It's mocktail season/Photo credit: Unsplash
When it comes to summer, people always wonder what delicious food they could have to satisfy their hunger.
Simple answers could include barbecue, seafood, or other traditional foods, depending on their location. Food is simple; however, when it comes to drinks, things can be very complicated.
On a hot summer day, a cold drink is highly desirable, whether it’s sweet lemonade or something a little spicier.
When it comes to drinking, the main thing people think of is booze, tequila, vodka, and other alcoholic drinks. However, what if certain drinks were non-alcoholic? Here are 14 options for the best non-alcoholic beverages for the summer.
14. Spicy Chile Lemonade
Starting our list, we have lemonade—not just any lemonade, but spicy chile lemonade. This drink consists of regular lemonade with a sprinkle of red chilies and sugar to create a sweet and spicy mix. It has a blend of sweetness and a little bit of kick.
13. Spicy Strawberry Lemonade
We have spicy strawberry lemonade to continue with our sweet and spicy blends of drinks. This drink has fat-soluble capsaicin, an oil from macerated lemon zest. This release of the spice and the natural fruits creates a nice blended beverage.
12. Thai Iced Tea
In our 12th spot, we have Thai iced tea, consisting of evaporated and condensed milk, making it a luxury mixed drink.
11. Frappe (Foamy Iced Coffee)
If you need a morning pick-me-up, foamy iced coffee is the perfect drink. This drink is made with instant coffee and water, with sugar and milk as an option. Add all these ingredients together and shake them in a cocktail shaker to create a cool mix.
10. Cardamom Lemonade
In our tenth spot, we have another version of lemonade. This perfect refreshment is infused with cardamom, a spice from the Plant family. This floral drink is refreshing and easy to make.
9. Strawberry Lemonade
Since we already have a version of strawberry lemonade on our list, it’s only fair that we add a regular version. However, it’s not just any strawberry lemonade; it’s a drink with more flavor. For this drink, macerate your fruit and lemon zest. This draws out the strawberry juices and natural oils, perfect for a hot summer day.
8. Blackberry, Grapefruit, and Sage-Infused Water
Made by Senior culinary editor Leah Collins, this fruit-infused water is perfect for hydration and has a sweet flavor. Its pink hue also makes it visually pleasing.
7. Melon (Filipino Cantaloupe)
This traditional Filipino frozen drink is made from shredded rice, cantaloupe, water, and sugar. It is perfect for tropical weather.
6. Jamaican Sorrel (Hibiscus) Drink
What is Sorrel? Sorrel is a staple for Jamaican Christmas celebrations. However, it doesn’t mean it’s not welcome during the hotter months. At the right temperature, it hydrates the sorrel and enhances the tartness.
5. The Best Arnold Palmer
If you like the taste of cold-brewed black tea, then this drink is for you. This zero-proof beverage has the same tangy notes as black tea, but lemon juice gives it a spicy profile.
4. Mango Lassi
This will be perfect if you like yogurt or restaurant-style drinks. This restaurant-style homemade Lassi is quick and easy. Add some yogurt, a mango whisk, and a touch of nutty palm sugar, syrup, and lime juice to make this bright, sweet dessert.
3. Frothy Iced Matcha
Everyone likes a good iced Matcha, but here’s how to make it a little more special. Place the tea in a sealed container and give it a delicious shake.
2. Ultra-Flavorful Fresh Lemonade
For the lemonade drinkers, here is another nonalcoholic lemonade to add to your list. This version of lemonade only consists of two ingredients: regular lemon and sugar.
1. Dalgona Coffee
Now, to finish off our list, we have this aesthetically pleasing coffee called Dalgona. Dissolve the coffee and sugar with hot water and then shake it until it’s pale. To add extra flavor, all you have to do is add plenty of milk, making it a special coffee that can pass off as a decent dessert.
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