The Ultimate Summer Drinks & Desserts Bucket List

Summer is filled with many fun foods and drinks that are fitting for the hot weather. With only 11 weeks left until the official end of the season, we created a list of 11 foods/drinks you should be sure to make before the season ends. That’s only one recipe a week! Plus, all these recipes can be made with the help of a juicer/blender.

1. Sorbet

Arguably, the number one summer dessert is ice cream. As tasty as ice cream is, the sugar-filled, dairy-made dessert can be unhealthy and unsuitable for people who are lactose intolerant. Luckily, there is a healthier, dairy-free alternative called sorbet. Sorbet is frozen fruit juice with a similar texture to ice cream, which also gives it the name “nice cream”. Sorbet can be made with all Kuvings Whole Slow Juicers using the sorbet strainer or with a blender. Check out this guide on how to use the sorbet strainer and our sorbet recipes here.

2. Milkshake

Just like ice cream, milkshakes might be a no-go for some people. But, simply exclude ice cream and substitute dairy milk with plant-based alternatives like almond or oat milk to make a dairy-free, vegan milkshake. You can make plant-based milk in a juicer and then combine the milk with frozen ingredients, sweetener, ice, and other desired ingredients in a blender to whip up your perfect summer shake. 

3. Popsicles

If you prefer lighter treats, then popsicles are just for you. Popsicles can be made solely from fresh juice. Create your own flavor combinations by juicing your favorite ingredients, pouring the juice into popsicle molds, and freezing them to perfection. Try this popsicle recipe by @haroldleffall! 

Watermelon Blueberry Popsicles

• 4 cups watermelon
• 1 cup blueberries

4. Slushie

Slushies are a beloved choice among children, offering a refreshing and icy experience. Just like milkshakes, you can utilize a juicer to extract fresh fruit juice. Blend your fruit juice with ice and natural sweetener, and pour in the soda water after blending everything together. The key to the ultimate slushy concoction is a lot of ice! To enhance the visual appeal, incorporate pigmented fruits for a vibrant burst of color.

5. Smoothie

Smoothies provide a delightful and refreshing way to incorporate fiber into your summer drinks. What's even better is that all Kuvings Whole Slow Juicers are compatible with a smoothie strainer allowing you to effortlessly create velvety smoothies with ease. For a step-by-step guide on using the smoothie strainer, be sure to check out our informative guide. However, if you don't have a juicer with a smoothie strainer or prefer a smoothie bowl experience, we recommend utilizing the power of a Kuvings Blender. Get smoothie recipes here.

6. Cocktails/Mocktails

Cocktails are alcohol-based mixed drinks. Beyond spirits, cocktails can feature a delightful blend of fruit juices, flavored syrups, soda, tonic water, shrubs, bitters, and garnishes. For those seeking non-alcoholic alternatives, mocktails or virgin cocktails are the perfect choice. Ideal for non-drinkers and children, these alcohol-free concoctions are just as delicious and refreshing.  You can use a juicer to create the fruit juices for your cocktails/mocktails and get cocktail and mocktail recipes here.

7. Fruit Punch

Fruit punch, a beloved classic, brings together a medley of fruit juices, water, and a touch of sweetness. It has become a staple at parties and gatherings due to its ability to be prepared in large quantities and served in eye-catching punch bowls. For those looking to add a little extra punch, alcohol can be incorporated to create spirited variations. Here's a non-alcoholic recipe by @juicingwithmaddy!

Tropical Punch

• 2 cups of strawberries 
• ½ any melon of choice 
• 1 ½ cup of raspberries

8. Agua Fresca

Agua fresca, meaning "fresh water" in Spanish, is a delightful drink made from a blend of fruit, water, lime juice, and sweetener. Originally hailing from Mexico, this beverage has gained popularity throughout Latin America for its vibrant flavors. Besides fruit, you can explore exciting variations using cereals, seeds, and even flowers. These are some of the popular flavors:

To make an agua fresca with a juicer, toss your fruit and lime in a juicer. Pour the juice into a glass or pitcher with ice and water and stir in the sweetener of your choice. If you don’t have a juicer, you can toss all the ingredients in a blender and strain it.

9. Lemonade

Summer wouldn't be complete without the iconic lemonade stand, where the classic recipe of freshly squeezed lemons, water, sweetener, and ice takes center stage. This timeless base offers the perfect canvas for adding your own creative twists and customizing your lemonade. For example, our green lemonade recipe features an unexpected combination of apples and spinach. If you plan on making a lot of lemonade or juicing citrus frequently, investing in our citrus attachment makes juicing citrus fruits a breeze. 

10. Iced Tea

If you're a tea lover but find it too hot to enjoy a steaming cup in summer, simply add some ice to your tea, and voila – iced tea. To enhance the taste of your iced tea, incorporate ingredients such as fruits, sweeteners, and mint. While fruits can be used as a garnish, consider juicing them and infusing your tea for a bolder fruit flavor. Want to get creative? Try making a tea out of juice pulp for a unique twist.

11. Juice

While juice can be enjoyed year-round, the delectable flavors of summer fruits and vegetables make summer juice recipes unique. While many items on this list highlight the use of fruits, juice provides an excellent opportunity to incorporate vegetables and reduce sugar intake. For an added cooling and refreshing effect, consider adding ice to your juices, perfect for those who don't mind a slightly diluted flavor. Try this juice recipe by @littlekalegirl!

Red Power Juice

• 2 pomegranates
• 1 cup raspberries
• 1 lime
• 1 red pepper
• Small piece of ginger

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