One of the hardest things I’ve ever done was give up soda, specifically Diet Coke. I haven’t touched it in over thirteen years, and to be honest, I don’t miss it anymore. But I’ll admit, finding a healthy alternative that still feels like a treat took time.
If you’ve ever struggled with replacing soda or just want some new ways to stay cool in the summer heat, this post is for you.
Today, the Roundtable gals and I are sharing some of our favorite refreshing summer drinks. They’re recipes that are easy, nourishing, and downright delicious.
So grab a glass and some ice, and let’s dive in!
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Why Homemade Drinks Beat Store-Bought Soda
The truth is, most sodas and bottled beverages are full of sugar, artificial sweeteners, and dyes. They might satisfy for a moment, but they leave your body depleted instead of refreshed.
By making drinks at home, you not only save money, but you also get to control what goes in. You can add real fruit, herbs from the garden, and natural sweeteners, all while skipping the corn syrup and artificial junk.
Easy & Refreshing Summer Drink Ideas
1. Sparkling Mineral Water with Lemon & Minerals
One of the simplest swaps for soda is a homemade sparkling water. If you have a SodaStream, you can carbonate your own water and add:
- A squeeze of fresh lemon
- A drop of mineral concentrate or a pinch of sea salt (for natural electrolytes)
This is crisp, hydrating, and satisfies that need for fizz without the sugar crash.
All of us are fans of Redmond Relyte on hot days to help replenish the minerals in our bodies. (Use coupon code “Pioneering” for 15% off your order!)
2. Homemade Arnold Palmer (or Salty Palmer!)
The classic Arnold Palmer is half iced tea, half lemonade. You can use herbal iced teas like raspberry or blueberry blends for a fun twist.
Add fresh-squeezed lemonade and you’ve got a tangy, sweet refresher.
For an electrolyte boost, stir in a pinch of good mineral salt, turning it into what some call a “Salty Palmer.” You could even salt the rim if that appeals to you!
Pro Tip: Another great hack is to use half iced tea and half lemon water kefir! You’ll get that probiotic punch along with the delicious flavor. Grab a water kefir starter culture here.
3. Herbal Iced Teas & Syrups
Loose-leaf teas are a wonderful base for summer drinks. Brew a quart of tea, then chill it in the fridge for easy grab-and-go refreshment. And be sure to check out this Mason jar cold-brew kit from Azure Standard (works great for both cold brew and tea)!
Favorites include:
- Barn Raising Berry Tea (From Farmhouse Teas) – Fruity and bright, great with a little stevia!
- Raspberry or Blueberry Iced Tea – Pairs beautifully with lemonade.
- Soda Pop Syrups – I love the Root Beer or Kola soda pop mixes from Farmhouse Teas. Mix with carbonated water for a delicious and healthy homemade version.
Don’t forget about kombucha! It’s probiotic and can be flavored in so many different ways! Grab your kombucha starter kit here.
4. Mocktails with Seasonal Fruit
Eating seasonally doesn’t just apply to food, you can drink seasonally, too! Some favorite combinations:
- Rhubarb Lemonade – Simmer rhubarb into a syrup (heat equal parts water, sugar and diced rhubarb on a stove and simmer for 10 minutes). Mix the syrup with lemon juice and water or sparkling water.
- Watermelon Basil Spritzer – Puree watermelon, muddle fresh basil, and blend with mineral water and a touch of honey or syrup.
- Raspberry Mint Cooler – Blend raspberries with ice, fresh mint, and a splash of water. I also have a great recipe for a homemade fresh raspberry juice recipe on the blog!
5. Coffee & Cream Over Ice
For my fellow coffee lovers, sometimes simple is best.
Pull two shots of espresso, pour them over ice, and top with cream. Somehow, when coffee is iced, I don’t even need extra sweetener. Just the creamy richness is enough.
6. Smoothies & Protein Shakes
Smoothies are the ultimate flexible summer drink. Try freezing your summer berries to use all year long.
A few ideas:
- Blueberry Lime Smoothie – Blueberries pair beautifully with a squeeze of lime.
- Banana Peanut Butter Protein Shake – Blend banana, peanut butter, milk, cocoa powder, and a natural sweetener for a satisfying treat.
7. Simple Fruit-Infused Waters
Sometimes the easiest drinks are the best. Toss any of these into your water:
- Sliced cucumbers & basil
- Fresh mint leaves
- Blackberries or blueberries (lightly muddled)
Not only do they taste wonderful, but you’ll also be hydrating with the benefits of fresh fruit and herbs.
Fun Extras
- Herbed Ice Cubes – Freeze chopped mint, basil, or lemon balm into ice cubes. Drop into any drink for a burst of flavor.
- Coconut Gel Treats – Mix coconut water, chopped coconut meat, and beef gelatin to make a naturally sweet, jelly-like treat that doubles as a cooling snack.
- Chia Seed Pudding – Stir chia seeds into raw milk or coconut milk with cocoa powder and maple syrup. After a few hours in the fridge, you’ll have a creamy, fiber-rich treat.
Final Thoughts
Refreshing summer drinks don’t have to mean soda or store-bought mixes. With a few simple ingredients (many of which you might already have in your garden), you can create drinks that hydrate, nourish, and feel like a treat all at the same time.
Whether it’s a fizzy lemon spritzer, a fruit mocktail, or a creamy iced coffee, these recipes are proof that giving up soda doesn’t mean giving up flavor.
In fact, it opens the door to even more delicious, old-fashioned, and wholesome ways to enjoy the season.
So tell me, what’s your favorite summer drink?
