Summer called, so we answered with these icy drinks

Even matcha girlies will ditch their go-to drink for these coolers. When you're craving something cold, skip the store-bought sodas and mix up your own refreshing drinks instead. Better yet, you might want to add them to your bar menu as well. From tangy red tea fizz to icy watermelon granitas, these simple recipes bring big flavours with minimal effort, and they are so deliciously cool. Stir, blend, and sip your way to cool comfort with these four deliciously easy drinks.

Iced sparkling honey-lime red tea

Ingredients: 3 red tea bags, 1 tbsp. honey, 1 tbsp. fresh lime juice, 1 bottle club soda, lime slices

Method:

• Brew the red tea according to the package instructions and stir in honey while it’s still warm, then let it cool completely. 
• Pour the tea into a large pitcher, mix in fresh lime juice, and top up with club soda just before serving. 
• Pour over ice and garnish with lime slices.

Pomegranate-thyme spritz

Ingredients: 1 cup fresh orange juice, 1 tbsp. pomegranate-thyme syrup, 1 bottle sparkling water, 1 tbsp. pomegranate seeds, 2-3 thyme sprigs, ice

Method:

• In a large pitcher, add the orange juice, pomegranate-thyme syrup, and chill if you’re making it ahead of time.
• When ready to serve, add sparkling water and stir gently. 
• Pour over ice and garnish each glass with pomegranate seeds and a sprig of thyme. 

Ginger-peach soda

Ingredients: 2 tbsp. sugar, 2 tsp fresh ginger (ginger), 1 ripe peach (chopped), 1 bottle soda chilled, 3-4 fresh mint leaves

Method:

• Combine sugar, minced ginger, and water in a saucepan and simmer to dissolve the sugar, then cover and let it steep for about 30 minutes. 
• Strain the syrup and chill for 2 hours. Place peach slices in tall glasses, gently press to release their juice, then add a couple of tablespoons of the cold syrup and some ice. 
• Top up with a chilled soda, stir gently, and garnish each glass with mint leaves.

Icy watermelon granita

Ingredients: 1 tbsp. sugar, 1 tsp kosher salt, 2 lemons juiced, ½ cup watermelon, cubed 

Method:

• Heat sugar, water, and a little salt in a small pot until the sugar melts. 
• Add lemon zest and juice to the pot and stir to create a syrup. 
• Blend the watermelon with the lemon syrup in small batches until smooth. 
• Pour into a metal bowl and freeze for 8 hours.
• Once frozen, scrape with a fork to make icy flakes before serving.

Whether you’re hosting a bridal shower, gearing up for your big day, or just vibing with your bridesmaids, these DIY coolers are the ultimate way to sip, chill, and celebrate. Cheers to love, laughter, and seriously refreshing drinks.

Images: Athiya Shetty, Lisa Haydon/Instagram

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