1. Frozen lemonade
Lemonade is already the ultimate hot weather drink, but using a from-scratch recipe (instead of a powder mix) and freezing the finished product takes it to the next level. Martha Stewart's recipe calls for 'ade made from just water, sugar, and freshly squeezed lemon juice; then freeze for up to three days in a baking dish, and transfer to glasses when you're ready to serve. Another variety: Add frozen mixed berries like Chef Savvy did for an extra burst of sweet-tart flavor.
2. Frozen coffee
During the summer, trade your afternoon latte for an icy frappe that mimics the one at your favorite coffee shop -- but while letting you control the sugar and fat content. Oprah recommends brewing double-strength coffee (so the iced version doesn't become a watered down fail that leaves you fading during your 3 p.m. meeting). Blend with milk, sugar, and ice, adding more ice for a frostier texture, and top with chocolate sauce and whipped cream for a decadent treat (we like this recipe from Simple Bites).
3. Butterbeer
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios has plenty of rides and attractions to thrill lovers of the book and movie series -- but you don't have to care at all about the Boy Who Lived to enjoy a glass of frozen butterbeer. Though the park hasn't released its official recipe for the drink, which author J.K. Rowling invented for the books, most recipe attempts share similar ingredients-- cream soda, butterscotch, whipped cream for topping -- and can be served mixed or blended with ice. (No Biggie put together one of the simplest recipes we found, while Delish adds butterscotch syrup to the cream soda and includes a recipe for homemade whipped topping.)
4. Wine slushies
Think of these wine slushies as your daily smoothie -- but with your favorite vino instead of the milk (and the kale). Blend sauvignon blanc with strawberries and peaches; red wine with peaches and mint; rose with elderflower lemonade; riesling with peaches and cherries; or merlot with blackberries and sugar to turn a simple glass of wine into a chilly treat. (Try them with sparkling wine or champagne, too -- like watermelon mixed with prosecco and Limoncello in this recipe from Floating Kitchen.) They're the perfect drink for happy hour on your next beach vacation or drinks on the patio during a neighborhood cocktail party.
5. Frozen mojito
Light, refreshing mojitos, with their mix of simple syrup, lime, mint, and rum, are a famous Cuban warm-weather staple. Give your next batch an extra dose of chill by blending the traditional ingredients in Tyler Florence's recipe from the Food Network with two cups of ice per serving. For an even more tropical taste, include chunks of frozen mango and garnish with fresh mint.
6. Frozen sangria
This super flexible recipe for frozen sangria from Gimme Some Oven is a no-fuss drink you can throw together in minutes: It doesn't require the usual marinating time of traditional sangria, and it will turn out tasty even if you switch up the type of wine or amount of fruit. Frozen berries, fresh orange and lime juice, Cointreau or brandy, and a sweetener of your choice combine for a sweet and fruity drink that will be a hit at your next impromptu cookout.
