:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/RosemaryLemonade-92572036-56a170e25f9b58b7d0bf4fc7.jpg)
Lisa Romerein / Getty Images
These summer drinks are a refreshing way for the kids to cool off and a fun cooking activity, too. Just about all of these recipes are easy enough for the kids to make themselves. Try them all, and feel free to mix and match items to create a "signature" drink that kids can share with family and friends!
While these drinks are kid-friendly, there's no reason why you shouldn't serve a mocktail or two at an adult gathering. Many adults prefer not to drink alcohol for a variety of reasons, but that doesn't mean they should be forced to drink water or nothing!
-
Orange Creamsicle Smoothies
Annabelle Breakey / Getty Images
Have you ever had one of those creamsicles from the ice cream trucks in the summer? This smoothie tastes just like that. It's sweet and citrusy and creamy and altogether refreshing, like summer in a glass.
-
Lemonade Recipe
TheCrimsonMonkey / Getty Images
We may be living in a text-happy, Facebook-loving world, but kids still like to set up lemonade stands. And when they do, they might as well sell the good stuff. This recipe is made with only real lemons, sugar, and water.
-
Strawberry Milkshake Recipe
The Spruce
This is an old-fashioned milkshake, made with fresh strawberries, sugar, milk, and vanilla ice cream.
-
Egg Cream
The Spruce Eats / Kristina Vanni
It's like a fizzy milkshake, but there's no need for a blender or ice cream. Instead, New York egg cream is an old-fashioned soda fountain recipe that combines milk, chocolate syrup, and seltzer water. Despite the simplicity, it's surprisingly delicious.
Continue to 5 of 11 below. -
Watermelon Smoothie Recipe
The Spruce
Nothing says summer quite like sitting on the porch eating watermelon. This smoothie is light and refreshing, and because you'll freeze the watermelon before making this smoothie, it has a thick and milkshake-like texture.
-
Peanut Butter Banana Smoothies
Carlos Gawronski / Getty Images
Elvis isn't the only one who likes the combination of peanut butter, bananas, and honey. This smoothie recipe is thick and rich, like a milkshake. Kids will love it!
-
Frozen Strawberry Lemonade Recipe
The Spruce / Brenda Bennett
Fresh strawberries make this recipe incredibly sweet. This frozen lemonade is perfect for those sweltering summer days.
-
Oreo Milkshake Recipe
The Spruce
Why go out to an expensive ice cream shop for Oreo milkshakes when it is so easy to make them at home. This recipe is also great for a special dessert or even for an after-school snack.
Continue to 9 of 11 below. -
Blueberry Smoothies
Elizabeth Watt / Getty Images
It's easy to see why this smoothie is such a hit with everyone who tries it. And the best part is this drink is super healthy, but the kids don't have to know that. All they will notice is how great it tastes.
-
Mango Julius Mocktail
Brett Stevens / Getty Images
Made with fresh or frozen mango juice, along with a generous scoop of your favorite vanilla ice cream, this recipe is indulgent, refreshing, and delicious. Even adults will enjoy it!
-
Sangria Mocktail
The Spruce
A non-alcoholic sangria is a perfect addition to a summer party. Fruit soaking in a flavorful beverage is something that kids love and looks so festive and pretty.
Creating a Signature Drink With Kids
Kids love experimenting, and you can't go wrong by combining different fruits, juices, ice creams, and flavored seltzers. Let the kids go wild with a non-alcoholic "drink bar," and call it a party! Once they've come up with the perfect drink, help them write down the recipe and give their drink a special name.