Tempt the Tastebuds with Summer Beverages

Summer is right around the corner. This season ushers in a whole new atmosphere of great food, drinks, desserts, and more. This week in the Social Fabric community, we thought it’d be fun to get the community’s take on summer beverages, what they like, how their habits change when warmer weather hits, etc. Of course, as creative as members are, they also had tons of summer beverage ideas, so be sure to read all the way down to be inspired.

First things first, let’s take a look at our survey results; 30 members answered our survey this week.

We asked members what their favorite summer beverages include. 22 people answered lemonade/limeade, 20 answered iced tea, 19 answered iced coffee, and 14 answered slushies/smoothies. We also wanted to know whether they purchase beverages or make their own. 76% answered that they purchase beverages while out but also make their own. When making their own summer beverages, 24 members said they shop for ingredients at a grocery store. 23 members shop at a mass retailer, and 14 members shop at a liquor store. We switched it up a little to explore coffee habits during the summer. 17 members answered that they drink coffee every single day, even in the summer. Only 4 members said they never drink coffee in the summer. We asked how their coffee beverages change during the summer. 18 members said they drink more iced coffee, and 10 members said their habits don’t change. Next we wanted to know where they purchase most of their coffee beverages.  13 members specified a mass retailer, while 10 members specified a grocery store.  We asked what the 3 most important factors are when choosing a summer beverage. The 3 most important factors included mood/how they’re feeling, type of beverage, and flavor. Finally, we wanted to know when they find themselves wanting to enjoy a summer beverage more. 25 members said while at home relaxing. 15 members said while at a summer party/get-together. 10 members answered when they’re with friends.

Now for some tasty inspiration from posts that members have shared, as well as discussion in the community. Enjoy!

Jennifer, from A Glimpse of Our Life, shares a recipe that will cool you off during the long, hot summer months…. Italian Ice with #EqualSucralose.

A family favorite is Lemonade Iced Tea packed full of fresh mint from the garden. We make it all summer long. I have the recipe pinned here ~ Randi from Dukes and Duchesses.

Andrea, from Adventures in All Things Food, mixes it up just a bit and shares her recipe for Black Cherry Iced Tea.

I love something sparkly, fruity with lots of ice. I prefer to make cocktails myself, whether non-alcoholic or alcoholic. It gives me a little more room for flavor creativity! ~ Lyuba from Will Cook for Smiles. She also shares a recipe for a Blueberry Sparkles Cocktail.

Brett, from This Mama Loves Her Bargains, shares a sweet recipe for Honey Rhubarb Iced Tea.

My favorite drink to make during Summer is sun brewed iced tea. We just take a plastic pitcher and put water and tea bags and leave it out in the sun all day. I like to put lemon in it, but my husband prefers to leave it plain. After it’s brewed, we just add non-sugar sweetener and ice. I could drink it all day!! Of course, then I would be up all night, but that is always good for my blogging!! ~ Janet from Going Crazy!!WannaGo??!!.

Arlene, from Flour on my Face, shares two refreshing recipe ideas, Easy Fruity Pink Lemonade and How to Make Sweet Ice Tea. She also says, I make all kinds of drinks during the summer at home. Sweet Ice tea, fruity lemonade, raspberry tea, herbal sodas, iced coffee to name a few. I love making fruit flavored ice tea. You can do it with any kind of fruit you have at home.

My favorite summer beverage is actually unsweetened iced tea.  Simple, I know, but it’s the one drink that refreshes me in the scorching TX heat!  I make it at home, using Lipton tea bags, but I also love to stop at McAlister’s deli to get a tall cup to go. Another drink I make at home in the summer is lemonade.  I cut lemons in half, then depending on their size, slice the halves in two or three pieces.  Place several slices in mason jars, toss in some sugar and gently mash with a wooden spoon to release the juices.  Fill glasses with ice and cold water.  Kinda rustic looking, very tasty ~ Angela from Fab Find Foodie.

Amy, from Baby Baby Lemon, shares How to Make Sparkling Summer Lemonade.

Before dinner on a hot day I love Sangria, a lemon cooler or a glass of chilled white wine, all of which are nice when served in a chilled glass straight from the freezer ~ Monica from Older Mommy Still Yummy.

Michelle, from Honest & Truly!, shares a decadent recipe for Chocolate Martinis.

Watermelon lemonade! Just puree watermelon and add to lemonade. Yum! And family friendly! ~ Ashleigh from Thankfully Thrifty.

Sarah, from Sarah’s Deals, shares a Homemade Slushie Recipe using Kool Aid or Country Time.

I love iced tea, fruity lemonades like strawberry or raspberry, and of course water with some sort of infusion is nice too.  When we go out for drinks I love drinking a Sonic strawberry limeade! ~ Rachel from Bubbly Nature Creations.

Kristy, from Mommy Hates Cooking, shares a delicious recipe for Wildberry Italian Cream Soda using Clear American, and she also shares 10 Memorial Day Drink Recipes that you might just want to check out for the upcoming holiday weekend.

Is it wrong that I like Kool-aid?  I am a child of the early 80′s. I also use it to make the kids play doh…. I actually can’t make drinkable Kool-aid too often or else, I will drink it ALL! My poor kids don’t even stand a chance! ~ Alicia from The Mama Report.

Lea Ann, from Mommy’s Wish List, shares a Strawberry Basil Mojito Recipe.

I’ve always liked lemonade and iced tea, but I recently discovered lemonade iced tea! It ‘s the best of both worlds and it tastes soo good! ~ Diane from Philzendia.

Tonia, from The Gunny Sack, shares a recipe for the Mid-Week Munchies: Mocha Cooler.

Love Limeade with Vodka, Diet Coke with Lime and Rum ~ April from April’s Lifestyle Show.

Laura, from About a Mom, shares a recipe for a Berry Frappe. Yum!

Dr. Pepper! Always and forever! ~ Heidi from The Busy Nothings.

Tammy, from Three Different Directions, shares a few recipes for Kentucky Derby Inspired Iced Tea from Pure Leaf.

Paula, from Growing Up Bilingual, says that Michelada is the best way to have your beer.

I love strawberry lemonade for non-alcoholic drinks. SOOO refreshing. If I’m feeling more adventurous, a nice sangria is awesome as well ~ Miriam from The WIC Project.

Jennifer, from Big Binder, shares a recipe for her favorite Summer Strawberry Drink.

Have a refreshing summer, and be inspired to create your own summer drinks with all of these awesomesauce recipes from the Social Fabric community!

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