Summer’s heat calls for cool, refreshing beverages to keep everyone hydrated and happy. Crafting the perfect summer drink is an art, and with a few simple ingredients, anyone can create a refreshing masterpiece. Here are some delightful summer drink recipes using ingredients available from Cracker Barrel.
Lemonade with a Twist
Classic lemonade gets a flavorful upgrade with the addition of fresh fruits and herbs. This twist on a traditional favorite is sure to be a hit.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup Cracker Barrel Maple Syrup (as a sweetener substitute)
- 6 cups water
- 1 cup fresh lemon juice (about 4-6 lemons)
- Fresh mint leaves
- Fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries)
Instructions:
- In a saucepan, combine maple syrup and 1 cup of water. Heat until well mixed, creating a maple syrup mixture. Allow to cool.
- In a pitcher, combine the maple syrup mixture, remaining water, and lemon juice.
- Add fresh mint leaves and berries. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to let the flavors meld.
- Serve over ice, garnished with a sprig of mint and a few berries.
Watermelon Cooler
Watermelon is a quintessential summer fruit, and this cooler is both hydrating and delicious.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups cubed seedless watermelon
- 1/2 cup Cracker Barrel Maple Syrup
- Juice of 2 limes
- 2 cups cold water
- Ice
Instructions:
- In a blender, puree the watermelon until smooth.
- Strain the watermelon juice through a fine mesh sieve into a pitcher.
- Add maple syrup, lime juice, and cold water. Stir until the maple syrup is dissolved.
- Serve over ice, garnished with a small watermelon wedge.
Pecan Cinnamon Bun Iced Coffee
For a unique twist on iced coffee, try using Braswell’s® Pecan Cinnamon Bun Coffee Syrup, available at Cracker Barrel. It’s a delightful treat perfect for a hot summer day.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup brewed coffee, cooled
- 1/2 cup milk or dairy alternative
- 2 tablespoons Braswell’s® Pecan Cinnamon Bun Coffee Syrup
- Ice
Instructions:
- In a glass, combine the cooled coffee, milk, and Braswell’s® Pecan Cinnamon Bun Coffee Syrup. Stir well.
- Fill the glass with ice and stir again.
- Serve immediately, garnished with a cinnamon stick if desired.
Whiskey Cocktails Made Easy
Cracker Barrel’s Whiskey Drink Mixers 5 Pack makes crafting whiskey cocktails at home a breeze. This pack includes mixes and recipes for five classic cocktails: Manhattan, Whiskey Sour, Irish Coffee, Mint Julep, and an Old Fashioned. Here are all the recipes:
Old Fashioned
Ingredients:
- 1 sugar cube
- A few dashes of bitters
- 2 oz whiskey
- Old Fashioned mixer from the Whiskey Drink Mixers 5 Pack
- Ice
- Orange twist and cherry for garnish
Instructions:
- Place one sugar cube in a glass and wet it down with bitters. Crush the sugar cube.
- Add one large ice cube or two smaller ones.
- Pour in one shot (30 ml) of whiskey.
- Top off with Old Fashioned cocktail mixer and stir gently.
- Garnish with an orange twist and a cherry.
Irish Coffee
Ingredients:
- 1 oz Irish Coffee mixer from the Whiskey Drink Mixers 5 Pack
- 1 oz whiskey
- 1 cup hot coffee
- Whipped cream
Instructions:
- Pour hot coffee into a mug.
- Add the Irish Coffee mixer and whiskey, stirring well.
- Top with a generous amount of whipped cream.
- Serve hot.
Whiskey Sour
Ingredients:
- 2 oz whiskey
- 1 oz Whiskey Sour mixer from the Whiskey Drink Mixers 5 Pack
- Ice
- Lemon wheel and cherry for garnish
Instructions:
- In a shaker, combine whiskey and Whiskey Sour mixer. Shake well with ice.
- Strain into a glass filled with ice.
- Garnish with a lemon wheel and cherry.
Mint Julep
Ingredients:
- 2 oz whiskey
- 1 oz Mint Julep mixer from the Whiskey Drink Mixers 5 Pack
- Fresh mint leaves
- Crushed ice
Instructions:
- In a glass, muddle the fresh mint leaves with a splash of the mixer.
- Fill the glass with crushed ice.
- Add the whiskey and the rest of the Mint Julep mixer.
- Stir well and garnish with a sprig of mint.
Classic Manhattan
Ingredients:
- 2 oz whiskey
- 1 oz Manhattan mixer from the Whiskey Drink Mixers 5 Pack
- Ice
- Maraschino cherry for garnish
Instructions:
- In a shaker, combine whiskey and Manhattan mixer with ice.
- Stir well and strain into a chilled glass.
- Garnish with a maraschino cherry.
Tips for Creating the Perfect Summer Beverage
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh fruits and herbs make a significant difference in flavor. Whenever possible, opt for fresh over frozen or canned.
- Chill Thoroughly: Allowing drinks to chill for a few hours enhances their flavor. Prepare beverages ahead of time to ensure they are perfectly cold.
- Experiment with Flavors: Don’t be afraid to mix different fruits and herbs to create unique combinations. Basil, thyme, and rosemary can add interesting notes to traditional drinks.
Creating refreshing summer beverages can be both fun and satisfying. With these recipes, enjoying a delicious and cool drink is just a few steps away. Try them out and bring a taste of summer to the table. If you prefer to relax and have your drinks prepared for you, visit Cracker Barrel to enjoy a variety of refreshing summer beverages such as Watermelon Lemonade, Peach Tea, and freshly brewed Sweet Iced Tea. These drinks are crafted to quench your thirst and keep you cool during the summer months. Treat yourself to a refreshing break at Cracker Barrel and savor the flavors of summer today!