There are lots of things I love about summer, including but not limited to days spent with warm sand between my toes, being able to wear sundresses practically everywhere, barbecue, and that inevitable bronzed glow. You know what I love most about the season of skin, though? Frozen drinks.
I know I know, there's no rule that says you can't indulge in a piña colada or fruity smoothie in the off-season. However, once summer rolls around, my blender is practically a staple fixture on my countertop just screaming "USE ME!" and "I MAKE YUMMY CONCOCTIONS!"
Whether you're looking to get a little tipsy or just seeking to cool off, take a look at these 5 great frosty drinks perfect for summer:
Strawberry Banana Smoothie
Fruit smoothies and summer go hand-in-hand like peanut butter and jelly, and strawberry banana is most definitely a personal fave.
Fruit Smoothie adapted from Emeril Live:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup sliced strawberries
- 2 bananas, peeled and quartered
- 1 cup non-fat milk
- 2 cups crushed ice
- 2 tablespoons high energy powder
- Honey to taste
Instructions: 1. Place all ingredients into blender, starting with strawberries and bananas. Blend on medium speed.
2. Add ice until you reach desired consistency. Garnish with sliced strawberry and serve.
Piña Colada
Nothing says "I'm on vacation" better than a piña colada.
Piña Colada recipe adapted from Imbibe Magazine:
Ingredients:
- 2 oz. coconut cream
- 2 oz. pineapple juice
- 2 oz. light rum
- 1/2 cup crushed ice
- Cherries for garnish
Instructions: 1. Place all ingredients in blender. Blend until smooth.
2. Strain into a chilled glass, garnish with cherries, and enjoy!
Root Beer Float
A root beer float is the quintessential beverage for a hot summer's day. Between the bubbly taste of the root beer and the smooth, creamy ice cream — my mouth waters just thinking about it!
Root Beer Float adapted from Bobby Flay:
Ingredients:
- 1 pint vanilla ice cream
- 2 bottles very cold old-fashioned root beer
- Fresh whipped cream
- Splash bourbon (optional)
Instructions: 1. Scoop two scoops of vanilla ice cream into two tall glasses.
2. Pour root beer (and if you'd like, bourbon) on top of the ice cream. Finish off with dollop of whipped cream.
Virgin Mango Daiquiri
Sometimes all you're looking for is that frozen fruity taste without the buzz. That's where this delicious non-alcoholic frozen mango daiquiri comes in from CDK:
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup unsweetened pineapple juice
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 ripe mango peeled and chopped
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1/4 cup ice cubs
Instructions: 1. Combine the juices, mango, and sugar in a blender. Blend on high speed until smooth.
2. Add in the ice cubes. Blend until daiquiri reaches desired consistency and serve immediately.
Frozen Cactus Pear Margarita
Sure, a margarita on its own is absolutely delicious. Add pear into the mix though? Now you're talking!
Frozen Cactus Pear Margaritas adapted from Bobby Flay:
Ingredients:
- 4 oz. orange-flavored liqueur
- 9 oz. white tequila
- 4 oz. cactus pear juice
- 2 oz. fresh lime juice
- 1 1/2 cups crushed ice
- Salt and limes for garnish
Instructions: 1. Place all of your liquids into a blender and pulse until mixed. Then, add ice and blend until your margarita is at your desired consistency.
2. Pour some extra pear juice onto a plate, and the salt onto another. Dip the rim of each margarita first into the juice, then into the salt. Pour your margarita into the garnished glasses and enjoy!