5 Light Drink Ideas for Outdoor Days

Warm weather is finally here and people are looking for ways to spend time outdoors while things are in bloom and the sun is shining. When you’re planning a cookout or any outdoor activity, you may want to include a light drink for a refreshing change.

Some people equate alcoholic beverages with outdoor activities but there are many non-alcoholic, light drinks you can also enjoy. Here are a few to consider:

Lemonade

It’s a great summertime drink that everyone in the family can enjoy. Gather lemons, water and sugar and you can make a wonderful, refreshing beverage. Add a sprig of mint to finish it off and then enjoy.

Watermelon Agua Fresca

This is often served during the summer the watermelon is ripe. You’ll need eight cups of watermelon, water, sugar, lime juice and club soda. Puree the watermelon, water and sugar. Stir in the lime juice. Refrigerate for at least four hours and then add the club soda. If you’ve never tried this drink, you may want to give it a try this year.

Spring Fever “Mocktail”

This light drink is made with a variety of fresh juices – apple, lemon, blood orange and mango syrup. Try blending these amounts; 3/4 oz of lemon juice and mango syrup with 1 ½ oz of apple juice and 2 oz of orange juice. Delicious!

Hibiscus-Pomegranate Iced Tea

Not only does this taste great but is good for you, too. Ingredients include herbal hibiscus tea, boiling water, pomegranate juice and cold water. Steep the tea in boiling water for about 5 minutes, pour it into a large pitcher and add the pomegranate juice and cold water. Refrigerate until it is thoroughly chilled. Serve over ice and add lemon wedges and mint.

Blueberry Ginger Bellini

This is a light drink which is made with sparkling wine, but you could also use sparkling grape juice if you don’t want the alcohol. Mash ½ cup blueberries, 1 tablespoon minced ginger, 1 tablespoon sugar, juice of ½ of a lemon. Add 2 cups blueberry juice and allow this to steep for five minutes before you strain it. Divide the juice into four glasses and then pour ½ cup sparkling wine or grape juice over it.

You can often find drink recipes in women’s and cooking magazines. Try something new the next time you have a cookout or simply need something refreshing to enjoy on a warm afternoon. You can use one of these ideas or come up with ideas of your own.