The weather is changing fast due to global warming, and even in spring, some days already feel like summer. In many countries, temperatures are on the rise, and honestly, God knows what summer will bring. I was talking to my sister in India, and she mentioned how high the temperatures have soared in Punjab. Just listening to her made me think about how important it is to stay cool and refreshed—so I figured, why not share some of my cooling drinks? And here we are. I have also made a video to go along with them.
As much as water is great for hydration, sometimes we crave something a little fancier, with more oomph. With nine fresh ingredients you can whip up these three refreshing drinks.
So let’s get started and make this summer a little cooler.
Cucumber Mint Cooler
Light, refreshing, and oh-so-pretty, this Cucumber Mint Cooler is the perfect drink to sip on when you need a boost of freshness. With a crisp blend of cucumber, lime juice, fresh mint leaves, a pinch of salt, and a touch of monk fruit for sweetness, this hydrating cooler is summer in a glass.
Cucumbers, made up mostly of water, are excellent for staying hydrated, while both cucumber and mint support digestion and help flush out toxins—making this drink is a natural choice for feeling balanced and refreshed.
To enjoy, simply make the base mixture, pour it over ice in a glass, and sip your way to calm, cool hydration.
Coconut Lemongrass & Mint Refresher
This drink is light, hydrating, and naturally sweet—perfect for hot summer days. It’s made with pure, unsweetened coconut water and filled with refreshing flavors from lemongrass, ginger, lime, and a touch of mint.
To bring out the flavor of lemongrass, give it a good pound before using it. It adds a bright, citrusy taste, while ginger gives a bit of spice, and mint adds a cool, fresh note. Use just a few mint leaves so the lemongrass and ginger can really shine.
Let the drink chill in the fridge for 2 to 4 hours, or even overnight (Don’t leave it longer than that), to let the flavors blend. No need for ice—just serve it cold and enjoy!
The Coconut Lemongrass & Mint drink looks more yellow in the round glass bottle than it really is—blame the lighting! It’s actually more like coconut water with just a touch of color (bottom picture).
Strawberry Agua Fresca
Agua fresca is a light, refreshing, non-alcoholic drink popular in Mexico and the U.S. It’s made by blending fruit with water, adding a touch of sweetness and a splash of citrus, then straining it for a smooth finish.
This Strawberry Agua Fresca is a vibrant, fruity drink made with fresh, ripe strawberries, a few grapes for natural sweetness, a hint of lemon juice, and a touch of mint for freshness. Unlike some versions that are mostly ice, this one is packed with real fruit for extra flavor and color.
It’s the perfect thirst-quencher for any occasion—whether it’s a picnic, a backyard gathering, after-school refreshment, or a spot on the dinner table.
I hope these refreshing drinks bring a little coolness and joy to your day, whether you’re enjoying them alone, with family or friends.
If you’ve loved these refreshing drinks you will also love my Mint Lemonade and Flavoured Watermelon juice. Take a look and if you give any of these drinks a try, I’d love to see! Share a photo and tag me on social media @simpleglutenfreekitchene so I can see your version.
Ingredients
- 1 cucumber,
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1/2 cup mint leaves,
- 2 tbsp monk fruit (if using sugar use 1/2 cup)
- 1 cup (+) water
- 2 stalks lemongrass
- 4 cups unsweetened pure coconut water
- 5-8 Mint leaves
- 1" piece ginger
- 1 tbsp Lime juice
- 1-2 lime wheels ( optional)
- 3 cup chopped strawberries
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup green grapes
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions
- Dice the cucumber and add it to a blender along with the mint leaves, lime juice, water, and monk fruit sweetener.
- Blend everything on high for about 30 seconds until smooth. Strain the mixture using a fine sieve or a mesh cloth placed over the sieve to separate the juice from the pulp.
- Pour the strained cucumber mint juice over the ice.
- Serve immediately and enjoy as a refreshing summer drink or at a party!
- Remove the tough, dry outer leaves to expose the softer, tender inner layers. Trim off the green, fibrous top section of the stalks (you can reserve this part for garnish).
- Cut or break the stalks into 3–4 pieces. Using a mortar and pestle, gently pound the lemongrass pieces along with the ginger and mint leaves to release their aromas.
- Add the mixture to the coconut water. Cover and let it infuse for 2–4 hours, or ideally overnight in the fridge.
- Strain out the solids (optional: leave 1–2 pieces of lemongrass in for visual appeal and extra flavor).
- Add fresh lime juice to the chilled refresher, and if desired, garnish with a few lime wheels.
- Serve cold and enjoy!
- Place the strawberries, water, grapes, and lemon juice in a blender. Blend until smooth and well combined.
- Set a fine mesh sieve over a jug or bowl and pour the purée through it. Use the back of a spoon to press the mixture, extracting as much liquid as possible.
- Chill the drink until ready to serve, or enjoy it immediately.
- Serve over ice for the most refreshing experience.
angiesrecipes
I usually just drink water, but I am interested in that lemongrass mint drink since I love lemongrass.
Tandy (Lavender and Lime)
These all sound so good. I love flavoured waters and my standard is cranberry and hibiscus.