Beat the Heat with These 5 Cool, Crisp Minty Drinks

3 min read
Beat the Heat with These 5 Cool, Crisp Minty Drinks

When the weather heats up, nothing hits the spot quite like a crisp, minty beverage. Whether you're hosting a backyard BBQ, lounging on the porch, or just trying to beat the afternoon heat, these refreshing mint drinks will keep things cool—and delicious.

Each recipe is simple, flavorful, and packed with that unmistakable cooling effect only fresh mint can deliver. Best of all, you don’t need fancy bar tools or hard-to-find ingredients to make them.

Let’s dive in.

1. Classic Mint Lemonade

This is summer in a glass.
Fresh lemon juice and muddled mint come together in this ultra-refreshing twist on a classic.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup fresh lemon juice (about 4–6 lemons)

  • ½ cup mint leaves, plus more for garnish

  • ¾ cup sugar (or to taste)

  • 4 cups cold water

  • Ice

Instructions:

  1. In a pitcher, muddle mint with sugar and lemon juice until fragrant.

  2. Add cold water and stir until sugar dissolves.

  3. Fill glasses with ice, pour, and garnish with mint sprigs or lemon wheels.

Make it boozy: Add a splash of vodka or gin.

2. Cucumber Mint Sparkler

Light, fizzy, and just a little fancy, this drink is perfect for sipping poolside.

Ingredients:

  • ½ cucumber, thinly sliced

  • ½ cup fresh mint leaves

  • 1 tablespoon honey or agave

  • Sparkling water (plain or flavored)

  • Ice

Instructions:

  1. Muddle cucumber, mint, and sweetener in a glass or shaker.

  2. Fill a glass with ice, strain mixture over the top.

  3. Top with sparkling water and stir gently.

Optional: Garnish with a cucumber ribbon or mint sprig.

3. Watermelon Mint Cooler

Juicy, hydrating, and incredibly refreshing—this drink is made for hot days and picnic tables.

Ingredients:

Instructions:

  1. Blend watermelon, mint, lime juice, and sugar until smooth.

  2. Strain if desired.

  3. Serve over ice with a sprig of mint or a wedge of watermelon.

Pro tip: Freeze cubes of watermelon to use as ice.

4. Iced Mint Green Tea

A healthy, antioxidant-packed option with a refreshing twist.

Ingredients:

Instructions:

  1. Boil 2 cups of water, steep tea for 5 minutes, then remove bags.

  2. Add mint leaves to hot tea to steep for another 5 minutes.

  3. Add remaining cold water and chill.

  4. Serve over ice and sweeten to taste.

5. Mojito-Inspired Mocktail

All the flavor of a mojito—none of the alcohol. Perfect for any age or occasion.

Ingredients:

Instructions:

  1. Muddle lime, mint, and sugar in a glass.

  2. Fill with ice and top with soda water.

  3. Stir and garnish with lime and mint.

Want the real thing? Swap soda water for white rum and you’ve got yourself a classic mojito.

Final Sip

These 5 mint drinks are as refreshing as they are easy to make—no barista or bartender skills required. Keep a bunch of fresh mint in the fridge (or growing on your windowsill) and you’ll be ready to beat the heat all summer long.

Tip: These recipes double beautifully for parties—just multiply and mix in a pitcher.