Drink Recipes

We love lemon around here: the little citrus fruit does everything, from regulating your digestive tract (hello, flat belly!) to flushing out toxins. Lemons also have antibacterial, antiseptic, and cancer-fighting properties (among others — see all the reasons we call lemon a superfood). So what better way to cool down than with a few lemony drinks to ward off that Summer heat? Here are three refreshing drinks that'll do just that.

This delicious-looking basil lemon limeade slushy from Healthful Pursuit has a few things going for it. Besides the hit of healthful citrus, the basil adds antioxidant properties.

Need more lemon? Get two more cooling drinks after the break!

Does anything scream warm weather more than a day at the racetracks? Even though I've never had the privilege of attending the Kentucky Derby, I look forward to the horse race, as I've always seen it as something of a Southern rite of Spring.

The sun's out in full force, the air smells like horses and hay, and there's the buzzing energy of chatter throughout the stands.

I love visualizing my presence at Churchill Downs each year — usually in front of the television, a classic mint julep in hand. But I've discovered a totally different cocktail that's so delicious it's going to be my julep stand-in this time around.

With a generous pour of peach purée, a splash of soda, and a garnish of candied ginger, this refreshing drink is sure to be the belle of any Derby day ball.

Want to enjoy one? Then keep reading.

Fans of flavored vodkas, listen up! Absolut vodka has just released its latest city-inspired flavor, Absolut SF. Since San Francisco happens to be my hometown, I was excited to get a bottle of the limited-edition vodka that's an interesting blend of grape, dragon fruit, and papaya. Although I found the vodka to be too sweet to sip solo, I thoroughly enjoyed it in this preparation. The combination of vodka, simple syrup, fresh lemon juice, and soda water is a riff on the classic collins. It's a simple recipe and awesome cocktail, so why not make one to celebrate Friday? Here's the method.

If you think tequila is only good in margaritas, think again! The Mexican spirit is a wonderful base for all sorts of cocktails. In this recipe, tequila is paired with sweet strawberries, tart lemons, and fragrant mint. The method is adaptable: if you prefer a strong drink, use more tequila, and if you're partial to weak beverages, add more club soda. This refreshing cooler is the perfect way to kick-start your weekend. Ready to toast with tequila? Get the recipe now.