This is our first time writing an article together, and instead of easing into it, we decided to jump in headfirst, with ice cubes, blenders, and an unusual amount of fruit. Even though the weather hasn’t caught up to summer yet, we figured now was the perfect time to try out a few refreshing drink recipes before summer hits.
We chose three different beverages that cover a range of vibes: something fruity and frozen, something clean and light, and something sugary and fun. Our goal? To figure out which drink is actually worth making when it does start to feel like summer. We ranked each on taste, healthiness, how realistic it is to make without turning your kitchen into a disaster, and we did include price.
Here’s what we found.
Frozen Strawberry Lemonade
What’s in it: Lemonade, frozen strawberries, ice, and a splash of Sprite—all blended until smooth.
Price Estimate: Around $6–$8 total, or $2–$3 per serving.
(Frozen strawberries: $3, lemonade: $2, Sprite: $1)
This one sounded like the safest choice: nothing too strange, easy ingredients, and the promise of something cold and fruity. It ended up being exactly that.
How to Make It:
Add 1½ cups of frozen strawberries, 1 cup of lemonade, and a handful of ice to a blender.
Blend until smooth.
Add a splash of Sprite and pulse a few more times.
Pour into a glass and serve with a lemon slice (if you’re being fancy).
Serena:
Out of the three drinks, this one felt the most like something you’d find at a fair or a summer concession stand. It’s bright, a little tart, and has a fun texture that feels like a mix between a slushie and a smoothie. I liked how easy it was to throw together, plus, the Sprite added a nice amount of fizz without making it taste artificial. I gave it a 9/10 overall. I’d definitely make it again.
Margaux:
This was my favorite. It was sweet without being overwhelming and had a nice balance of flavor. It’s the kind of drink that makes you feel like you’re doing summer right, even if it’s cloudy outside. Also, it’s perfect for tanning, it’s cold enough to keep you cool, not too messy to deal with outside, and easy to sip! I gave it a 10/10. It’s simple, refreshing, and worth the effort.
Watermelon Cucumber Refresher
What’s in it: Watermelon, cucumber, mint, lime juice—blended and poured over ice.
Price Estimate: Around $7–$9 total, or $2–$3 per serving.
(Watermelon: $4, cucumber: $1, limes: $1, mint: $1)
This drink sounds healthy, and it tastes healthy too. But in a good way.
How to Make It:
Add 2 cups of chopped watermelon, ½ a cucumber (peeled), the juice of one lime, and a few mint leaves into a blender.
Blend until smooth.
Strain the mixture using a fine mesh sieve (optional, but it removes pulp).
Pour over ice and garnish with extra mint or cucumber slices.
Serena:
I actually really liked this one. It doesn’t have a strong flavor, but it’s really refreshing. The cucumber balances out the sweetness of the watermelon, and the mint gives it a clean finish. If you’re looking for something that won’t make you feel like you just drank sugar syrup, this is the one. It feels like something you’d get at a juice bar. 8/10 for me.
Margaux:
I appreciated how light and hydrating it was, but I felt like the flavor was a little too subtle. It almost felt more like spa water than an actual drink you’d crave. Still, it’s probably the best for your body out of all three, and it was super easy to make. I gave it a 7/10. It’s good, just not my favorite taste wise.
Shirley Temple Float
What’s in it: Grenadine, ginger ale, vanilla ice cream—plus optional cherries or orange slices on top.
Price Estimate: Around $8–$10 total, or $2.50–$3.50 per serving.
(Grenadine: $3, ginger ale: $2, ice cream: $3)
This one definitely leaned more toward dessert than drink. If you have a sweet tooth, you’ll probably love it.
How to Make It:
Add 1–2 tablespoons of grenadine syrup to the bottom of a glass.
Fill the glass halfway with ginger ale.
Add one generous scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Top it off with a cherry or orange slice, if you’re feeling extra.
Serena:
This was fun, but very sweet. The ginger ale and grenadine combo is already sugary, and once you add ice cream, it basically becomes a float. I liked the texture and how nostalgic it felt—it reminded me of birthday parties or after school treats. That said, I could only take a few sips before it became too much. I gave it a 7/10. Great for a one time thing, but not something I’d reach for regularly.
Margaux:
I had a similar reaction. The first few sips were fun, but then it started to feel like I was just drinking soda over ice cream. It’s definitely not the most practical drink, but it is the most creative. If you want to serve something dramatic and over the top, this is your pick. I gave it a 7.5/10 for the nostalgia and the presentation, but I’d only make it again if I was having a party.
Final Verdict
Each drink had its strengths, but they definitely suit different moods. The Frozen Strawberry Lemonade was the most balanced and likely to please your friends, it looked great, tasted great, and was super easy to blend up. The Watermelon Cucumber Refresher was the healthiest option, perfect for when you want something light and hydrating without a sugar crash. The Shirley Temple Float was the most indulgent, a fun treat, but not an everyday drink.
From a pricing perspective, all three drinks were surprisingly affordable, especially if you’re splitting them with friends. None of the ingredients cost more than $10, and if you’re working with stuff you already have at home, you could easily get the cost down to just a couple bucks per serving.
If you’re prepping for a warm weather get-together, we’d recommend the Frozen Strawberry Lemonade as your go to. But if you’re looking to stay cool in your own way, all three have something to offer. Try them all and find your favorite!
Works Cited:
Nye, J. (2021, June 8). Easy frozen strawberry lemonade. I Heart Naptime. https://www.iheartnaptime.net/frozen-strawberry-lemonade/
Cope, C. G. (2024, April 11). Watermelon cucumber Agua Fresca. Umami Girl. https://umamigirl.com/cucumber-watermelon-juice/
Best shirley temple floats recipe – how to make a shirley temple float. (n.d.). https://www.delish.com/cooking/recipe-ideas/a60792738/shirley-temple-float-recipe/