Refreshing Recipes for Wimbledon This Summer

As the British summer heat hits in full swing, it’s clear that Wimbledon is on the way! Now in its 138^th year, the legendary tennis tournament is the perfect opportunity to relax in the shade while watching exciting and nail biting sports. And what better way to cool off as you enjoy tennis at its peak than by sipping on a tasty and refreshing summer beverage? Whether you’re looking for a fruity serve or an alcohol advantage, have a look at our thirst-quenching drink recipes below.

Non-Alcoholic

Pink Raspberry Lemonade

Pink Lemonade in Personalised Jars by Personal Creations / CCBY (image size has been modified)

A tasty twist to a classic for both kids and adults to enjoy, Pink Raspberry Lemonade is a delicious drink that’s easy to prepare. The key element to prepare is the fruity syrup - which can be stored in the fridge afterward for future drinks.

Ingredients:

350 ml cold water

300g caster sugar

500g fresh raspberries

1 ½ -2 sliced lemons

1 sliced orange

Fresh mint and ice for serving (optional)

Method:

Put all the ingredients into a saucepan and pour over the water. Bring the mixture to the boil whilst stirring regularly, then leave to cool. Pour the mixture through a sieve and press down with a spoon to extract all of the fruit juices. For a single serving, pour a little of the syrup into a glass and top it up with either still or sparkling water, adding the ice or mint if wanted.

June Juice (or Deuce...)

June Juice is a zesty burst of flavours, ideal for kids who want a frosty, sweet treat. This recipe is quick and very easy to make, serving 4. Just make sure you have all the right ingredients!

Ingredients:

2 cans or 700ml of ginger beer

4 tablespoons of grenadine syrup

4 tablespoons of orange juice

3 scoops of orange sorbet or ice cream

Method:

Blend all the ingredients together until smooth and serve into cups. Yes it really is that easy! Optionally you can serve over crushed ice or with white rum for anyone who wants the alcohol version.

The original recipe and more can be found on the Better Homes and Gardens website.

Mexican Strawberry Water

Mexican Strawberry Water (or ‘Agua de Fresa’) is a common and popular drink enjoyed all over Mexico. Often flavoured with a variety of blended fruit, we’ve gone for the traditional Wimbledon favourite… the strawberry! 

Ingredients:

230g white sugar

500g-600g of strawberries

2 litres of cold water

1 lime sliced into wedges (optional)

Fresh Mint leaves (optional)

Method:

Mix together the sliced strawberries, sugar and 1 cup of water into a bowl. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and leave to set in the fridge for around 4 hours. After, pour the strawberry mixture into a blender and blend until smooth. Pour the blended mixture through a sieve over a large mixing bowl, crushing the fruit through with a spoon, discarding any remaining. Add the rest of the water to the strawberry mix, stirring well. Chill the Mexican Strawberry Water in the fridge or serve immediately over ice, garnishing with a squeeze of lime and/or mint leaves.

Alcoholic

Strawberry Mojito

The Mojito is a classic summer beverage, loved worldwide for its refreshing, sweet taste. Especially for Wimbledon, we’ve added our own strawberry spin and lemon shot to it! A cocktail shaker, jar with a lid or covered container is needed to mix/shake up the ingredients.

Ingredients:

8 lemon wedges

4 strawberries

230ml gold or dark rum

85ml fresh lemon juice

60ml sugarcane syrup

Ice cubes or crushed ice

Method:

Add the lemon wedges with the whole strawberries and mint leaves into the cocktail shaker or covered container. Add in the ice and rum, lemon juice and syrup then shake very well. Pour the mixture through a sieve into ice-filled glasses and garnish with the mint leaves.

Watermelon Cocktail wth a Tequila Backhand

Watermelon Cooler by Nicole Cash/ Creative Commons (image size has been modified)

Utilising the essential summer fruit, the watermelon, this cocktail is not as sweet as the others with the tequila giving it a boozy bounce. This recipe makes around 8 drinks.

Ingredients:

60ml water 60ml lime juice (squeezed)

50g sugar

450g of watermelon

350g blueberries

100g fresh mint leaves

300ml tequila

Ice cubes or crushed ice

Method:

Like with the earlier drinks you will have to initially create a syrup for this. Pour the water into a saucepan and bring to a simmer. Add the sugar and stir over a medium heat until it has dissolved then let the sugar syrup cool. Blend the watermelon into a smooth, puree form. Sieve the watermelon mixture over a bowl, pressing with a spoon to extract as much of the juice as possible. Discard any remnants.

Combine the sugar syrup with the lime juice, blueberries and mint leaves in a large pitcher. Stir well with a wooden spoon then add the watermelon juice and tequila. Stir again then place in the fridge for about 2 hours until chilled. Serve into ice filled glasses.

The original recipe and more can be found at www.foodandwine.com.

Blackberry Sours

This is a strong, flavoursome drink meant for gently sipping. It uses grappa, a fragrant Italian brandy for its flavour but feel free to use vodka or white tequila instead.

Ingredients:

200g blackberries

240ml Grappa or Vodka

80ml lime juice

3 large egg whites

5 tablespoons of sugarcane syrup

Fresh basil leaves, fresh blackberries for garnishing

Method:

Place the blackberries in a blender and process until smooth. Pour through a sieve, pressing through all the juices with a spoon, into a cocktail shaker, jar with lid or covered container, discarding anything left. Add the grappa, lime juice, egg whites and syrup into the container. Shake heartily until the mixture is foamy then pour the mixture into glasses filled with ice.

Aiming to take a trip to Wimbledon this year? Leonardo Hotels offer cheap hotel rooms in Croydon only a short tram ride away. If sipping cocktails by the beach and in the sun tickles your fancy, take a look at the Leonardo Hotels Guide to Brighton’s Charming Cocktail Bars.

Main image: Tennis Ball by andriuXphoto / Creative Commons (image size has been modified)