Time for refreshments

While cold beers and fruity cocktails often take centre stage at summer gatherings, there are plenty of delicious, exotic non-alcoholic drinks you can serve up to keep you and your guests cool all summer long.

Here are some of our favourite soft drinks:

Sparkling mocktails

With a base of sparkling water or soda, you can create endless combinations to impress your guests. Try a mojito mocktail by gently pressing sugar into mint leaves and adding to soda water with the juice of limes squeezed in; pour into tall glasses over crushed ice.

Iced herbal teas

There are many delicious herbal teas you can buy. Combinations like hibiscus and mint or chamomile and citrus are particularly refreshing. Simply brew a batch with boiling water then chill in the fridge before serving over ice. Add some fresh fruit or herbs for a sophisticated twist.

Smoothies

Blending your favourite fruits with milk, yogurt or fruit juice is a delicious way to hit your five-a-day and keep you cool. Perfect to pack into your cool bag and take on picnics.

Lemonade with a twist

Take this classic drink up a notch. Mix fresh berries, fragrant herbs or a kick of ginger into store-bought lemonade, for a quick and easy drink. For a really special lemonade, make your own from scratch by dissolving sugar into water in a saucepan before leaving to cool. Puree your choice of fruit, then mix the sugar water and pureed fruit with freshly squeezed lemon juice. Serve over ice with fresh fruit to garnish.

Fruity water

Add slices of cucumber, strawberries, lemon or lime to a pitcher of cold water. Let it steep in the fridge for a few hours to enhance the flavour for a simple and refreshing, everyday drink.

Iced coffee

Coffee-lovers can get their fix, even on a hot day, by switching to iced versions. Keep it simple by chilling your normal brew and serving over ice, or add some tasty variations such as chocolate sauce or caramel syrup. For extra indulgence add a scoop of ice cream!

Alcohol-free beer and wine

There are more zero per cent options on the market than ever, so for those who enjoy the taste of wine or beer, but want to skip the alcohol, there’s plenty to choose from.