Cucumber and Basil Slush

With temperatures rising into the 90s and above, everyone is looking for a way to cool off. One of my favorite ways is with an icy beverage known as the slush—a simple combination of ice and liquid in a blender. Since the temperature is dramatic, I figured even the slush needed to be taken up a notch by using the classic, cool flavor combination of cucumber and lime, brightened up with fresh basil leaves.

Pomelo and Basil Cocktail

I like to pair pomelo with herbal flavors, especially basil. The slight sweetness of both the pomelo and basil work really well together, but they're both able to hold their own and bring depth to a cocktail

Hibiscus-Tequila Cooler

A cocktail in a pitcher means more time outside relaxing and less time inside making drinks. Hibiscus gives this tequila drink a tart and floral flavor and a gorgeous color.

Pamplemousse Cooler (Vodka-Cucumber Cocktail With Grapefruit LaCroix)

You'll be cool as a cucumber sipping this vodka drink, which gets a delicate vegetal flavor from muddled cucumber and a soft sweetness from elderflower liqueur.

Cucumber-Basil Lemonade With Lemongrass

Thai flavors of basil and lemongrass combine with cooling cucumber in this mildly savory but totally drinkably tart lemonade variation.

Strawberry Soda Recipe with Basil - Striped Spatula

Turn fresh fruit and herbs into refreshing, easy-to-make strawberry soda! It's the perfect pick-me-up on a hot day. You can also turn it into a cocktail for the adults - recipe inspo in the article!

Honey-Basil Lemonade

This simple lemonade combines fresh basil with a touch of honey.

Strawberry-Mint Sparkler

Juicy summer strawberries are combined with tart lime juice and bright mint in this sweet and sour effervescent vodka cocktail. It's light, not too sugary, and eminently day-drinkable.

Raspberry Limeade

A sweetened, non-alcoholic take on the Raspberry Lime Rickey, fresh raspberries are pureed with lime juice and just the right amount of sugar. Serve ice cold, with a splash of gin or vodka if you'd like.

Cucumber-Tequila Cooler

Cucumbers and celery add a cooling vegetal note to this tart and refreshing tequila cocktail.