Summer is now in full swing and you may be finding yourself especially busy, from picking the winning horse at the races to dancing away the weekend at one of the huge variety of festivals. No matter how you choose to enjoy the sunshine it’s still important to sit back and cool down with an ice cold drink. We’ve decided to put together some deliciously summery drink ideas plus some eye catching presentation tips to help you chill out where ever you are this summer. Whether you’re planning a sophisticated summer soiree or simply want to kick of your shoes and cool down quietly, now you can quench your thirst in style with these tasty recipes.

1. Homemade Lemonade

No summer is complete without some refreshing lemonade, making this simple homemade recipe perfect for any occasion this summer. We recommend leaving in plenty of lemon slices when you serve for a truly homemade effect.

What you’ll need (for one jug):

• 4 unwaxed lemons cut into eight slices each, plus extra for serving.
• 175g golden caster sugar
• Plenty of ice for blending and serving.

What to do:

• Blend the lemons and half the sugar in a food processor along with a small handful of ice cubes and 500ml of water. Strain into a jug and serve with plenty of ice and extra lemon if you wish.
• Put the lemon pulp back into the food processor and blend with the rest of the sugar, another handful of ice cubes and the same amount of water. Strain into the jug with the reserved juice and serve, discarding of the pulp.

2. Strawberry Mojito Mocktail

Nothing says great British summer time like deliciously sweet strawberries and we think they’re the perfect twist to liven up the classically popular mojito. We’ve found this simple mocktail recipe so that the whole family can enjoy this refreshing drink.

What you’ll need (for one glass):

• 3 strawberries
• 10 fresh mint leaves
• Half a lime, sliced
• 1 cup of soda water
• Plenty of ice

What to do:

• Mash the strawberries, mint leaves and lime into the bottom of the glass with a spoon.
• Add in your ice, crushed if desired.
• Poor over the soda water and serve unstirred.

3.Watermelon Lime Chiller

If you’re a fan of Instagram like us you may have noticed watermelons recent rise to stardom, so you’ll be sure it will be a hit with all your guests. This bright and beautiful fruit tastes just as good as it looks in this refreshing and easy recipe.

What you’ll need (for 2 servings):

• 3 cups of cubed watermelon without the seeds.
• 1 and a half juiced limes.
• Sugar or sweetener if required.
• Fresh mint to garnish.
• Plenty of ice.

What to do:

• Blend the watermelon and lime juice together until smooth.
• Add sugar if required and blend again.
• Pour the mixture over ice and finish with the sprigs of mint.

Presentation Tips

In with the old, out with the new.

Go back to basics and present your drinks in a jar for the perfect dreamy summer look. This humble serving idea is fast becoming one of summer’s biggest trends so you’ll find a huge array of designs for purchase, or simply collect and wash out your own for an even more authentic vintage look.

More than just a drink.

Make sure to garnish your drinks with any fruit you used in your recipe. The extra colour will make sure your drinks really stand out, and who doesn’t want a summer snack along with their drink?

Make it a masterpiece.

Give your drinks the perfect backdrop and show them off with a colourful table cloth guaranteed to liven up your space whether you’re outside enjoying the sun or inside hiding from the rain. Planning a picnic? Grab a picnic blanket that compliments your homemade beverages for the ultimate wow factor.