10+1 best picnic drinks

by | Nov 3, 2023 | picnic recipes

Picnics are a time-honored tradition of escaping the confines of our everyday lives, immersing ourselves in the great outdoors, and savoring the simple joys of life. While the delicious spread of sandwiches, salads, and snacks is a picnic essential, what truly elevates this experience is the perfect selection of refreshing, alcohol-free beverages and cocktails with sangria and gin.

This article will explore the 10+1 best picnic drink recipes that will add flavor to your al fresco dining adventures.

Recipe 1: Homemade ginger beer

There’s something inherently satisfying about crafting your beverages, and homemade ginger beer is a true testament to that. This picnic drink is refreshingly fizzy and packs a spicy punch that cuts through the summer heat.

homemade ginger beer

Ingredients:

  • Fresh ginger root
  • Sugar
  • Water
  • Lemon juice 🍋
  • Yeast

Instructions:

  1. Peel and grate fresh ginger to extract its vibrant flavors.
  2. Combine the grated ginger, sugar, and water in a pot, bringing it to a boil.
  3. Add lemon juice and yeast to the mixture, stirring well once cooled.
  4. Pour the concoction into bottles to ferment for a day or two.
  5. Chill your homemade ginger beer, and it’s ready to accompany you on your picnic adventure!

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Recipe 2: Elderflower & cucumber G&T

For those who appreciate a touch of sophistication in their picnic beverages, the elderflower & cucumber G&T is a must-try alcoholic beverage. This portable cocktail combines the timeless elegance of elderflower liqueur with the crispness of cucumber and the zesty kick of gin.

Ingredients:

  • Gin 🍸
  • Elderflower liqueur
  • Cucumber slices
  • Tonic water
  • Ice cubes 🧊
  • Fresh mint leaves 🌿

Instructions:

  1. In a glass filled with ice, pour a shot of gin and elderflower liqueur each.
  2. Add a few slices of cucumber for a refreshing twist.
  3. Top it off with tonic water and garnish with fresh mint leaves.
  4. Give it a gentle stir, and your Elderflower and cucumber G&T is ready to be sipped beneath the sun.

Recipe 3: Blueberry & mint iced tea

A glass of iced tea can be a lifesaver when the temperature rises. Elevate your picnic experience with Blueberry & Mint Iced Tea, a refreshing fusion of sweet blueberries and invigorating mint.

blueberry and mint drink

Ingredients:

  • Black tea bags
  • Blueberries 🫐 (fresh or frozen)
  • Fresh mint leaves
  • Sugar
  • Lemon slices 🍋
  • Ice cubes 🧊

Instructions:

  1. Brew a strong pot of black tea, adding a handful of fresh mint leaves during the steeping process.
  2. Sweeten the tea with sugar to taste and let it cool.
  3. Add a generous amount of blueberries and lemon slices to a pitcher.
  4. Pour the cooled tea over the fruit and refrigerate for a few hours.
  5. Serve your Blueberry & Mint Iced Tea over ice for a revitalizing picnic pick-me-up.

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Recipe 4: Classic lemonade with a twist

Lemonade is a quintessential picnic beverage, and we’re giving it a zesty twist that’ll tickle your taste buds. This Classic Lemonade with a Twist infuses the tanginess of lemons with the subtle sweetness of honey and the aromatic touch of lavender.

Ingredients:

  • Freshly squeezed lemon juice 🍋
  • Honey 🍯
  • Lavender buds
  • Water
  • Ice cubes 🧊
  • Lemon slices for garnish

Instructions:

  1. Combine water and lavender buds in a saucepan and simmer until fragrant.
  2. Strain the lavender-infused water and let it cool.
  3. Mix the lavender water, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and honey in a pitcher.
  4. Add ice cubes and garnish with lemon slices.
  5. Sip and savor the unique flavors of this Classic Lemonade with a Twist as you bask in the beauty of your picnic spot.

Recipe 5: Watermelon agua fresca

Watermelon Agua Fresca is the epitome of summer refreshment. Its vibrant color and naturally sweet flavor make it the perfect portable non-alcoholic drink for picnics.

Watermelon agua fresca

Here’s how to make it:

Ingredients:

  • 4 cups of fresh watermelon chunks 🍉
  • 1/4 cup of fresh lime juice 🍈
  • 2 tablespoons of honey 🍯
  • 1 cup of cold water
  • Ice cubes 🧊
  • Mint leaves for garnish 🌿

Instructions:

  1. Blend the fresh watermelon chunks until you have a smooth puree.
  2. Pour the watermelon puree through a fine-mesh strainer into a pitcher to remove any seeds or pulp.
  3. Add fresh lime juice and honey to the strained watermelon juice, stirring until well combined.
  4. Pour in the cold water and mix thoroughly.
  5. Serve over ice cubes and garnish with fresh mint leaves for a burst of color and freshness.

Recipe 6: Sparkling lavender lemonade

Sparkling Lavender Lemonade is a fragrant and fizzy drink that’s elegant and refreshing. It’s perfect for adding a touch of sophistication to your picnic. Here’s how to make it:

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice 🍋
  • 1/2 cup of lavender syrup (you can make this by steeping dried lavender buds in simple syrup)
  • 2 cups of sparkling water
  • Lemon slices and lavender sprigs for garnish
  • Ice cubes 🧊

Instructions:

  1. Combine the freshly squeezed lemon juice and lavender syrup in a pitcher.
  2. Stir well to ensure they are thoroughly mixed.
  3. Just before serving, add the sparkling water to the mixture, gently stirring it.
  4. Serve the sparkling lavender lemonade over ice cubes and garnish with lemon slices and a sprig of lavender for a beautiful presentation.

Recipe 7: Refreshing berry mocktail

This Berry Mocktail is a non-alcoholic delight that bursts with the flavors of summer berries. It’s perfect for picnics where everyone can enjoy a refreshing drink.

most popular picnic drinks

Here’s how to make it:

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup of mixed berries 🍓🫐🍇 (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
  • 2 tablespoons of honey 🍯
  • 1 cup of cranberry juice
  • 1 cup of sparkling water
  • Ice cubes 🧊
  • Fresh berries and mint leaves for garnish 🍓🌿

Instructions:

  1. In a blender, combine the mixed berries and honey. Blend until you have a smooth berry puree.
  2. Strain the berry puree through a fine-mesh strainer into a pitcher to remove any seeds or pulp.
  3. Add cranberry juice to the strained berry puree and stir until well-mixed.
  4. Add the sparkling water to the mixture before serving and stir gently.
  5. Serve the refreshing berry mocktail over ice cubes and garnish with fresh berries and mint leaves for a burst of color.

Recipe 8: Peach basil sangria

Peach Basil Sangria is a delightful and aromatic sangria ideal for picnics. It combines the sweetness of peaches with the herbal notes of basil and a little alcohol. Here’s how to make it:

Ingredients:

  • 2 ripe peaches, sliced 🍑🍑
  • 1/4 cup of fresh basil leaves
  • 1/4 cup of peach schnapps
  • 1 bottle of white wine 🍷 (such as Sauvignon Blanc)
  • 1/2 cup of sparkling water
  • Ice cubes 🧊

Instructions:

  1. Combine the sliced peaches and fresh basil leaves in a pitcher.
  2. Pour in the peach schnapps and white wine. Stir gently to combine.
  3. Refrigerate the sangria for at least an hour to allow the flavors to meld.
  4. Add the sparkling water to the mixture before serving and stir gently.
  5. Serve the peach basil sangria over ice cubes, and feel free to garnish with additional peach slices and basil leaves.

Recipe 9: Sparkling strawberry lemonade

Picnics just got a whole lot sweeter with our sparkling strawberry lemonade. This delightful, effervescent drink combines the vibrant flavors of fresh strawberries and zesty lemons, creating a refreshing and tangy picnic companion. It’s a perfect choice for all ages, making your outdoor gathering even more enjoyable.

non-alcoholic picnic drink

Ingredients:

  • Fresh strawberries 🍓
  • Lemon juice 🍋
  • Sugar
  • Sparkling water
  • Ice cubes 🧊
  • Lemon slices and fresh strawberries for garnish 🍋🍓

Instructions:

  1. Blend fresh strawberries to create a smooth puree.
  2. In a pitcher, combine the strawberry puree, lemon juice, and sugar to taste, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
  3. Add ice cubes to the pitcher and top it off with sparkling water.
  4. Garnish with lemon slices and fresh strawberry slices.

Recipe 10: Cucumber-mint cooler

Stay cool and refreshed during your picnic with our kid-friendly Cucumber-Mint Cooler. This green elixir blends cooling cucumbers, fresh mint, and a zesty twist of lime, making it the ultimate hydrating drink for your outdoor excursion. It’s a fantastic choice for a light and revitalizing beverage.

Ingredients:

  • Cucumber slices 🥒
  • Fresh mint leaves 🌿
  • Lime juice 🍈
  • Honey or agave nectar 🍯
  • Water
  • Ice cubes 🧊

Instructions:

  1. In a blender, combine cucumber slices, fresh mint leaves, lime juice, honey or agave nectar, and a bit of water.
  2. Blend until you have a smooth and refreshing green mixture.
  3. Pour the mixture over ice cubes in a pitcher.

Recipe 11: Tropical pineapple punch

Transport your taste buds to a tropical paradise with our Tropical Pineapple Punch. This exotic blend of pineapple and orange juices, creamy coconut milk, and a hint of grenadine is like a vacation in a glass. Complete with colorful garnishes and refreshing flavors, this drink adds a touch of the tropics to your picnic experience.

tropical pineapple punch

Ingredients:

  • Pineapple juice
  • Orange juice 🍊
  • Coconut milk 🥥
  • Grenadine syrup 🍹
  • Maraschino cherries
  • Pineapple slices 🍍
  • Ice cubes 🧊

Instructions:

  1. In a pitcher, combine pineapple juice, orange juice, and coconut milk, adjusting the ratios to suit your taste preferences.
  2. Stir well to mix the flavors.
  3. Add a dash of grenadine syrup to create a vibrant layered effect and a hint of sweetness.
  4. Garnish with maraschino cherries and pineapple slices.

These portable picnic drink recipes offer a delightful array of flavors and refreshments for your outdoor adventures.

So, pack your basket, grab your favorite recipe, and make your picnic moments even more memorable with these homemade, thirst-quenching delights. Cheers to sipping, relaxing, and enjoying the great outdoors!

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FAQ

What makes picnic drinks different from regular drinks?

Picnic drinks are specifically designed for outdoor enjoyment. They are often portable, refreshing, and easy to transport, making them ideal for picnics where convenience and taste go hand in hand.

Can I prepare these picnic drinks in advance?

Absolutely! Most of the recipes we’ve provided can be prepared in advance. It’s a great way to save time and ensure your drinks are perfectly chilled when ready for your picnic.

Are these recipes suitable for kids and adults alike?

These recipes include alcoholic and non-alcoholic options, ensuring everyone can enjoy a refreshing picnic beverage, from kids to adults.

How can I keep my picnic drinks cold without a cooler?

To keep your drinks cold without a cooler, freeze fruit slices and use them as ice cubes, or wrap them in a damp towel and place them in a shady spot.

Can I substitute ingredients in these recipes to fit dietary restrictions?

You can quickly adapt these recipes to fit dietary restrictions. For example, use sugar substitutes for sugar or opt for gluten-free alternatives if needed.

Olga and Vlad Picnic Makers

Vlad and Olga

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