We’ve been thinking a great deal about what makes summer, summer. One of our favourite things is creating quintessential summer drinks. There’s just something satisfying about creating your own delicious drinks menu to match the weather. So, whilst the sun is shining, grab your family and friends, put on some lively music and create your next refreshing masterpiece!

We’ve collated our quinessentially summery drinks (alcoholic & non-alcoholic) favourites below for you to enjoy!

PIMMS

The real summer favourite. Serve in a pitcher with fresh mint, cucumber, strawberries and orange.

  • 200ml Pimms No.1
  • 600ml Lemonade
  • Fill your jug with ice, fill with the Pimms and Lemonade and throw in as much fruit, cucumber and mint as you like. Give it a hearty stir.

APEROL SPRITZ

The aperol spritz gives Pimms a real run for its money when it comes to who takes the crown as the quintessential summer drink. With low alcohol content and a refreshing sweet taste this is one to include in your summer arsenal.

  • 3 parts prosecco
  • 2 parts Aperol
  • 1 part soda water
  • 1 slice of orange
  • Pour over ice and serve with a slice of orange

BUCKS FIZZ

A much loved staple at summer weddings, constituting of orange juice and champagne – what’s not to love?!

  • 2 parts orange juice
  • 1 part champagne

HOMEMADE LEMONADE

 

A real crowd pleaser and for good reason. Kick back in the park or garden with your very own homemade lemonade – super satisfying and tremendously tasty.

  • 4 unwaxed lemons (to make 1 litre of goodness)
  • 175g of caster sugar
  • As many ice cubes as you’d like
    • Cut each lemon into eight and throw them into the blender. Chuck half the sugar, some ice cubes and 500ml of water in and completely obliterate them.
    • Strain the juice into jug.
    • Put the pulp back into the blender.
    • Add the rest of the sugar to the food processor, another 500ml of water and more ice cubes. Blend.
    • Strain into the jug and discard the left over pulp.
  • Serve with plenty of ice.

DOUBLE APPLE ICED TEA

With fresh apples and quality apple juice, we’re convinced this summer concoction will easily become your favourite in no time.

  • 8 bags of black, green or hibiscus tea
  • 4 cups apple juice
  • 2 crisp braeburn apples
    • Boil four cups worth of tea in a saucepan. Remove from the heat upon boiling and add the tea bags.
    • Let it rest for four minutes – stir intermittently.
    • Remove the tea bags and let it cool fully.
    • Thinly slice the apples and ensure you’ve cut out the core.
    • Add the apples and apple juice to the cooled tea.
    • Serve over ice

ROCK SHANDY

A few variations exist of this refreshing drink. It was pioneered in the old world colonies of Southern and Eastern Africa. Beloved in today’s South Africa it’s a refreshing drink you just have to try.

  • Lemonade
  • Soda water
  • Angostura bitters
  • Ice
    • Fill your glass with lemonade and soda water in equal measure.
    • Fill up with plenty of ice.
  • A few drops ( or more depending on how much alcohol you want) of Angosura bitters.

CUCUMBER GIN & TONIC

Everyone is Gin & Tonic obsessed at the moment – and for good reason. To give it an added layer and a refreshing twist we always add cucumber to the mix. Here’s how to do it properly:

  • 25-30ml of Gin (to serve 1)
  • Ice cold tonic
  • 1 lemon
  • Cucumber
  • Ice
    • Pour the gin into the glass.
    • Cut up the cucumber into two slices – be creative with the shape!
    • Add the tonic.
    • Add plenty of ice
    • Top with a nice wedge of lemon.
    • Squeeze as much fresh lemon juice as you’d like.

STRAWBERRY COCONUT CREAM SODA

A delicious and gloriously childish drink that will leave you wanting more! Coconut milk is hydrating and refreshing and the strawberries add a lovely fruity touch.

  • 3 cups of fresh strawberries (or frozen). (serve 6).
  • 2/3cup sugar.
  • ¾cup coconut milk.
  • 3-4 cups club soda/sparkling water
    • Combine the strawberries and sugar in a bowl, stir well and coarsely mash.
    • Place a third of the mixture into each glass.
    • To each glass, add ice, 2 tablespoons of coconut milk and fill with soda of sparkling water.
    • Stir well and add as many extra berries as you’d like.