A hot summer day, time by the pool or beach, or an evening at home means you need something to sip on. Try out one of these drink recipes for the summertime.

By Mia Jones

The Salty Dog Cocktail

A zesty and refreshing summer drink

Ingredients:
1 ½ ounces of gin or vodka
3 ounces of grapefruit juice
Salt for the rim
Grapefruit slice for garnish

1. Wet the rim of the glass, and then dip into the salt
2. If you prefer, add ice to the glass, then the gin or vodka, and last the grapefruit juice
3. Don’t shake it up, but gently stir the drink
4. Lastly, add the grapefruit slice as garnish

Strawberry Basil Lemonade

Summer Food and Drink. Lemonade with Strawberry and Basil in mason jar on wooden tray on concrete table. Top view, copy space

This drink screams summer

Ingredients (serves four):
10 lemons, juiced, and one cup of fresh lemon juice
¾ cup fine sugar
4 cups warm water
8-10 strawberries, tops removed
1/3 cup fresh basil
½ cup vodka (optional)

1. Juice the lemons and move them into a large pitcher.
2. Add the sugar and water and stir to combine. Let it cool.
3. Add strawberries and fresh basil.
4. Blend the mixture until it turns pink, and the basil is finely chopped. Strain out any basil bits if not wanted.
The basil will be infused into the drink.
5. If desired, add in the alcohol and serve over ice. Enjoy!

Strawberry Watermelon Infused Water

Health Day Hydration Watermelon and Mint Infused Ice Water

The perfect summer thirst-quencher

Ingredients:
Water
Watermelon
Strawberries
Mint leaves

1. Chop up the fruit and place it into a pitcher.
2. Crush the mint leaves to release flavor.
3. Add the water to your pitcher and let everything marinate. Cover the pitcher and let it sit for up to 24 hours. After 24 hours, remove the fruit and leaves.

The Light Citrus Paloma

Grapefruit cocktail in glasses with ice decorated with mint leaves on a wooden table, next to grapefruits.

A healthier, naturally sweetened option for a classic Paloma

Ingredients: Winter citrus fruit, such as grapefruit, Navel oranges, or tangerines Natural sweeteners, such as agave, orange peel, or zest Sparkling water or soda Tequila Silver Garnishes, like coarse salt, lemon slices, etc.

1. Juice the fruit, then mix that with agave and tequila.
2. Wet the rim of your glass and dip it in salt.
3. Poor the juice and tequila into the glass (ice is optional).
4. Add in the sparkling water or soda.
5. Finish with a garnish.

Agua de Jamaica (Hibiscus Tea)

A light drink paired easily with different simple syrups and citrus juices

Ingredients:
8 cups of water
1.5 cups dried hibiscus flowers
2/3 cup sugar (can add a little more or a little less depending on sweetness preferences)
1/3 cup fresh orange juice, lime juice, or lemon juice (option)

1. Boil water in a saucepan or pot. Add sugar and stir until it dissolves.
2. Once removed from heat, add hibiscus flowers and stir to combine.
3. Let it steep for about 20 minutes, then remove hibiscus flowers with a strainer.
4. Stir in citrus juice, then refrigerate and serve over ice.