Summer has arrived! The sun is starting to shine and heat waves are just around the corner; it’s the perfect time of year to start sampling frozen drinks! Since, summers are full of barbeques, parties, reunions and weddings, now is a great time to stock up on new recipes and tips for drinks to keep you cool and relaxed this summer. Whether you’re lounging by the pool or watching the kids play in the backyard, here are some tips and recipes to make summer tasty.
Before you start, there are a couple of things to think about. If you enjoy frozen drinks frequently, look into buying a nice blender. Some of the more tailored models out now have spouts that make serving drinks ultra easy. They can still be used for smoothies and shakes for the kids as well.
If you don’t have a blender, you can also use a food processor to mix your ingredients. Another option is to put all of the necessary ingredients in a pitcher and stir. Frozen drinks are better when served like a slushy, but it isn’t always a feasible option.
Make sure that you don’t blend your frozen drinks too much. It’s better to have some icy chunks than to over blend, since that will turn the ice watery and thin out your mixed drinks. Make sure if you’re providing straws that you buy large-diameter ones, so that the slush can make its way up more easily. It’s also a great idea to chill the glasses to make sure your drinks stay colder longer.
Margaritas
One of the most known and widely enjoyed blended frozen drinks is the Margarita. Why not grill up some veggies and steak for fajitas, and then make these drinks for a summer fiesta? There are tons of great Margarita mixes out there that are easy to use, just blend with ice and tequila and you’re done. If you’ve got a little more time, make margaritas from scratch with fresh ingredients.
Simple & Delicious Classic Margarita
6-8 oz. tequila
6 oz. fresh lime juice
2-3 oz. triple sec or cointreau
2 tsp. sugar (optional)
Ice
Combine all ingredients in a blender. Add the ice in last to top off blender. Blend until slushy and smooth. Pour in chilled glass with salted rim garnished with a slice of lime.
Daiquiris
Nothing says summer better than fresh berries! You can easily whip up a batch of frozen strawberry daiquiris to share with your guests. This drink is perfect for picnics, a simple and fruity taste to go along with hot dogs and potato salad.
Strawberry Daiquiris
Prep Time: 20 Min
5 cups fresh strawberries
1 cup powdered sugar
6 oz. can frozen lemonade concentrate
2 Tbsp. lemon juice
1.5 cups rum
Pinch of salt
5 cups ginger ale or clear lemon-lime soda
Combine all ingredients except ginger ale or clear soda in a blender or food processor and blend well, then freeze in freezer containers. When ready to serve, fill glass 2/3 full of frozen mixture and top with ginger ale or clear soda, and mix lightly. The frozen mixture will be slushy since alcohol doesn’t freeze. Makes 32 servings
The great thing about this recipe is that you can prepare it ahead of time. It’s an easy drink to make and keep in the freezer for an upcoming party, or to just have handy for impromptu gatherings. It would also be easy to experiment with different types of fruits (peaches would be great). It’s also super easy to try different kinds of alcohol. Make it more like a margarita with tequila or more tropical with flavored rum.
Frozen Orange Juice
Summer is all about relaxation and simplicity. Frozen orange juice is a great way to unwind and relax after a long, hot day. It is easy to make, and even easier to enjoy!
Frozen OJ
4 scoops orange sherbet
1 cup orange juice
1/2 cup vodka
1/4 cup rum
Blend all ingredients in blender at highest speed. The consistency of the mix should be “semi – thick” not so thick that a spoon would stand by itself in the mix, but not as thin as juice. If the mix is too thin, add sherbet, if too thick, add equal amount of juice and alcohol. Pour into glass and place in freezer for 15 minutes.
Large Parties and Gatherings
If you’re having a large party or reunion, you may be looking to cut back a little on the cost. Here are some suggestions for great mixers you can use to stretch your dollars. Mix powdered lemonade with vodka and shaved ice for a delicious adult lemonade. You can also use drinks like V8 Splash to replace the fresh fruit called for in many tropical drink recipes.
When it comes down to it, almost any of the fruity drinks you enjoy at the bar can be tweaked and turned into a blended frozen drink. Just add ice and blend. For a tasty shake, use ice cream and Irish Cream or Kahlua. Along with your favorite liquors, keep sherbet (or sorbet for a non-dairy option) in your freezer. You can bring home any number of fresh fruits during the summer, and whip yourself up a refreshing frozen cocktail. The Internet is teeming with great recipes, but you can also create new favorites as you go. For easy mixed drinks, check out our mixed drink mixer.
