Summer means trips to the pool and time under the sun. To cool off this summer, don’t just stick with boring bottled drinks that you can get anywhere. Try these delicious poolside sips to quench your thirst. Whether you like fruity or dessert flavors, light or rich drinks, we’ve got you covered!
**Watermelon Breeze**
_Ingredients:_
3 cups cubed chilled watermelon
1 cup coconut water
Squeeze of fresh lime
Ice (if needed)
Sprig of mint
_Directions:_
Put all ingredients in a blender. Blend until smooth. Serves two.
**Vanilla Peach Treat**
_Ingredients:_
2 cups sliced fresh peaches
1 cup cubed Asian pear
1 cup vanilla almond milk
1 cup coconut water ice cubes
Dash of cinnamon
_Directions:_
Put all ingredients in a blender. Blend until smooth. Serves two.
**Strawberry Kiwi Virgin Sangria**
_Ingredients:_
8 cups water
8 wild berry tea bags
2 cups sugar
4 1-pint baskets strawberries
2 25-oz. bottles chilled sparkling apple cider
6 kiwis, peeled and cut into 1/2 inch cubes
4 cups ice cubes
_Direction:_
Bring four cups of water to boil in a large saucepan. Add tea bags; cover and let steep for 10 minutes. Discard tea bags. Add sugar to the hot tea; stir until dissolved. Stir in the remaining four cups of water. Chill tea until cold (about three hours). Puree two baskets of strawberries in processor. Slice remaining two baskets of strawberries. Place pureed and sliced berries in large pitcher. Add tea and all remaining ingredients. Stir and serve. Serves one.
**Pineapple—Lime Cooler**
_Ingredients:_
4 cups pineapple chunks, plus more for garnish
1/2 cup lime juice
6 tbsp. agave syrup or simple syrup
Ice
Lime wedges for garnish
_Directions:_
In a blender, puree half the pineapple, lime juice and 3/4 cup water; strain into a pitcher. Repeat. Stir in agave syrup. Pour over ice and garnish with pineapple chunks and lime wedges. Serves six.
**Frozen Hot Cocoa**
_Ingredients:_
6 tbsp. sugar
6 tbsp. unsweetened cocoa powder
6 oz. semisweet chocolate, chopped, plus more for shaving
1 1/2 cups cold milk
4 cups ice
Whipped cream
_Directions:_
In a small pan, mix sugar, cocoa, chopped chocolate, and 1/2 cup milk over medium heat. Remove from heat; stir in remaining one cup of milk. Pour into a blender with ice; blend until smooth. Divide among glasses and top with whipped cream and chocolate shavings. Serves four.