In the summer all I want to do is sit on my patio and sip on a cool refreshing drink! While a margarita or mojito may sound tempting, I try to keep the alcoholic drinks for special occasions only. Here are a few simple drink ideas that will quench your thirst on a hot day and satisfy your desire for something sweet!

1. Flavour Infused Water:

We all know how important water consumption is, especially in hot temperatures. Add some life to your H2O by adding in fresh fruits and herbs. Here are just a few of the many flavour combinations you could try!

• Frozen Raspberries & Mint
• Frozen Strawberries & Basil
• Lemon & Cucumber
• Frozen Peaches & Blueberries

2. Rosemary Lemonade:

I am a huge lemonade fan but a typical store-bought variety usually comes with a good serving of unnecessary white sugar. This easy to make version is just as tart and tangy but provides a healthier and more natural sweetness.

• 6 lemons
• 3-4 sprigs of rosemary
• 1 tsp liquid Stevia (try the lemon drop flavour!)
• 6 cups water

In a small saucepan combine 1 1/2 cups water with 1/2 tsp of stevia and a large sprig of rosemary. Bring to a boil over medium heat. Remove from heat and allow the water to cool. Once cooled, discard the rosemary sprig.

Meanwhile, extract the juice from the lemons. In a large pitcher combine the lemon juice, sweetened water, 1/2 tsp Stevia and the remaining cold water. Stir together. Serve over ice & garnish with a few lemon slices and rosemary sprigs. Serves 4-6.

3. Sweet Sun Tea

Growing up my mom always made sun tea and it has since become a summertime staple. Fill a 1 litre glass pitcher with filtered water and add 5 herbal tea bags. Let it sit in the direct sun for approx. 3-4 hours. Remove tea bags and serve chilled with a garnish of choice. Below are a few flavour combinations you must try this summer!

• Peach tea & Grapefruit slices
• Roobios Tea & Raspberries
• Blueberry Tea with Lemons & Fresh Blueberries
• Black Tea with Lemons & Frozen Strawberries
• Mint Tea with Cucumbers & Honey