9 Ice Cold Drinks to Cool You Down on a Hot Summer Day

Creamy Watermelon Smoothie
Credit: Victor Protasio

You can count on these healthy, refreshing beverages to help you chill out when the heat goes haywire. These alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks use summer produce like cantaloupe, watermelon and strawberries to bring fruity freshness to a hot day. Recipes like our Sparkling Strawberry-Ginger Lemonade and Frozen Peach Bee's Knees Cocktail are delicious, cold refreshments that are sure to hit the spot.

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01 of 09

Whipped Frozen Lemonade

two glasses of 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. Leftover simple syrup will keep for up to 1 week in the refrigerator.

02 of 09

Creamy Watermelon Smoothie

Creamy Watermelon Smoothie
Victor Protasio

This creamy vegan watermelon smoothie has a subtle coconut flavor thanks to coconut-milk yogurt. Strawberries add color and banana adds a smooth texture while letting the watermelon flavor shine through.

03 of 09

Frozen Peach Bee's Knees Cocktail

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The Bee's Knees is a popular classic cocktail made with a blend of gin, lemon and honey. This fruity frozen version is blended with frozen peaches and plenty of ice for a crisp and refreshingly light summer cocktail.

04 of 09

Sparkling Strawberry-Ginger Lemonade

Red Drink for Juneteenth (sparkling strawberry ginger lemonade)
Cooks With Soul

This sparkling lemonade is inspired by red drink, a red strawberry soda that is traditionally served for Juneteenth. Read more about red drink in the essay "For Many in Texas and Beyond, It's Just Not Juneteenth Without Red Drink."

05 of 09

Ginger-Thyme Sparkling Lemonade

Ginger-Thyme Sparkling Lemonade
Eva Kolenko

Leave the jug at home—this homemade lemonade concentrate is easier to tote, plus gives you the option to make drinks to order at your picnic. Bring sparkling and still water along with gin and vodka for a bar in your basket.

06 of 09

Whipped Frozen Creamsicle

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!

07 of 09

Basil Lemonade

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Basil and lemon pair beautifully in this refreshing summer sipper, sweetened with a touch of honey. Make ahead and allow the mixture to infuse for 30 minutes to 1 hour before straining for a stronger basil flavor.

08 of 09

Layered Strawberry-Mango Margaritas

How to Make Layered Strawberry-Mango Frozen 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!

09 of 09

Cucumber-Mint Spritzer

cucumber mint spritzer

Cucumbers and mint pair delightfully in this refreshing spritzer that's perfect for a summer afternoon on the porch.

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