25 Old Fashioned Summer Drinks

When summer rolls around, I always find myself reaching for a few old fashioned summer drinks that I know everyone at the table will enjoy. This roundup brings together classic summer drink recipes that are simple, refreshing, and perfect for everyday sipping, holidays, and relaxed backyard gatherings.

From sweet tea and lemonade to nostalgic soda shop favorites, these drinks have long been a staple in my kitchen, especially during the hottest days of summer. They’re the kind of beverages that feel right for porch sitting, family cookouts, church picnics, and those slow, memory-filled afternoons.

I’ve gathered some of the best easy summer drinks recipes here, including familiar non-alcoholic summer drinks and vintage-inspired favorites home cooks return to year after year. These are dependable, refreshing options that feel comforting, traditional, and easy to share.

1

Arnold Palmer Drink

This classic Arnold Palmer Drink is a refreshing combination of unsweetened iced tea and homemade lemonade. It is one of my favorite summer beverages, and it is perfect for pool parties, patio and deck parties, and picnics.

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2

Buttermilk Fruit Drink

3 ingredients to make the most delicious, nutritious, probiotic-rich buttermilk smoothie. Lots of smoothie add-in ideas included!

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3

Cherry Lime Rickey

Looking for a low calorie, zero sugar cocktail that's as easy to make as it is refreshing? Look no further than the Gin Rickey.

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4

Holiday Punch

Holiday Punch with cranberry and pineapple juice, lemon-lime soda. Christmas punch recipe easy holiday drink most popular holiday recipes.

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5

Classic Iced Tea with Lemon

The Long Island Iced Tea is as boozy as cocktails get. But with four liquors, one liqueur, lemon and cola, it somehow works.

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6

Classic Southern Sweet Tea

Southern Sweet Tea is easily made with tea bags, sugar, and water. There is nothing better than a tall glass of this refreshing summertime treat.

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7

Chocolate Milk (Homemade Syrup)

Make your own chocolate syrup with this quick, simple recipe that tastes better than store-bought. Use it for chocolate milk or your favorite dessert.

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8

Coca-Cola Float

This Cherry Cola Float recipe is a classic and delightful dessert drink that combines the flavors of cherry cola and creamy chocolate ice cream.

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9

Cucumber Lemon Water

Liven up water by infusing it with fruit and herbs! Adding sliced cucumber, lemon, and fresh herbs adds a subtle flavor to plain water without adding any sugar or calories. Try other combinations like watermelon and rosemary, pineapple and mint, or anything else you can come up with!

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10

Fresh Squeezed Lemonade

Our best lemonade recipe starts with a homemade simple syrup which can be made ahead and stored in the fridge. It makes a refreshing drink for a hot day

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11

Fruit Shrub

This fresh fruit shrub recipe is an easy way to add something tangy to your favorite drink or cocktail. Just add sparkling water or alcohol.

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12

Grape Mint Spritzer with Grape Ice Cubes

An easy spritzer to serve at your Passover Seder, or literally any day. Grape Mint Spritzer with Grape Ice Cubes (vodka optional).

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13

Iced Coffee (Old-Fashioned Style)

Learn how to make iced coffee with this iced coffee recipe! We use instant coffee in this easy, delicious cheater-version of iced cappuccino.

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14

Fresh Homemade Limeade

With just 3 ingredients, everyone loves this traditional sweet-tart drink when the weather starts to warm.

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15

Orange Creamsicle Smoothie

This orange creamsicle smoothie is full of delicious orange flavor and perfectly creamy without! All you need are a few simple ingredients!

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16

Orange Julius Recipe

All you need is 5 ingredients and 5 minutes to make this creamy, frothy and refreshing Orange Julius recipe!

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17

Peach Iced Tea

This refreshing peach iced tea is easy to make with cold brew tea bags. No boiling or waiting for it to cool. Simply mix ingredients, garnish with fresh peaches and serve!

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18

Pineapple Juice Punch

This easy Pineapple Orange Punch is a delicious drink to serve. Berries, fruit juice, and soda makes a kid-friendly party drink.

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19

Pink Lemonade

This incredibly easy, 3-ingredient vibrant pink punch is a fruity and delicious all-time favorite that you can whip up in minutes!

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20

Raspberry Iced Tea

This Raspberry Iced Tea combines the refreshing flavor of iced tea with the sweetness and tartness of fresh raspberries for an easy summer drink!

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21

Root Beer Float

Tall glasses overflowing with root beer and vanilla ice cream. Top with whipped cream and cherries for a touch of elegance.

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22

Strawberry Lemonade

Easy and quick homemade strawberry lemonade recipe, made in the blender using lemons, strawberries and honey. Replace lemons with limes for strawberry limeade.

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23

Sun Tea Recipe

Let the Sunshine make this Sun Tea Recipe. All you need is tea bags, water and the sun to make this delicious tea recipe.

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24

Vanilla Milkshake Recipe

It’s hard to beat a great milkshake, and this old-fashioned vanilla milkshake recipe is sure to become a summertime favorite.

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25

Watermelon Agua Fresca

Agua fresca is a fruity Mexican drink that’s easy to make at home with this recipe that blends refreshing watermelon with water, lime, and ice.

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