Best Refreshing Drinks for the Summer Heat

Summer heat calls for one thing: serious refreshment. Whether you’re lounging in a park, melting on a crowded train, or trying to survive an office with no aircon, these drinks will keep you cool, hydrated, and just a bit happier. From herbal infusions to creamy lattes, here are four of the best thirst-quenchers to sip all summer long.

1. Iced Matcha Latte (with Haki Tea)

There’s something deeply satisfying about an iced matcha latte — earthy, creamy, and just the right hit of caffeine to keep you going without the jitters. What makes it better? Using premium matcha like the one from Haki Tea.

Haki’s matcha is sourced straight from Japan and has that signature vibrant green colour and smooth umami flavour. Unlike bitter, low-grade matcha that clumps and tastes like a lawn, Haki delivers a velvety texture and naturally sweet finish that shines in iced drinks. Just sift a teaspoon into a bowl, whisk with a splash of hot water until frothy, then pour over ice and cold oat or almond milk. You can add a dash of honey or maple syrup if you like it sweeter.

It’s perfect for mid-morning breaks, afternoon slumps, or sipping on your balcony in the evening. Plus, matcha has L-theanine, which means calm, focused energy — ideal if you’re avoiding coffee crashes.

Whether you’re new to matcha or already obsessed, Haki Tea makes it easy to upgrade your summer ritual with something that feels both energising and soothing.

2. Cucumber Mint Sparkler

Looking for something fizzy, light, and incredibly hydrating? The cucumber mint sparkler is as close as you’ll get to sipping a breeze on a hot day. It’s ultra-refreshing, zero caffeine, and takes almost no time to make.

Just muddle a few slices of cucumber and fresh mint leaves in a glass, add a squeeze of lime, and top it all off with sparkling water (or soda water if you like a bit more kick). Add ice and you’re done. Want to elevate it? Drop in a slice of jalapeño for a subtle spicy twist or add a splash of elderflower cordial for a floral note.

Cucumber is over 90% water, so it’s great for rehydrating when the sun is blazing. Mint cools you down almost instantly, and the bubbles make it feel like a proper treat. It’s also a great alcohol-free option to serve at garden parties or BBQs — just serve in a fancy glass and you’re set.

Perfect for: after-work refreshment, park picnics, or lounging in your garden with a good book.

3. Watermelon & Lime Slush

When the thermometer hits those unbearable highs, sometimes only a frozen drink will do — and this one hits the spot. Watermelon and lime are a match made in heatwave heaven: one’s juicy and sweet, the other’s tangy and sharp. Blend them together with ice and a touch of honey, and you’ve got yourself a homemade slushie that’ll cool you from the inside out.

Chop up a few cups of watermelon (bonus points if it’s been sitting in the fridge), squeeze in a whole lime, add a small spoon of honey or agave, then blend with a handful of ice. That’s it. You get a naturally hydrating, no-artificial-colour summer drink that tastes like holidays.

Watermelon is not only packed with water but also contains electrolytes like potassium, so it’s ideal after a sweaty walk or beach day. Plus, you can easily spike it with a splash of vodka or tequila if you’re feeling cheeky.

Pro tip: freeze chunks of watermelon ahead of time to skip the ice and get an even thicker texture.

4. Cold Brew Hibiscus Tea

If you’re craving something bold, tart, and a little different from your usual iced tea, hibiscus is the way to go. Its deep ruby colour and cranberry-like tang make it feel special — and it’s caffeine-free, so you can sip it all day without worry.

To make it, steep dried hibiscus flowers (or hibiscus tea bags) in cold water overnight in the fridge. Strain it the next day, add a touch of honey or orange juice if the tartness is too much, and serve over ice with a slice of orange. You can also mix in a few crushed raspberries or a cinnamon stick for a twist.

Hibiscus is loaded with antioxidants and has even been linked to lowering blood pressure. But more importantly for summer? It’s tangy, cooling, and gorgeous to look at — especially in a clear glass under the sun.

It’s also endlessly customisable. Mix it with sparkling water, blend with berries, or pour it into popsicle molds for grown-up ice lollies.

Final Sip:
Whether you’re after an energising pick-me-up or a fruity cooler, there’s a refreshing drink for every summer mood. But if you’re only trying one new thing this season, make it the iced matcha latte — especially with top-grade matcha from Haki Tea. Cool, calm, and caffeinated — that’s summer, sorted.