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The Ultimate Summer Drinks & Desserts Bucket List

This list compiles a total of 11 drinks and desserts most commonly enjoyed during summer due to their refreshing, flavorful, and easy-to-make qualities.

Summer is filled with many fun foods and drinks that are fitting for the hot weather. To help you keep track, we created a list of 11 foods/drinks you should be sure to make before the season ends. Better yet, all these recipes can be made with the help of a juicer/blender.

  1. Sorbet

  2. Milkshake

  3. Popsicles

  4. Slushie

  5. Smoothie

  6. Lemonade

  7. Cocktails/Mocktails

  8. Iced Tea

  9. Fruit Punch

  10. Agua Fresca

  11. Juice

1. Sorbet

Arguably, the number one summer dessert is ice cream. As tasty as ice cream is, the sugar-filled, dairy-made dessert can be unhealthy and unsuitable for people who are lactose intolerant.

Luckily, there is a healthier, dairy-free alternative called sorbet. Sorbet is frozen fruit juice with a similar texture to ice cream, which also gives it the name “nice cream”.

Sorbet can be made with all Kuvings Whole Slow Juicers using the sorbet strainer or with a blender. 

Check out this guide on how to use the sorbet strainer, our sorbet recipes, and this recipe by @theallnaturalvegan.

Dragon Fruit Sorbet Recipe
    • 3 frozen dragon fruit
    • 3 frozen bananas

    2. Milkshake

    Just like ice cream, milkshakes might be a no-go for some people. But, simply exclude ice cream and substitute dairy milk with plant-based alternatives like almond or oat milk to make a dairy-free, vegan milkshake.

    You can make plant-based milk in a juicer and then combine the milk with frozen ingredients, sweetener, ice, and other desired ingredients in a blender to whip up your perfect summer shake. 

    3. Popsicles

    If you prefer lighter treats, then popsicles are just for you. Popsicles can be made solely from fresh juice.

    Create your own flavor combinations by juicing your favorite ingredients, pouring the juice into popsicle molds, and freezing them to perfection.

    Try this popsicle recipe by @haroldleffall

    Watermelon Blueberry Popsicles Recipe
    • 4 cups watermelon
    • 1 cup blueberries

    4. Slushie

    Slushies are a beloved choice among children, offering a refreshing and icy experience. Just like milkshakes, you can utilize a juicer to extract fresh fruit juice.

    Blend your fruit juice with ice and natural sweetener, and pour in the soda water after blending everything. The key to the ultimate slushy concoction is a lot of ice!

    To enhance the visual appeal, incorporate pigmented fruits for a vibrant burst of color.

    5. Smoothie

    Smoothies provide a delightful and refreshing way to incorporate fiber into your summer drinks. 

    What's even better is that all Kuvings Whole Slow Juicers are compatible with a smoothie strainer allowing you to effortlessly create velvety smoothies with ease.

    For a step-by-step guide on using the smoothie strainer, be sure to check out our informative guide.

    However, if you don't have a juicer with a smoothie strainer or prefer a smoothie bowl experience, we recommend utilizing the power of a Kuvings Blender

    Get smoothie recipes here and try this recipe by @healthyveganeating.

    Pear Mint Lime Smoothie Recipe
    • 2 frozen pears
    • ¼ lime peeled
    • ¼ cup packed fresh mint
    • ½-¾ cup plant milk

    6. Lemonade

    Summer wouldn't be complete without the iconic lemonade stand, where the classic recipe of freshly squeezed lemons, water, sweetener, and ice takes center stage. This timeless base offers the perfect canvas for adding your own creative twists and customizing your lemonade.

    For example, adding matcha powder to lemon juice to create our matcha lemonade recipe.

    If you plan on making a lot of lemonade or juicing citrus frequently, investing in our citrus attachment makes juicing citrus fruits a breeze. 

    7. Cocktails/Mocktails

    Cocktails are alcohol-based mixed drinks. Beyond spirits, cocktails can feature a delightful blend of fruit juices, flavored syrups, soda, tonic water, shrubs, bitters, and garnishes.

    For those seeking non-alcoholic alternatives, mocktails or virgin cocktails are the perfect choice. Ideal for non-drinkers and children, these alcohol-free concoctions are just as delicious and refreshing.

    You can use a juicer to create the fruit juices for your cocktails/mocktails and get cocktail and mocktail recipes here

    Here’s a mocktail recipe by @littlekalegirl!

    Butterfly Tea Mocktail Recipe
    • 3 green apples
    • 1 pear
    • ½ lime
    • ⅓ cup butterfly pea flower tea

    8. Iced Tea

    If you're a tea lover but find it too hot to enjoy a steaming cup in summer, simply add some ice to your tea, and voila – iced tea. 

    To enhance the taste of your iced tea, incorporate ingredients such as fruits, sweeteners, and mint. While fruits can be used as a garnish, consider juicing them and infusing your tea for a bolder fruit flavor.

    Want to get creative? Try making a tea out of juice pulp for a unique twist.

    9. Fruit Punch

    Fruit punch, a beloved classic, brings together a medley of fruit juices, water, and a touch of sweetness.

    It has become a staple at parties and gatherings due to its ability to be prepared in large quantities and served in eye-catching punch bowls.

    For those looking to add a little extra punch, alcohol can be incorporated to create spirited variations.

    Here's a non-alcoholic recipe by @juicingwithmaddy!

    Tropical Punch Recipe
    • 2 cups of strawberries 
    • ½ any melon of choice 
    • 1 ½ cup of raspberries

    10. Agua Fresca

    Agua fresca, meaning "fresh water" in Spanish, is a delightful drink made from a blend of fruit, water, lime juice, and sweetener.

    Originally hailing from Mexico, this beverage has gained popularity throughout Latin America for its vibrant flavors.

    Besides fruit, you can explore exciting variations using cereals, seeds, and even flowers. These are some of the popular flavors:

    • Strawberry
    • Cantaloupe
    • Cucumber
    • Guava
    • Honeydew
    • Lemon
    • Lime
    • Mango
    • Papaya
    • Pineapple
    • Watermelon
    • Tamarindo
    • Horchata

    To make an agua fresca with a juicer, toss your fruit and lime in a juicer. Pour the juice into a glass or pitcher with ice and water and stir in the sweetener of your choice.

    If you don’t have a juicer, you can toss all the ingredients in a blender and strain it.

    11. Juice

    While juice can be enjoyed year-round, the delectable flavors of summer fruits and vegetables make summer juice recipes unique.

    While many items on this list highlight the use of fruits, juice provides an excellent opportunity to incorporate vegetables and reduce sugar intake.

    For an added cooling and refreshing effect, consider adding ice to your juices, perfect for those who don't mind a slightly diluted flavor.

    Try this juice recipe by @littlekalegirl!

    Red Power Juice Recipe
    • 2 pomegranates
    • 1 cup raspberries
    • 1 lime
    • 1 red pepper
    • Small piece of ginger

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    REFERENCE:
    Image by Freepik