7 Summer-Ready Drinks to Keep You Cool

Sun blazing, pavement shimmering, shirt already sticking to your back… yep, British summer has arrived. Luckily, a good drink can turn that sticky heat into a mini-holiday moment. Below are seven ice-cold sippers—all easy to put together at home—that taste like an instant breeze drifting in from the sea.

1. Strawberry Iced Matcha Latte

Think of this as a smoothie-meets-tea mash-up: bright green matcha floating over blushing strawberry puree. Start by blitzing a handful of ripe berries (or a few canned ones with their syrup) until completely smooth. Spoon that ruby layer into the bottom of a tall glass and tumble in a fistful of ice. Next comes 200 ml of your favourite cold milk—dairy for richness, oat for extra creaminess, almond if you like a nutty twist. Whisk 4 g of matcha with 60 ml of 80 °C water for a full two minutes (it pays off in froth), then pour slowly over the milk so the colours stack like a traffic-light. Final touch: a drizzle of maple syrup if you have a sweet tooth. The result tastes like strawberries-and-cream went on a zen retreat.

2. Cucumber & Mint Sparkling Water

Ridiculously simple, criminally refreshing. Slice half a cucumber into coins, slap a generous bunch of mint leaves between your palms to wake up the oils, and drop both into a jug. Fill with chilled sparkling water and let it sit for five minutes while you hunt for suncream. Add a squeeze of lime or a couple of orange wheels if you fancy more citrus sparkle. Every sip is spa-water chic without the spa price, and the low effort means you can refill the jug all afternoon without missing any hammock time.

3. Iced Hojicha Latte

Hojicha is roasted green tea—soft, nutty, and naturally lower in caffeine—so it’s perfect for late-afternoon cooling without the bedtime guilt. Whisk 4 g of hojicha powder (or brew a strong shot if you have the loose-leaf) with hot water until smooth. Let it cool a minute, then load a tumbler with ice and 200 ml of chilled milk. Pour the tea over the top, watch the swirls settle into a warm caramel colour, and sweeten with a dash of brown sugar syrup if you like a toasty dessert vibe. What you get is mellow, gently smoky comfort that still feels lively over ice.

4. Frozen Pineapple-Coconut Slush

This one is basically a beach holiday in blender form. Freeze pineapple chunks overnight (tinned is fine—just drain them first). In the morning, blitz two cups of frozen fruit with ¾ cup of coconut milk, a squeeze of lime, and a teaspoon of honey or agave. The blender will roar, then reward you with a frosty, spoon-able slush. Serve it in a hollowed-out pineapple if you want pure pool-bar drama, or just in a mason jar with a paper parasol. It’s creamy, tangy, and—bonus—dairy-free.

5. Cold-Brew Hibiscus Tea

Hibiscus petals steep into a deep ruby drink that looks like liquid sunset. Pop two tablespoons of dried petals into a litre of cold water, leave it in the fridge overnight, and strain in the morning. The slow extraction keeps the flavour bright but not bitter. Pour over ice, garnish with orange wheels, and add a cinnamon stick if you’re adventurous. It’s caffeine-free, high in vitamin C, and tastes tart enough to make your cheeks do that happy pucker.

6. Yuzu Soda

If you’ve never tried yuzu, imagine a citrus fruit that borrowed the best bits of lemon, lime, and mandarin. Grab a bottle of yuzu cordial (Asian supermarkets or posh grocery aisles have it), mix 30 ml with sparkling water over plenty of ice, and stir. The aroma alone feels like opening a fresh packet of sunshine. For extra flair, slip in a sprig of rosemary or a slice of grapefruit. It’s zingy without being sour and pairs beautifully with grilled seafood at a barbecue.

7. Iced Earl Grey with Honey & Lemon

Earl Grey’s bergamot notes go from cosy to crisp when served cold. Brew two tea bags in 250 ml of boiling water for five minutes, then dilute with another 250 ml of cold water and chill. When you’re ready, fill a glass with ice, pour in the tea, swirl in a teaspoon of honey, and squeeze over a wedge of lemon. The slight floral edge of the bergamot lifts the whole drink, making it taste far fancier than the 30-pence tea bag would suggest.

Final Sip

Whether you choose layers of fruity matcha, spa-mint spritz, or the roasty calm of an iced hojicha latte, these seven drinks prove you don’t need barista skills—or a cocktail budget—to feel refreshed. Keep your freezer stocked with fruit, your fridge stocked with ice-cold milk or sparkling water, and your cupboard ready with a couple of teas. Summer, sorted.