Cook Fast, Live Young: Cool Down with these Refreshing Summer Drink Recipes

It's beginning to heat up across the country, and we're all looking for ways to cool off. Instead of turning up the air conditioning, which can be expensive, enjoy the warm weather! Put on some light clothing and head outdoors. Stay in the shade, and don't forget your sunscreen.

Whether you're at a barbecue or lounging by the pool, a cool summer refreshment is always a welcome treat. Instead of just beer and soda, think outside the box and try making your own drinks by purchasing fruit at your local farmer's market.

Here are a few of my favorites:

Sangria

Give wine a summery twist.

4 cups burgundy wine (The cheaper, the better! I recommend the brand Gallo.)
2 cups club soda
½ to 1 cup sugar
Sliced apples, peaches, and oranges

Strawberry Daiquiri

Just throw these ingredients in the blender for a delicious alcoholic or non-alcoholic treat.

2 large strawberries, hulled
1/4 cup white sugar
1 tablespoon lemon juice
3/4 cup chilled lemon-lime soda
4 cubes ice
1 ¼ ounces rum (optional)

Smoothie

I highly recommend making this for breakfast, but it also makes a nice mid-afternoon snack.

1 banana, chopped
1 cup strawberries, hulled
1 cup of the berries of your choice (such as raspberries, blueberries, blackberries)
1 cup milk
3 tablespoons of sugar
1 cup of ice cubes

Lemonade

The old summer classic!

5 lemons
1 ½ cups of water
1 cup white sugar
2 cups crushed ice

Juliana Weiss-Roessler has ten years of professional writing and editing experience. For four years, she managed the web content for the star of an Emmy-nominated reality series. Currently, she is an editor for the geek girl e-zine PinkRaygun.com, a contributor to the career blog at Resumark.com, and owner of the food blog CookFastLiveYoung.blogspot.com. Follow her @cookfast on Twitter and learn more about her work at WeissRoessler.com.