Refreshing summer drinks you can make at home and in your restaurant

2025. 06. 02.

On hot summer days, there's nothing better than a refreshing drink that not only refreshes you but also gives you new energy. Whether you own a café or restaurant, or just want to make something special for yourself and your family, these refreshing summer drinks are the perfect choice. Below you'll find recipes that are easy to make, look spectacular, and are guaranteed to refresh you.

Classic homemade lemonade reimagined

Lemonade is a timeless classic, but with a few little tricks you can make it even more special. Make lemon syrup: boil 1 cup sugar with 1 cup water, then add the juice and zest of 6-8 lemons. Let it cool, then strain. When serving, just pour 2-3 tablespoons into a glass, add ice and top up with sparkling or still water. Garnish with a fresh lemon wedge and mint leaves.

A tip for restaurants: Make different flavored lemonade bases! Try versions flavored with rose water, lavender, or basil. These will not only make your offering unique, but will also be memorable for your guests with their special aroma.

Cucumber-mint refresher

This drink is not only refreshing, but also extremely healthy. Blend together half a cucumber, a little fresh mint, the juice of 2 limes, a tablespoon of honey and a cup of water. Strain, then pour into glasses with ice cubes. Before serving, top up with sparkling water and garnish with a cucumber slice and mint leaves.

Special version: Add a little elderflower syrup or fresh ginger. The cucumber-elderberry combination creates a particularly elegant and harmonious flavor.

Watermelon mojito (non-alcoholic version)

Puree 2 cups of watermelon and strain. In a glass, crush a few mint leaves, add the juice of a lime and a teaspoon of sugar. Fill halfway with watermelon juice, add ice, then top up with sparkling water. Garnish with watermelon pieces and mint leaves.

Alcoholic version: Add white rum for a real summer cocktail that is the perfect complement to garden parties or summer meals.

Ginger-peach ice tea

Make strong black tea (4 tea filter), let it cool. Blend 2 ripe peaches, strain and add to the tea. Make a syrup from grated fresh ginger: boil 1/4 cup grated ginger with 1 cup sugar and 1 cup water, then let it cool and strain. Add to the tea to taste. Serve with lemon juice, ice and peach slices.

Variations: Try it with white or green tea! Each adds a different flavor to the drink. Green tea makes a particularly refreshing and antioxidant-rich version.

Lavender-cranberry lemonade

This elegant drink is also perfect for a restaurant. Make lavender syrup: boil 1 cup sugar with 1 cup water and 2 tablespoons dried lavender. Let stand for 30 minutes, then strain. Blend 1 cup blueberries, strain. In a pitcher, combine lavender syrup, cranberry puree, 1 cup fresh lemon juice and 4 cups water. Serve with ice, fresh lavender and blueberries garnished.

Premium serving: Freeze blueberries and use them instead of ice cubes. As they slowly melt, they will continuously add flavor to your drink and won't dilute it like traditional ice cubes.

Coconut-pineapple tropical refreshment

This drink evokes the Caribbean summer. Blend 2 cups of fresh pineapple, 1 cup of coconut milk, the juice of 1 lime, and 1 tablespoon of honey. Strain and pour into glasses filled with ice. Garnish with a pineapple slice and fresh coconut flakes.

Tip: If you make the base in advance, shake it well before serving, as coconut milk tends to separate.

Iced matcha latte

Matcha tea is not only popular for its unique taste, but also for its energizing effects and antioxidant content. Mix 1 teaspoon of matcha powder with 2 tablespoons of warm (not hot) water until you get a smooth paste. Add 1 cup of cold milk (or plant-based milk) and 1 teaspoon of honey. Serve over ice and garnish with a little whipped cream if desired.

For restaurants: Offer different sweeteners – agave syrup, maple syrup or fig syrup – so your guests can customize the drink to their own taste.

Blackcurrant and rosemary lemonade

This uniquely flavored lemonade is guaranteed to be the star of your summer menu. Make rosemary syrup: boil 1 cup sugar with 1 cup water and 2-3 sprigs of fresh rosemary. Let it sit for 30 minutes, then strain. Blend 1 cup blackcurrants (or use blackcurrant juice) and add to the syrup along with 1 cup fresh lemon juice and 4 cups water. Serve with ice, fresh rosemary and currants.

Premium version: Make ice cubes from this base and use it with prosecco or champagne for festive occasions.

Practical tips for restaurant and home making

Preparation and storage

Preparation: You make syrups and fruit purees in advance, so you can quickly assemble drinks even during peak times.

Larger quantity: Multiply the ingredients to restaurant quantities, but note that the amount of flavorings (like ginger or lavender) does not necessarily need to be increased proportionally.

Preserving: Pre-made syrups can be stored in the refrigerator for 1-2 weeks, and fruit purees for 2-3 days.

Labeling: Always label pre-made bases with dates and exact contents so you can easily track their freshness.

These refreshing drinks will provide a true culinary experience for your guests or family. Feel free to experiment with proportions and ingredients to find the perfect flavor combination for you!

Don't forget to visit our website, where you will find all the machines and tools you need to make refreshing summer drinks! Choose from our products and make your drinks special with the right equipment!