Elevated Sips for Spring and Summer
How to upgrade your refreshments on a hot day, with or without the spirits.
Image courtesy of Olena Bohovyk / Unsplash
After a long winter of below-average temperatures across the East Coast, warm weather has made its long-awaited return to Toronto. While temperatures in April and May continue to fluctuate, those glimpses of summer weather provide the perfect excuse to soak up the warm sun with an ice-cold drink.
Summer drinks should not be limited to plain sodas or sparkling water. Whether alcoholic or non-alcoholic, elevating seasonal refreshments is often easier than expected. There is no need for specialty mixologist shops or expensive ingredients — in fact, household staples can transform an ordinary drink into something more refined and flavourful.
From dirty sodas to fruity mojitos, warm-weather beverages are all about bringing out bright seasonal notes while minimizing refined sugar. Introducing natural ingredients and soda water helps create a lighter, more refreshing blend. These drinks should balance taste with freshness, making hydration just as important as the overall experience. Adding real fruit and sparkling water offers a better alternative to overly sugary, dehydrating drinks. Additionally, each recipe can be enjoyed with or without alcohol, allowing the drinks to remain light and refreshing.
Raspberry Spritz
Image courtesy of Rodion Kutsaiev / Unsplash
Carefully mash six raspberries in a glass, add one ounce of elderflower or simple syrup, and pour in one cup of prosecco (optional). Top with soda water for a refreshing, balanced drink. For a more elevated finish, add fresh lime juice and garnish with a slice of lime. This drink is a crisp alternative to overly sweet cocktails, allowing fresh raspberry notes to stand out.
Watermelon Mojito
Image courtesy of Tomi Saputra / Unsplash
Blend or mash five cubes of fresh watermelon with hand-torn mint and lime juice. Pour the mixture into a glass, add one ounce of rum (optional), and finish with soda water. This variation of a classic mojito pairs the sweetness of watermelon with tart lime, creating a refreshing drink that works well at any time of day.
Lime Refresher
Image courtesy of Keesha’s Kitchen / Unsplash
Combine one cup of soda water, one cup of limeade, and three splashes of coconut milk or creamer in a glass. Top with fresh lime slices for an easy take on Brazilian lemonade. Creamy yet light, the drink offers balance without allowing any single ingredient to overpower the others, making it especially suitable for particularly warm afternoons.
The “Dirty” Shirley
Image courtesy of Masahiro Naruse / Unsplash
Combine one can of Coke with one ounce of vodka (optional). Top with one ounce of grenadine and a generous squeeze of lime. This refined take on a childhood classic offers a nostalgic yet elevated finish, balanced with cherry and citrus notes.
By Bree Robinson
