Refreshing Teas and Non-Alcoholic Sippers

By Mary Beard
January 10, 2013
Beth Dreiling Hontzas
A collection of our most refreshing teas, lemonades, and non-alcoholic drinks that are sure to please adults and kids alike.
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Lemonade Iced Tea

Photo: Jennifer Davick

Recipe: Lemonade Iced Tea

Lemonade and fresh mint leaves provide a flavorful fruit twist to this classic summer drink. One reader suggested adding a tablespoon of orange-flavored vodka to a glass of the drink to add a grown-up kick.

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Cucumber-Mint Water

Recipe: Cucumber-Mint Water

Try this recipe from Josh Williams and Eric Prum, the authors of Infuse. "As much as we love the hot days of summer, it's sometimes hard to escape that sticky feeling. Enter this cooling infusion. Lime, cucumber, and mint work together to create a refreshing sip that we keep in the fridge all summer long."

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Berry Splash

Photo: Beth Dreiling Hontzas

Recipe: Berry Splash

Mix up a colorful drink for the whole family with cherry drink mix and white cranberry juice. Serve Berry Splash with blueberry-filled Berry Ice Cubes.

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Vanilla-Rosemary Lemonade

Photo: Ralph Anderson

Recipe: Vanilla-Rosemary Lemonade

This is exceptional when made with freshly squeezed lemon juice.

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Governor's Mansion Summer Peach Tea Punch

Photo: Jennifer Davick

Recipe: Governor's Mansion Summer Peach Tea Punch

Great for a summer party, this peach sweet tea punch is a refreshing crowd pleaser.

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Ginger-Orange Mocktails

Photo: Jennifer Davick

Recipe: Ginger-Orange Mocktails

Serve Ginger-Orange "mocktails" for moms-to-be at a baby shower. Garnish with orange slices and fresh mint springs.

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Blackberry Sweet Tea

Photo: Jennifer Davick

Recipe: Blackberry Sweet Tea

Shake your thirst with an inviting glass of Blackberry Sweet Tea. For the garnish, cut desired amount of wooden skewers into 5-inch lengths; then place fresh blackberries on skewers.

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Southern Breeze

Recipe: Southern Breeze

This kid-friendly punch makes a special treat out of lemonade mix by mixing it with the tropical flavor of pineapple juice and the bubbly carbonation in ginger ale. Serve with paper cocktail umbrellas for a fun entertaining touch.

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Pineapple-Basil Tea

Photo: Iain Bagwell

Recipe: Pineapple-Basil Tea

Infuse a basic black tea with a burst of tropical flavor and a little sweet basil.

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Lime Fizz

Photo: Jennifer Davick

Recipe: Lime Fizz

This lime soda is a refreshing drink for a picnic. For an adult version, stir in 2/3 cup vodka. The leftover simple syrup can always be stirred into unsweetened iced tea.

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Ginger-and-Honey Sweet Tea

Photo: Jennifer Davick

Recipe: Ginger-and-Honey Sweet Tea

Instead of sweetening your iced tea with sugar, use honey instead. Add some grated fresh ginger for a delightful twist.

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Cantaloupe Cooler

Photo: Van Chaplin

Recipe: Cantaloupe Cooler

Juicy summer melon is even more refreshing when blended with ginger ale, limeade, and a hint of fresh ginger. Substitute watermelon or honeydew if you like.

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Citrus Sweet Tea

Photo: Jennifer Davick

Recipe: Citrus Sweet Tea

Pineapple, orange, lemon juice, and cloves help upgrade this Southern classic. Garnish with lemon slices for a memorable drink.

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Homemade Orange Soda

Recipe: Homemade Orange Soda

This simple mixture of orange juice and lemon-lime soft drink offers the refreshing bubbles from the carbonated soda with the tang of citrus juice.

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Classic Sweet Tea

Photo: Alison Miksch

Recipe: Classic Sweet Tea

We love this recipe because it's got strong tea flavor without being bitter, and it's sweet but not cloying.

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Lemon-Blueberry Sweet Tea

Photo: Jennifer Davick

Recipe: Lemon-Blueberry Sweet Tea

Blueberries and lemon add a refreshing flair to iced tea for your next summer get-together.

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Sparkling Cherry Limeade

Photo: Iain Bagwell; Prop Styling: Annette Joseph; Food Styling: Cynthia Groseclose 

Recipe: Sparkling Cherry Limeade

A fun mocktail you can garnish with margarita salt, limes and cherries. Add a little tequila and a splash of orange liqueur for an extra kick.

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Southern Sweet Tea

Beth Dreiling Hontzas

Recipe: Southern Sweet Tea

Only Southerners understand just how sweet tea should be. Add the full cup of sugar to this recipe if you like yours extra sweet.

Watch Video: Simply Southern Sweet Tea

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Cool Lavender Lemonade

Recipe: Cool Lavender Lemonade

Lavender and mint add a fresh herb flair to classic lemonade. This recipe is perfect for lemonade stands and backyard parties alike.

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Clementine Tea

Photo: Iain Bagwell

Recipe: Clementine Tea

Complete a classic Southern meal with this elegant sipper.

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Mulled Cranberry Sipper

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner

Recipe: Mulled Cranberry Sipper

Kick back and relax with this satisfying mocktail.

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Iced Hibiscus Sweet Tea

Photo: Jennifer Davick

Recipe: Iced Hibiscus Sweet Tea

Try this refreshing and flowery twist on the classic hot-weather staple.

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Blackberry-Lime Agua Fresca

Photo: Hector Sanchez

Recipe: Blackberry-Lime Agua Fresca

Use club soda instead of water to make this a bubbly sipper.

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    Cucumber-Ginger Limeade

    Photo: Hector Sanchez

    Recipe: Cucumber-Ginger Limeade

    Try this cooler with gin, vodka, rum, or tequila.

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    Lemon-Mint Sparklers

    Photo: Hector Sanchez

    Recipe: Lemon-Mint Sparklers

    Make the Lemon-Mint Syrup a week ahead, and keep cold. Chill the club soda, too, but mix the drink just before serving to keep it nice and fizzy. Use leftover syrup to make boozy Lemon-Mint-Bourbon Sparklers for the grown-ups in your crowd, and set up a self-serve beverage station with fresh lemon and mint leaves.

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