Summer Drinks for Kids

Mocktails, Smoothies, and Old-Fashioned Lemonades

By
Stephanie Gallagher
Stephanie Gallagher
Stephanie Gallagher is a journalist and food writer who has authored multiple cookbooks.
Learn about The Spruce Eats' Editorial Process
Updated on 02/7/22
Easy Rosemary Lemonade with Tequila Cocktail Recipe

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! 

  • 01 of 11

    Orange Creamsicle Smoothies

    Orange Creamsicle Smoothie

    Annabelle Breakey / Getty Images

    If you've ever had one of those creamsicles from the ice cream trucks in the summer, you already know the combination of orange and vanilla. This smoothie tastes just like that. It's sweet and citrusy and creamy and altogether refreshing, like summer in a glass.

  • 02 of 11

    Lemonade Recipe

    mason jars of lemonade

    TheCrimsonMonkey / Getty Images

    We may be living in a text-happy, social media-loving world, but thank goodness most 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. 

  • 03 of 11

    Strawberry Milkshake Recipe

    Strawberry milkshake

    The Spruce 

    This is an old-fashioned milkshake, made with fresh strawberries, sugar, milk, and vanilla ice cream. Simple substitutions can be made, such as frozen strawberries, if you like. Feel free to eliminate the sugar if your strawberries are already very sweet.

  • 04 of 11

    Egg Cream

    Egg Cream

    The Spruce Eats / Kristina Vanni

    If you've never had this classic treat, it's like a fizzy milkshake, without the need for a blender or ice cream. Instead, a New York egg cream is an old-fashioned soda fountain recipe that combines milk, chocolate syrup, and seltzer water. Sometimes the simplest things are the most delicious.

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  • 05 of 11

    Watermelon Smoothie Recipe

    Watermelon Smoothie

    The Spruce

    When you have a lot of watermelon and you're looking for creative ways to use it, try making a smoothie out of it. Nothing says summer quite like sitting on the porch eating watermelon. This smoothie is light and refreshing, and freezing the watermelon before making this smoothie gives the drink a thick and milkshake-like texture. 

  • 06 of 11

    Peanut Butter Banana Smoothies

    Peanut Butter Banana Smoothies

    Carlos Gawronski / Getty Images

    This smoothie is great because it's naturally sweet and is full of ingredients you're likely to have on hand already, if you have children. 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.

  • 07 of 11

    Frozen Strawberry Lemonade Recipe

    Frozen Strawberry Lemonade made Sugar Free!

    The Spruce / Brenda Bennett

    Fresh strawberries make this recipe incredibly sweet. This frozen lemonade is perfect for those sweltering summer days. You can also whip up this smoothie with blueberries or raspberries—using fresh seasonal ones is especially delicious.

  • 08 of 11

    Oreo Milkshake Recipe

    Oreo milkshake

    The Spruce

    Why go out to an 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 on a hot day, or even for an after-school snack. Cookies and cream is a kid favorite.

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  • 09 of 11

    Blueberry Smoothies

    GettyImages_89008216.jpg

    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 loaded with blueberries and yogurt, which add sweetness and tartness. (Hint: It's also great with a little bit of honey).

  • 10 of 11

    Mango Julius Mocktail

    Mango Julius

    Brett Stevens / Getty Images

    You can make this citrus treat with fresh or frozen mango juice. Add a generous scoop (or two) of your favorite vanilla ice cream. This mango Julius recipe is indulgent, refreshing, and appealing for both kids and adults alike. Throw in a little pineapple juice for an extra-tropical taste.

  • 11 of 11

    Sangria Mocktail

    Basic Sangria

    The Spruce

    A non-alcoholic sangria is a perfect addition to a summer party and kids might be intrigued by its looks. Fruit soaking in a flavorful beverage looks pretty and festive—and like it's designed for adults. But this mocktail is made with grape juices and sparkling apple cider, so it's definitely a drink for everyone. It's especially fun for kids who like to try adult drinks.

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.