Guinness Milkshakes

Agua fresca means “fresh water” in Spanish, and that’s exactly what this drink is: a refreshing water-based beverage. Made up of little more than fresh fruit, citrus juice, and water, aguas frescas are the perfect way to cool down when it’s hot outside. Pair it with a Horchata for your Cinco de Mayo menu. What to buy: Look for the ripest melons available in the produce section—the riper the melons, the less sugar you’ll have to add to the recipe.

Indian spiced tea—masala chai—has a lovely delicacy and a fortifying strength. We harnessed both qualities for these refreshing milkshakes that should help you get through the muggiest summer afternoon. Chai tea bags are handy, but we suggest making your own sachet, using cheesecloth and a good-quality masala chai, a blend of loose-leaf black tea with whole spices such as cardamom pods, cloves, fennel seeds, black peppercorns, cinnamon, and dried ginger.

This recipe from author and former Gramercy Tavern managing partner Nick Mautone is a blend of Grand Marnier and iced tea that makes a perfect summer-afternoon cooler. Game plan: We like this Basic Iced Tea recipe for this cooler. Make the tea and refrigerate it up to 8 hours in advance.

The G and T has become the dominant warm-weather gin cocktail, maybe because it’s one of the simplest: just gin, tonic water, and an aromatic boost from a lime wedge. Variations on the gin and tonic include taking it Barcelona style. And if you want to try making your own spiced tonic water, go for it.

In this quick and easy punch, rosé wine is the star. A little fresh lime juice, some muddled blackberries, and vodka are added to the wine, making this a refreshing libation for your next summer soiree. Game plan: You’ll need to make the Simple Syrup before you begin.

Indulge your sweet tooth and cool down with this quick and easy Vanilla Milkshake recipe. Made with simple ingredients like vanilla ice cream, milk and a touch of sugar, these creamy and refreshing treats can be whipped up in minutes and customized to taste. Comforting and satisfying, it's a perfect snack for a hot day or a sweet dessert after dinner.

A classic summer cooler, a lime rickey can be mixed up with gin or bourbon or, for a virgin rickey (like this one), with fruit syrup. Either rendition is equally bubbly, limey, and thirst-quenching.

Yay, cake with rainbow-colored sprinkles! It’s like birthday in a cup anytime you want to celebrate that it’s, well, a Tuesday. You know what would go great before this totally rad milkshake? Another simple delight: Pizza Dough Dogs. Or if we’re going all carnival-style, Corn Dogs.