<p>I thought I’d mine the brains of the wonderful cooks on CC for yummy summer mixed drink recipes that don’t contain alcohol, but still are festive and maybe a little unusual. Father’s Day is coming, as well as the 4th of July and a lot of other excuses for summer parties. Those who drink will have their favorite beers and refreshing mojitos, but I also want something fun for the adult non-drinkers. Ideas?</p>
<p>I like frozen smoothies with yogurt, OJ and frozen fruit. </p>
<p>Have been enjoying a ginger tonic. It’s grated ginger root (peel root & then grate finely). Make simple syrup (1 c water boiled with 1 c sugar – or substitute your preferred sweetener of choice to taste e.g. honey or stevia). Combine the two and put it in a jar or pitcher in the fridge. If you want to add some zing, add some citrus–lemon or lime juice is nice. Can also add cayenne to taste for a little kick. We’ve been enjoying it for many months now and the added bonus is it seems to be a MILD anti-microbial and reduced our need to antibiotics for infections. Serve diluted it to taste with water or sparkling water.</p>
<p>Arnold Palmers. </p>
<p>Yes. Yes. So many variations. So sweet. So refreshing. </p>
<p>:)</p>
<p>HImom, Love the sound of your drink. I have a chronic condition now and both alcohol and anything acidic is a no no and I’m finding it very difficult to find anything summery to drink. Going to the market tomorrow so will put ginger root on my list. </p>
<p>Hope you enjoy it. It has become one of the favorite beverages in our household. I also am pleased not to have had to take antibiotics now for a year–normally I have to take about 4 or more rounds per year for infections!</p>
<p>Himom- This does sound interesting. What is the ratio of ginger/syrup mixture to sparkling water that you use? I’m sure you can do whatever, but what ratio have you found to be about right?</p>
<p>I like Arnold Palmers as well, Niquii. Is there a variation of the tea/lemonade combo that you like?</p>
<p>It really depends on how I’m feeling. If I really want a jolt, I dilute it very little, but do add citrus (neighbor has a great calamata lime tree). 1 to 5 is about the ratio I generally use for most syrups, including this one, I guess. I haven’t tried it with sparkling water, but imagine it would be refreshing. (I don’t like carbonation.)</p>
<p>I really like some sort of berry tea (raspberry, blueberry, etc) and regular lemonade. Or I had this one limeade type Arnold Palmer. I didn’t make it, but I think they had a bit of soda or carbonated something in there. I surprisingly liked that, but I mainly stick to fruity Arnold Palmers or the regular sweet tea and lemonade. </p>
<p>1/3 cranberry juice, 2/3 seltzer, over ice. Add a twist of lime if you like.</p>
<p>Simple and nice, Sweetbeet!</p>
<p>Roy Rodgers (Coke & Grenadine) or Shirley Temple (7-up & Grenadine). Lots of adults have forgotten these two, and the kids will be thrilled because they look like real cocktails.</p>
<p>Or heck, just anything with Grenadine.</p>
<p>I’m a big Arnold Palmer fan too. My son just showed me today that Tim Hortons is going to sell Arnold slushie e so I looked up recipes:</p>
<p><a href=“Disney.com | The official home for all things Disney”>Disney.com | The official home for all things Disney;
^^thats a simple one</p>
<p>This one is more complicated but perhaps better tasting:</p>
<p><a href=“Beat The Heat: Frozen Arnold Palmers Recipe | KCET”>http://www.kcet.org/living/food/the-public-kitchen/frozen-arnold-palmer-recipe.html</a></p>
<p>My summer drink is simple to make and quenches your thirst on a hot day. Use one part grape juice to four or five parts of ginger ale. Add a chopped lime. It should fizzle and have a purple foam layer on top.</p>
<p>I like sun tea.
Sweet tea but also herbal tea.
Coconut water
I also like to make lavender lemonade.
Its not bad with vodka either.</p>
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<p>Dunkin introduced the Arnold Palmer Coolatta not too long ago and it’s really good!</p>
<p>Nothing wrong with a nice cool iced tea with mint or lemon…yummmmm
H likes Raspberry Crystal light with a little ginger ale mixed in</p>
<p>I buy Sparkling Ice. It is a very slightly sparking water flavored. 0 calories, $1 a bottle at Target.</p>
<p>My favorite flavor is Peach Nectarine…but there are many others. Very refreshing. Naturally flavored.</p>
<p>For those who are avoiding sugar, infused water is nice. I make several varieties: orange/mint, cucumber/basil, strawberry/thyme. Put, for example, a sliced orange and some mint leaves in a large pitcher of filtered water and chill.</p>
<p>On the subject of ginger, I often make ginger tea. chop fresh ginger, boil for a while in water, drink. It’s great for colds and upset stomachs. </p>
<p>Yes, we do lots of infused waters too - you can get the infused water pitchers (not necessary , but nice) at TJMAXX , Costco, etc. our favs include. Cucumber, strawberry/basil/lemon- really whatever is in the fridge and garden! Some fruits I crush a bit to get more flavor going (like raspberry ). It’s recommended to fill your infuser and then fill your pitcher 3/4 full of tepid water (lukewarm) - let set a couple hours or overnight and then add ice to chill.</p>
<p>I have a infuser water bottle that I fill each morning with different concoctions and bring to work to sip on.</p>
<p>Another favorite summer beverage- iced coffee!!!</p>