I keep hearing praises and hallelujahs about how Fall is right around the corner and I’ve even seen pumpkins and Halloween decor at our local stores, but come on, it’s still hot as I don’t know what when you step outside and the AC is cranked up way too high for all that. Don’t get me wrong, I ADORE Fall but can you seriously imagine putting a pumpkin outside your door right now or a Halloween costume on your body? I can’t. That sounds like rotten pumpkins and lots of sweat. So in the meantime, I’ve got a fabulous way to help you enjoy these pool days that aren’t going away anytime soon and to help you beat this not so desirable heat. If you’re one of those lucky ones who actually lives somewhere where Fall weather is truly around the corner, fear not, these drink recipes I’ll be sharing with you know no season … and I’m a little jealous of you.
A group of ladies and I got together a while back and raided our gardens to come up with some creative and refreshing drink recipes and they’ve agreed to let me share them with you! I’ve tried several of these and they’re not only super fun to make but so darn good (and most of them have adult adaptations if you catch my drift). And no worries if you’re not a gardener or if your garden is half dead like mine, you can find all these ingredients at your local grocer. See below for some deliciously fun cocktail recipes, from lemonade to margaritas!
First up –
Raspberry Cucumber Mint Lemonade – props to Julia @juliaterpstra
Puree in blender:
12 raspberries
1/2 cucumber
2 sprigs mint
4 Tbsp lime juice
____________________________
Fill glass with ice
Add 2 tbsp puree and top off with lemonade
Garnish with fresh raspberries, sliced cucumbers and fresh mint
Adaptations – sub blackberry-cucumber LaCroix for lemonade. Add 1.5 oz vodka for some fun!
____________________________________________________________________________________________
Blueberry Coconut Splash – props to Cindy @princetonparklife
Ingredients:
3 cups blueberries
3 tbsp lemon juice
1/2 cup coconut water (or rum)
2 1/2 cups ginger ale
Ice
Garnishment
___________________________________
Muddle blueberries and strain using a fine mesh strainer
Add lemon juice and coconut water (or rum)
Add ginger ale and stir
Garnish glass, fill with ice, pour in blueberry coconut splash and enjoy!
____________________________________________________________________________________________
Fresh Lavender Lemonade – props to Kate @kateaiellodesign
Ingredients:
6 or 8 lemons
2 big handfuls of fresh lavender
2-3 sprigs of fresh stevia (or replace with sugar)
Vodka, if you like 🙂
______________________________________________________
Place lavender and stevia into pot of approx 3 qts water and bring just to boil
Turn off and allow to cool
Tea mixture can be jarred and kept in fridge for several days
Place ice in a pretty glass
Almost fill with lavender tea
Squeeze in 1 whole lemon per glass, more to taste
Throw in a splash of vodka, if you like 🙂
Garnish with lavender
Enjoy!
____________________________________________________________________________________________
Blackberry Peach Tea – props to Zamira @zamirat79
Ingredients:
3 ripe peaches
2 cups blackberries
2 cups sugar
1 gallon + 2 cups water
10 unsweetened black tea bags
_______________________________________
Put cut fruit in a pot with sugar and 3 cups water
Simmer for 10 minutes, mash and simmer for 10 more minutes
Let cool and add to blender
Mix and put through sieve and you’re left with a fruity syrup
Make tea to your preference
Either add syrup to entire pitcher or add to each individual glass
Pour over ice and garnish with fruit or mint!
____________________________________________________________________________________________
Orange Dreamsicle Smoothie – props to Terrie @decorateandmorewithtip
Ingredients:
1 large peeled orange, cut in chunks
1 peeled banana – cut in chunks
1/4 cup almond milk
1/4 tsp vanilla
1 cup of ice
______________________________________
Place all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth!
____________________________________________________________________________________________
Infused Ice Cubes – props to Chantal @peace_garden_life
Add your favorite berries & herbs (like mint)
Sliced cucumbers and limes are perfect too
______________________________________________
Combine in ice cube trays, cover with water and freeze
Add to your favorite summer drink and enjoy!
____________________________________________________________________________________________
Spicy Cucumber Mint Margarita – props to me @myhouseof_love
Ingredients:
1/4 medium cucumber, chopped
3 mint leaves
Juice of 1 1/2 limes
Splash of OJ
1 shot Cointreau
2 shots Tequila Blanco (it’s strong!)
Few jalapeno slices (w/ or w/o seeds)
_________________________________________
Add cucumber, mint, lime juice, OJ & Cointreau to shaker and shake vigorously
Add tequila and shake again
Use strainer and pour contents into margarita glass filled with ice (rim w/ salt first if desired)
Add jalapenos
Enjoy!
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
So how’s that for some heat-beating refreshers inspired from the garden? Hope you enjoy and I’d love to hear from you if you end up making any of these! Also be sure to check out all these lovely ladies on Instagram … they’re sweet as can be and super inspirational. Happy days ahead!!!
Like this:
Like Loading...
L Claire Designs 
They all look amazing!
Thanks so much Jane! I can only take credit for one but don’t they sound so good?!?
You did such an awesome job on this!!! Loved doing the garden party with you… CHEERS!!!
Thank you so much sweet friend! It was so much fun!! 😘