10 homemade drinks to beat the summer heat

Summer is here in full swing and most of us dread even stepping out of our homes for more than a few minutes. The heat makes everything such a task - from eating to the otherwise enjoyable street shopping, and the only thing we want to do (if given the choice) is to sit back in an AC room, watch Netflix and sip on a cold delicious drink. 

Well, if you agree with me, I've got just the right thing for you. Imagine not having to step out of your home and still being able to get your hands on the most delicious drinks in the comfort of your home. Doesn't the thought of it sound like something you'd enjoy this summer? If it does, here are 10 recipes to achieve the ultimate summer chill. So once your back from work or from a day out in the sweltering heat, get into your jammies and prepare these summer easy drinks that you can enjoy while watching reruns of your favourite soaps...

1. Pineapple Lemonade - perfectly tropical and so refreshing! 

INGREDIENTS:

1/2 cup sugar

1 cup lemon juice

1 cup pineapple juice

2 tablespoons lime juice

DIRECTIONS:

To make the simple syrup, combine sugar and 1 cup water in a medium saucepan over medium heat, stirring until the sugar has dissolved; let cool.

In a large pitcher, whisk together simple syrup, lemon juice, pineapple juice, lime juice and 5 cups water. Place in the refrigerator until chilled.

Serve over ice.

2. Watermelon Slush - Super quick, easy and healthy!

INGREDIENTS:

5 cups diced seedless watermelon

2 tablespoons sugar

Juice of 1 lime, optional

DIRECTIONS:

Combine watermelon, sugar, lime juice and 1 cup ice in the blender until smooth.

Serve immediately.

3. Raspberry Peach Ice Tea - A fruity delight you must try!

INGREDIENTS:

2 tea bags

1 cup raspberries, plus more for garnish

2 peaches, sliced, plus more for garnish

3 tablespoons agave nectar, or more to taste

Mint leaves, for garnish

DIRECTIONS:

Steep tea bags in 4 cups boiling water according to package instructions; discard tea bags and let cool.

Combine peaches, raspberries and agave nectar in a blender until smooth; strain through cheesecloth or fine sieve.

In a large pitcher, whisk together raspberry peach mixture and brewed tea. Place in refrigerator until chilled.

Serve over ice, raspberries, peach slices and mint leaves, if desired.

4. White Sangria Sparkler - A classic winner 

INGREDIENTS:

1 (750mL) bottle white wine

2 peaches, sliced

2 kiwis, peeled and thinly sliced

1 cup raspberries

3 tablespoons sugar, or more, to taste

1 (750mL) bottle sparkling white wine

8 sprigs mint

DIRECTIONS:

In a large pitcher, whisk together white wine, peaches, kiwis, raspberries and sugar.

Let chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.

Serve over ice with sparkling white wine, garnished with mint, if desired.

5. Virgin Mojito - Minty and super cool 

INGREDIENTS :

1 sprig fresh mint leaves

1 tablespoon simple syrup (equal parts boiling water and sugar, cool before using)

1/2 lime, sliced

Ice

Sparkling water

Mint leaf for garnish

DIRECTIONS:

Muddle the lime and mint leaves (if you prefer to, remove the lime skin first)

Combine the muddled mixture with simple syrup, place ice cubes in a ball glass, add mixture

Top with sparkling water and stir. Garnish with a mint leaf and serve. 

6. Mango Raspberry Punch - Low on calories, high on taste! 

INGREDIENTS : 

Raspberries

1 Fresh mango / Some mango juice 

7up 

DIRECTIONS: 

Mix an equal ratio of 7up and mango juice. Start by making a batch of fruit ice cubes. 

Simply throw 1-2 cups of raspberries and mangoes into a food processor along with a cup of water. Pulse until smooth. 

Pour into an ice cube tray and freeze. Add them to your pitcher or glass and enjoy! 

7. Cold Coffee - For the coffee lovers!

INGREDIENTS: 

2 cups Cold Milk 

1/2 cup boiling Water 

3 tsp instant Coffee Powder 

2 tbsp Cream 

2 tbsp Sugar  

Crushed Ice 

DIRECTIONS: 

Dissolve instant coffee powder and sugar in boiling water and allow to cool.

Blend the coffee mixture and milk in a blender for few seconds. Add cream and crushed ice.

Blend for another few seconds till it becomes frothy. Garnish with cream swirls and serve chilled.

8. Chocolate Shake - 'Cause you everyone NEEDS chocolate!

INGREDIENTS: 

3/4 cup milk

1/4 cup chocolate-flavored syrup

3 scoops (1/2 cup each) vanilla ice cream

DIRECTIONS: 

In blender, place milk and syrup. Cover and blend on high speed 2 seconds.

Add ice cream. Cover and blend on low speed about 5 seconds or until smooth.

Pour into glasses. Serve immediately. Slurp! 

Would you try any of these super yummy drinks? If yes, which one? Let us know in the comments below...