Creative Cold Beverage Recipes For Hot Summer Days

Nothing cools you down better on a hot summer day than an icy treat or a nice cool drink. Following are some of my kids’ favourite cold beverage recipes.

PB & J In A Glass

It may sound gross to us parents but kids love them. And would you believe this recipe even includes the bread? The bread is what gives this drink its creamy texture. But don’t worry, the bread doesn’t get stuck in the straw that is, so long as you remember to remove the crusts.

This two-toned smoothie has all the protein, calcium, fibre and vitamins of a good lunch.

Half cup vanilla yogurt

One tablespoon smooth peanut butter

One tablespoon milk

Half cup of strawberries (fresh or frozen)

Half slice bread (crusts removed and broken up in small pieces)

One tablespoon strawberry jam

Using a blender, process yogurt, peanut butter, and milk until smooth. Pour into a glass and then place in freezer. Rinse blender. Then mix strawberries, bread and jam until smooth. You may need to scrape down the sides of the blender a few times. Pour the strawberry puree over the peanut butter mixture. For the final touch, swirl together with a straw before drinking. Serves one.

Fruit Slushee

If your kids like kiwi as much as my kids do, you’ve got to try this recipe. The sweet-tart flavour of the kiwi is a natural complement to citrus.

One large orange, peeled and halved, seeds removed

One third cup lemon sorbet

One kiwi, peeled, cut into pieces

One tablespoon sugar

Cut orange into small chunks. Using a blender, process until pureed. Add remaining ingredients and blend until smooth. Serves two.

Purple Cow

I’m sure your kids have heard of brown cows but what about purple cows? If your kids like the colour purple and are up for a sense of adventure here’s a fun drink to try. (Note: you will want to plan ahead for this recipe by making some milk ice cubes in advance.)

Three milk ice cubes

Half cup purple grape juice

One cup blueberries (fresh or frozen)

One teaspoon sugar

Ten mini marshmallows

In a blender, crush milk cubes; add grape juice, blueberries and sugar. Blend until smooth. Pour into glasses and garnish with mini marshmallows. Serves two.