches your eye will be delicious.
09of 42Whipped Frozen Cantaloupe CreamsicleGot a lot of leftover cantaloupe? Don’t worry about wasting it–just throw it in the freezer and you’ll be ready for cool cantaloupe creamsicles whenever you get the craving. Frozen cantaloupe cubes make this blended treat refreshingly juicy, and when blended with milk or a nondairy alternative, you get a summery treat that’s just sweet enough.View Recipe
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Whipped Frozen Cantaloupe Creamsicle
Got a lot of leftover cantaloupe? Don’t worry about wasting it–just throw it in the freezer and you’ll be ready for cool cantaloupe creamsicles whenever you get the craving. Frozen cantaloupe cubes make this blended treat refreshingly juicy, and when blended with milk or a nondairy alternative, you get a summery treat that’s just sweet enough.
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Cantaloupe-Tarragon Agua Fresca
11of 42Whipped Frozen Cherry LimeadeHow can you possibly make whipped frozen limeade even more refreshing? Add tart cherry juice to the mix! This homemade slushie tastes like summer in a glass. Add a splash of half-and-half or your favorite nondairy creamer to give it a soft serve-style spin, or leave it plain to evoke an old-time cherry-lime rickey. And while bottled tart cherry juice is perfect for this drink, if you have fresh cherry juice from picking your own fruit, feel free to use it here! Either way, this homemade refresher will make your summer even sunnier.View Recipe
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Whipped Frozen Cherry Limeade
How can you possibly make whipped frozen limeade even more refreshing? Add tart cherry juice to the mix! This homemade slushie tastes like summer in a glass. Add a splash of half-and-half or your favorite nondairy creamer to give it a soft serve-style spin, or leave it plain to evoke an old-time cherry-lime rickey. And while bottled tart cherry juice is perfect for this drink, if you have fresh cherry juice from picking your own fruit, feel free to use it here! Either way, this homemade refresher will make your summer even sunnier.
12of 42Beet MargaritasDrink your vegetables at happy hour with these beet margaritas, also known as “margabeetas.” These cocktails get their gorgeous pink hue naturally from inherently sweet beet juice. You can buy the juice in the produce section of most grocery stores, or juice your own at home.View Recipe
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Beet Margaritas
Drink your vegetables at happy hour with these beet margaritas, also known as “margabeetas.” These cocktails get their gorgeous pink hue naturally from inherently sweet beet juice. You can buy the juice in the produce section of most grocery stores, or juice your own at home.
13of 42Whipped Frozen Pink LemonadeFeeling in the pink? It’s berry easy to bring a blush to your cheeks when you whip up this creamy frozen pink lemonade made with frozen strawberries. It’s the perfect balance of tangy and sweet–a better-for-you indulgence that you can whip up quickly with homemade lemon simple syrup. Use your favorite neutral-flavored nondairy milk in this vegan treat, though almond milk and other nut milks will add a stronger nutty flavor than coconut milk or oat milk.View Recipe
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Whipped Frozen Pink Lemonade
Feeling in the pink? It’s berry easy to bring a blush to your cheeks when you whip up this creamy frozen pink lemonade made with frozen strawberries. It’s the perfect balance of tangy and sweet–a better-for-you indulgence that you can whip up quickly with homemade lemon simple syrup. Use your favorite neutral-flavored nondairy milk in this vegan treat, though almond milk and other nut milks will add a stronger nutty flavor than coconut milk or oat milk.
14of 42Layered Strawberry-Mango MargaritasSwirl layers of red strawberry margarita with yellow mango margarita in this skinny frozen cocktail for a festive party drink that will wow your guests. It tastes just as good as a restaurant frozen margarita, without all the sugar!View Recipe
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Layered Strawberry-Mango Margaritas
Swirl layers of red strawberry margarita with yellow mango margarita in this skinny frozen cocktail for a festive party drink that will wow your guests. It tastes just as good as a restaurant frozen margarita, without all the sugar!
15of 42Tarragon Raspberry Shrub SpritzerHere, tangy raspberries and tarragon transform into a shrub–a sweet vinegar-based syrup that’s been around since Colonial times. Mix into sparkling water for a refreshing sip. You’ll make enough shrub to mix up 20 drinks.View Recipe
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Tarragon Raspberry Shrub Spritzer
Here, tangy raspberries and tarragon transform into a shrub–a sweet vinegar-based syrup that’s been around since Colonial times. Mix into sparkling water for a refreshing sip. You’ll make enough shrub to mix up 20 drinks.
16of 42Watermelon JuiceClean and simple, it just takes a blender to whip up this DIY watermelon juice. You can enjoy this refreshing drink with no added sugar on its own, or jazz it up with one of our variations (see below).View Recipe
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Watermelon Juice
Clean and simple, it just takes a blender to whip up this DIY watermelon juice. You can enjoy this refreshing drink with no added sugar on its own, or jazz it up with one of our variations (see below).
17of 42Sour Cherry Gin FizzWe’ve added a little red, white and blue to the classic gin fizz to create a summer cocktail that’s perfect for Fourth of July celebrations or any other summer party. Sour cherries contain anthocyanins, antioxidants shown to reduce muscle soreness after workouts, and melatonin, which can help you sleep better. If you can’t find them fresh, use frozen. Skip jarred or canned cherries to avoid added sugar.View Recipe
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Sour Cherry Gin Fizz
We’ve added a little red, white and blue to the classic gin fizz to create a summer cocktail that’s perfect for Fourth of July celebrations or any other summer party. Sour cherries contain anthocyanins, antioxidants shown to reduce muscle soreness after workouts, and melatonin, which can help you sleep better. If you can’t find them fresh, use frozen. Skip jarred or canned cherries to avoid added sugar.
18of 42No-Sugar-Added Frozen Strawberry Piña ColadasPhotographer: Greg DuPree, Food Stylist: Anna Kelly, Prop Stylist: Christina BrockmanThis frozen strawberry piña colada is super fresh and fruity with just the right amount of sweetness for a cocktail. Use a pineapple-flavored rum that uses 100% juice to avoid excess added sugars like we do here. You can use store-bought frozen pineapple, or if you have a perfectly ripe fresh pineapple on your hands, you can cut and freeze it instead (reserve a few fresh spears for garnish). To freeze pineapple, peel off the skin with a sharp knife and slice the fruit into 1-inch chunks. Freeze in a single layer on a small baking sheet or large plate to prevent the pieces from sticking together.View Recipe
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No-Sugar-Added Frozen Strawberry Piña Coladas
Photographer: Greg DuPree, Food Stylist: Anna Kelly, Prop Stylist: Christina Brockman
This frozen strawberry piña colada is super fresh and fruity with just the right amount of sweetness for a cocktail. Use a pineapple-flavored rum that uses 100% juice to avoid excess added sugars like we do here. You can use store-bought frozen pineapple, or if you have a perfectly ripe fresh pineapple on your hands, you can cut and freeze it instead (reserve a few fresh spears for garnish). To freeze pineapple, peel off the skin with a sharp knife and slice the fruit into 1-inch chunks. Freeze in a single layer on a small baking sheet or large plate to prevent the pieces from sticking together.
19of 42Smoky Tajín MargaritaThis easy margarita recipe is like vacation in a glass. A bit of the chile-lime seasoning Tajín on the rim of your glass contrasts with the sweet orange and agave.View Recipe
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Smoky Tajín Margarita
This easy margarita recipe is like vacation in a glass. A bit of the chile-lime seasoning Tajín on the rim of your glass contrasts with the sweet orange and agave.
20of 42Peach SangriaYou’ll want to bring a pitcher of this white sangria to parties and potlucks all summer long. Fresh peaches look gorgeous in these delicious sparkling peach cocktails, but frozen peaches work too (and help keep your drink cool).View Recipe
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Peach Sangria
You’ll want to bring a pitcher of this white sangria to parties and potlucks all summer long. Fresh peaches look gorgeous in these delicious sparkling peach cocktails, but frozen peaches work too (and help keep your drink cool).
21of 42Elderberry Sunset CocktailThis refreshing cocktail calls for elderberry syrup–if you’ve tried trendy St-Germain elderflower liqueur, which is made from the same plant, the flavor of elderberry syrup is somewhat similar but not as floral. Stock up on the syrup for this cocktail and for your health–research shows that it can help you recover from a cold faster. (One brand, Sambucol, is widely available in supermarket supplement sections.)View Recipe
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Elderberry Sunset Cocktail
This refreshing cocktail calls for elderberry syrup–if you’ve tried trendy St-Germain elderflower liqueur, which is made from the same plant, the flavor of elderberry syrup is somewhat similar but not as floral. Stock up on the syrup for this cocktail and for your health–research shows that it can help you recover from a cold faster. (One brand, Sambucol, is widely available in supermarket supplement sections.)
22of 42Moscow Mule MocktailAntonis AchilleosIn this Moscow Mule mocktail, the slightly spicy flavor of ginger is balanced with fresh lime juice for a tart and refreshing drink. If you can’t find ginger syrup in stores, you can easily make your own.View Recipe
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Moscow Mule Mocktail
Antonis Achilleos
In this Moscow Mule mocktail, the slightly spicy flavor of ginger is balanced with fresh lime juice for a tart and refreshing drink. If you can’t find ginger syrup in stores, you can easily make your own.
23of 42Spicy Mango MargaritasJacob FoxThese margaritas get sweetness from mango nectar instead of simple syrup. The nectar adds a refreshingly tropical flavor that pairs nicely with muddled jalapeño and the spicy seasoning along the rim of each glass.View Recipe
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Spicy Mango Margaritas
Jacob Fox
These margaritas get sweetness from mango nectar instead of simple syrup. The nectar adds a refreshingly tropical flavor that pairs nicely with muddled jalapeño and the spicy seasoning along the rim of each glass.
24of 42Whipped Frozen LimeadeThis whipped frozen limeade is a blast from the past–but much better for you! It’s got the nostalgic taste of a lemon-lime slushie, and this time it’s made with real lime juice and fresh, homemade syrup. Just a splash of dairy is enough to evoke the creaminess of vanilla soft serve mixed with the cool and tangy iced slush. Or use coconut milk creamer for a tropical twist.View Recipe
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Whipped Frozen Limeade
This whipped frozen limeade is a blast from the past–but much better for you! It’s got the nostalgic taste of a lemon-lime slushie, and this time it’s made with real lime juice and fresh, homemade syrup. Just a splash of dairy is enough to evoke the creaminess of vanilla soft serve mixed with the cool and tangy iced slush. Or use coconut milk creamer for a tropical twist.
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Watermelon-Basil Agua Fresca
26of 42Gin & Blackberry SpritzJamie Vespa, M.S., R.D.This “berry” fresh spritzer is light and satisfying and really can be enjoyed year-round. It gets its beautiful color from muddled blackberries and its kick from gin (or vodka). Top it off with a little soda water and there you have it! We intentionally kept the added sugar out of this cocktail, but if you want a little sweetness, stir in some honey.View Recipe
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Gin & Blackberry Spritz
Jamie Vespa, M.S., R.D.
This “berry” fresh spritzer is light and satisfying and really can be enjoyed year-round. It gets its beautiful color from muddled blackberries and its kick from gin (or vodka). Top it off with a little soda water and there you have it! We intentionally kept the added sugar out of this cocktail, but if you want a little sweetness, stir in some honey.
27of 42Whipped Blueberry LemonadeRachel MarekThis whipped blueberry lemonade whirls coconut milk, lemon-infused simple syrup and fresh blueberries together into one thirst-quenching beverage perfect for a hot summer day. Keep the extra simple syrup on hand to whip up another batch of lemonade, or combine it with lemon-flavored seltzer and a splash of vodka for a light cocktail. To keep this drink extra cool, serve it over ice cubes.View Recipe
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Whipped Blueberry Lemonade
Rachel Marek
This whipped blueberry lemonade whirls coconut milk, lemon-infused simple syrup and fresh blueberries together into one thirst-quenching beverage perfect for a hot summer day. Keep the extra simple syrup on hand to whip up another batch of lemonade, or combine it with lemon-flavored seltzer and a splash of vodka for a light cocktail. To keep this drink extra cool, serve it over ice cubes.
28of 42Grape-Pineapple Mint FizzThe sweet flavors of grape and pineapple fuse with fresh mint in this quick and tasty summer drink.View Recipe
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Grape-Pineapple Mint Fizz
The sweet flavors of grape and pineapple fuse with fresh mint in this quick and tasty summer drink.
29of 42Fresh Mint Mojito CocktailFresh mint and zesty lime combine to create a flavor base for this classic rum cocktail. We use superfine sugar to ensure it all dissolves for the smoothest refreshing mojito.View Recipe
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Fresh Mint Mojito Cocktail
Fresh mint and zesty lime combine to create a flavor base for this classic rum cocktail. We use superfine sugar to ensure it all dissolves for the smoothest refreshing mojito.
30of 42Color-Changing Lemonade SlushiesKids and adults alike will be wowed watching this delicious slush turn from blue to pink and purple in an instant. The magical concoction is made with natural blue tea and refreshing lemonade for a fun science experiment that’s tasty too. Perfect for your child’s birthday party! (Adults may enjoy spiking their drink with a little vodka or gin.)View Recipe
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Color-Changing Lemonade Slushies
Kids and adults alike will be wowed watching this delicious slush turn from blue to pink and purple in an instant. The magical concoction is made with natural blue tea and refreshing lemonade for a fun science experiment that’s tasty too. Perfect for your child’s birthday party! (Adults may enjoy spiking their drink with a little vodka or gin.)
31of 42Whipped Frozen CreamsicleFor those of you who always loved to run to the curb to buy a little bit of summer on a stick, this drink is right up your alley. The secret to the straight-from-the-ice-cream truck taste of this creamy frozen treat? Double the fruit! A little bit of frozen mango helps thicken the drink naturally in the blender while boosting the juicy flavor of fresh orange juice. Unsweetened vanilla coconut milk brings just a hint of sweetness while keeping this added-sugar-free and vegan. You could also use a sweetened coconut milk if you prefer a little more sweetness. Enjoy this refreshing and nostalgic drink on its own, or add a splash of your favorite vodka or rum for a summer happy hour indulgence. P.S.: Unlike the ice cream version, this one travels well in an insulated cup if you want to take it poolside!View Recipe
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Whipped Frozen Creamsicle
For those of you who always loved to run to the curb to buy a little bit of summer on a stick, this drink is right up your alley. The secret to the straight-from-the-ice-cream truck taste of this creamy frozen treat? Double the fruit! A little bit of frozen mango helps thicken the drink naturally in the blender while boosting the juicy flavor of fresh orange juice. Unsweetened vanilla coconut milk brings just a hint of sweetness while keeping this added-sugar-free and vegan. You could also use a sweetened coconut milk if you prefer a little more sweetness. Enjoy this refreshing and nostalgic drink on its own, or add a splash of your favorite vodka or rum for a summer happy hour indulgence. P.S.: Unlike the ice cream version, this one travels well in an insulated cup if you want to take it poolside!
32of 42Strawberry-Coconut DaiquiriYou’ll feel like you’re on a tropical getaway with this refreshing strawberry-coconut cocktail. To keep it cool in warmer weather, freeze fresh berries for 30 minutes before blending. Variation: For a nonalcoholic version, omit the rum and add 1/2 cup additional strawberries.View Recipe
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Strawberry-Coconut Daiquiri
You’ll feel like you’re on a tropical getaway with this refreshing strawberry-coconut cocktail. To keep it cool in warmer weather, freeze fresh berries for 30 minutes before blending. Variation: For a nonalcoholic version, omit the rum and add 1/2 cup additional strawberries.
33of 42Frozen Peach MargaritasEnjoy sweet peach flavor anytime of year with this skinny frozen margarita. It tastes just like a restaurant version, but with less sugar, for an easy cocktail you will actually want to make at home.View Recipe
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Frozen Peach Margaritas
Enjoy sweet peach flavor anytime of year with this skinny frozen margarita. It tastes just like a restaurant version, but with less sugar, for an easy cocktail you will actually want to make at home.
34of 42Blackberry MargaritaFred HardyThis vibrant blackberry margarita is filled with fresh berry flavor. Pureeing the fresh blackberries with a little jam gives the drink additional sweetness without having to make a simple syrup. Diluting with the lime-flavored sparkling water adds a nice effervescence.View Recipe
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Blackberry Margarita
Fred Hardy
This vibrant blackberry margarita is filled with fresh berry flavor. Pureeing the fresh blackberries with a little jam gives the drink additional sweetness without having to make a simple syrup. Diluting with the lime-flavored sparkling water adds a nice effervescence.
35of 42Honeydew Melon Agua Fresca (Agua de Melon Verde)We’ve knocked back the sugar quite a bit in this healthier Mexican agua fresca recipe. This refreshing drink is often a way that Mexicans use up their leftover fruit, so feel free to use this technique with whatever fruit you have, especially other melons and tropical fruits like pineapple and mango.View Recipe
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Honeydew Melon Agua Fresca (Agua de Melon Verde)
We’ve knocked back the sugar quite a bit in this healthier Mexican agua fresca recipe. This refreshing drink is often a way that Mexicans use up their leftover fruit, so feel free to use this technique with whatever fruit you have, especially other melons and tropical fruits like pineapple and mango.
36of 42Red SangriaThis fruity red sangria is just like what you would get in a restaurant. It’s easy to make with just five ingredients. A big batch is perfect for parties–or any night on the patio.View Recipe
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Red Sangria
This fruity red sangria is just like what you would get in a restaurant. It’s easy to make with just five ingredients. A big batch is perfect for parties–or any night on the patio.
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Frozen Tiramisu Espresso Martini
These frozen espresso martinis draw inspiration from tiramisu, a popular Italian dessert. Here, coffee and espresso are used to create the frozen drink while mascarpone combines with cream to create a light, fluffy topping. Whip the cream until it’s just thickened, but doesn’t form soft peaks, or the mixture will be too firm to drink. Finish the drinks with a dusting of cocoa powder to mimic the iconic look of the dessert.
38of 42Cucumber JuiceVictor ProtasioThis beautiful bright green cucumber juice is packed with fresh cucumber flavor. Coconut water and apple add natural sweetness to this refreshing drink.View Recipe
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Cucumber Juice
Victor Protasio
This beautiful bright green cucumber juice is packed with fresh cucumber flavor. Coconut water and apple add natural sweetness to this refreshing drink.
39of 42Frozen Watermelon MargaritaJen CauseyThis frozen watermelon margarita is refreshingly balanced with sweet watermelon and tart lime juice. Seasoning around the rim offers a little heat. Feel free to swap out the watermelon for cantaloupe or honeydew for a different take.View Recipe
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Frozen Watermelon Margarita
Jen Causey
This frozen watermelon margarita is refreshingly balanced with sweet watermelon and tart lime juice. Seasoning around the rim offers a little heat. Feel free to swap out the watermelon for cantaloupe or honeydew for a different take.
40of 42The Best Pomegranate Martini You’ll Ever HavePhotographer: Fred Hardy, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Stylist: Shell RoysterThis fruity, tart pomegranate martini is light and bright with a subtle hint of citrus from orange blossom water—an ingredient with Middle Eastern roots that gets its floral, citrus scent from the essence of bitter orange petals. You can substitute the orange blossom water with 2 teaspoons of grated orange zest if you prefer.View Recipe
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The Best Pomegranate Martini You’ll Ever Have
Photographer: Fred Hardy, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Stylist: Shell Royster
This fruity, tart pomegranate martini is light and bright with a subtle hint of citrus from orange blossom water—an ingredient with Middle Eastern roots that gets its floral, citrus scent from the essence of bitter orange petals. You can substitute the orange blossom water with 2 teaspoons of grated orange zest if you prefer.
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Hurricane Cocktail
Jennifer Causey
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Piña Colada in a Pineapple
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