Poolside drink recipes

A day of sun and fun in the pool calls for healthy snacks and tasty thirst-quenchers! All of that exercise and the warm temperatures mean you'll want to provide liquid refreshments that are satisfying and help everyone keep their cool while staying hydrated. Try some old favorites with a creative twist!

Lemonades

Nothing says summer like a tall, icy-cold glass of lemonade. Simply combine 1-1/2 cups of lemon juice with 2-1/2 cups of sugar and 9 cups of water, then stir until well blended and serve over ice. If you're worried about too much sugar, substitute a powdered or liquid sweetener for the sugar.

For a sparkling lemonade, replace the water with club soda or diet lemon-lime soda. Add some pizzazz with mint: stir three drops of peppermint extract into the lemonade and garnish each glass with a sprig of fresh mint -- so refreshing on a steamy summer day!

Fruity variations are easy and delicious -- replace the water with grape or orange juice, or blend in frozen strawberries, raspberries or chunks of ripe pear. Grow it up for adults by mixing the lemonade half-and-half with a favorite tea -- or treat kids to lemonade mixed with softened fruit sherbet for a cooling and filling drink.

Smoothies

Refreshing and satisfying, smoothies boost energy and deliver a healthy punch of fruit goodness while cooling you off. Blend ice and low-fat milk or Silk with favorite fruits for creative smoothie combinations. Seasonal melon -- like cantaloupe -- pairs well with blueberries and strawberries for a yummy smoothie. Make a banana smoothie with an edge by adding a few chocolate chips or some sliced peaches or apricots. Use orange or apple juice instead of milk and blend in other fruits for a thirst-quenching smoothie that's loaded with vitamins and sweet satisfaction.

Punch

Fruit punches are a great poolside beverage, and recipes are adaptable: non-alcoholic for the kids and delicious cocktails for the adults. Ruby red punch is simple: for each glass, combine 2 ounces of cranberry juice, 1/2 ounce of lemon juice and 1 ounce of orange juice poured over ice and topped with 2 ounces of ginger ale. Garnish with a thin slice of orange or lemon.

Cocktails

Sweet sangria is an ideal adult poolside refresher. For 20 servings, you'll need two bottles of Chablis, 3 ounces of Curacao, 1 ounce of Kirsch, 2-1/2 ounces of lemon or lime juice, sugar to taste, 3 cups of orange juice, one orange sliced into thin pieces and a bottle of club soda. Combine all ingredients -- except the club soda and orange slices -- and chill well. Just before serving, add the club soda and stir. Garnish glasses with an orange slice and add the remaining slices to the liquid, stirring again.

A hint of sweetness is welcome in a summer-favorite Crantini. Mix 2 ounces of vodka with 1/4 ounce of cranberry juice and 1/4 ounce of melon liqueur. Blend these ingredients in an ice-filled shaker and serve in chilled martini glasses. A spear with a chunk of fresh melon makes a perfect garnish for this smooth cocktail.

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