As we say goodbye to the chilly mornings and cool weather, one way to welcome the Boston heat and humidity is by sipping cold, refreshing drinks in the hot weather.
But for students, especially the ones who are sticking around campus during summer break, daily runs to Starbucks and overpriced boba drinks don’t seem very budget-friendly.
However, the good news is that to enjoy creative summer drinks, you don’t need pricey ingredients or expert cooking skills. A few grocery store staples, lots of ice and a blender are all you need to beat the heat.
If you’re ready to move on from the classic iced coffees and lemonades, try these five budget-friendly summer drinks that are easy to make and way more interesting.
Coconut water is a great source of hydration and a wonderful ingredient to experiment with.
To make coconut cucumber spritz, all you need is coconut water, cucumber slices and a squeeze of lemon or lime.
Chill the cucumber slices before making the drink. Once they’re cold, add them into a glass along with lemon or lime juice and coconut water.
Returning home after a walk or a sweaty T ride? This concoction is perfect to make you feel rejuvenated.
Indian spiced buttermilk is considered the ultimate summer drink in India and is very easy to make. Known as “chaas” in India, this drink needs very few ingredients, including yogurt, cold water, salt, roasted cumin powder and chopped cilantro or mint.
This drink is incredibly refreshing, especially on hot days. The yogurt is good for your gut, while the spices help with digestion.
Chaas is a game-changer for anyone who is bored with sweet summer drinks.
If you are craving something that tastes like vacation in a glass, then the frozen pineapple ginger crush will be your go-to drink this summer. Get ready to be transported to a tropical island with this one — no passport needed.
Grab some pineapple chunks, grated or powdered ginger and orange juice. Put all the ingredients in a blender with ice and blend until it becomes slushy. Pour it in your favorite glass or tumbler and enjoy.
Another great crowd-pleaser is Thai limeade.
For this, you will need lime juice, sugar, salt, cold water, ice and fresh mint leaves.
Squeeze the lime juice into the glass, add sugar and a pinch of salt. Muddle it with fresh mint, add cold water and ice and stir. The combination of sweet, sour and salty is unmatchable, and it cools you down fast.
You can also replace water with sparkling water for fizz or add crushed berries for a fruity twist.
Saving the best for last: The final drink is the nostalgic orange cream sparkle.
Get store-bought orange juice, vanilla extract and club soda to make this drink. Mix them with some ice to create a fancy, fizzy drink.
Host a movie night with your friends and serve it — be assured that everyone will be asking you for the recipe.
All these drinks are flavorful and require minimal effort, and options like spiced buttermilk, pineapple ginger juice and limeade have many health benefits as well.
Trying these drinks is also a fun way to explore new flavors without making a hole in your wallet. If you’re feeling fancy, don’t stop yourself from pouring these drinks into a fancy glass and posting the pictures on social media.
For anyone who’s navigating a summer internship, part-time job or homesickness, these creative drinks are the best way to cool down.
So, stock up your ingredients, find a cool glass and let the chef in you shine this summer.
