Refreshing Summer Drinks for Reception Guest Who Don’t Imbibe

​Summer brings heat and thirst and many gathered at event centers and reception venues will be craving refreshing non-alcoholic drinks. Tried and true summertime drinks can quench cravings and make impressions when served with popular modern twists.
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Lemonade is the most requested summertime drink. Easy to make and being refreshing to boot are just two of the reasons to mix up a pitcher of fresh, homemade lemonade.

To make lemonade you will need two cups of lemon juice. If you are squeezing your own, you will need 12-15 lemons. Make a simple syrup by taking one cup water and one cup white sugar and heating it in a pot over medium-high heat until the sugar melts and you have clear, lump-free liquid. Stir in the two cups lemon juice. This combination is a concentrate that you can store in the freezer or refrigerator. Make lemonade by the glass or pitcher by simply adding water to taste to the concentrate.

For a healthier lemonade, substitute local honey for the white sugar. Use the same proportions and directions and you have a drink that also helps build your immunities to local allergens.

Fruit lemonade variations are always popular choices for thirsty people. Make strawberry, blueberry, or raspberry lemonade simply by adding fresh fruit either wholes or pureed.

Iced Tea is a southern summer staple. Southern sweet tea is a traditional way to enjoy this standby or for a twist try Sunshine State Tea. This is tea with that has Florida Orange slices and a splash of juice added. Mint leaves are another refreshing choice to add to iced tea. A popular choice for children is to make Keep the Doctor Away Tea. This is half iced tea and half apple juice.

To stay hydrated, water is the best go-to beverage. To dress water up, infuse with cucumbers, mint, lemon, peaches, ginger, strawberries, and limes. Any seasonal fruit can add flavor and color to a refreshing glass of ice water. For a variation and to add sparkle, use seltzer water.

Sherbet punches are popular party choices and can be made with just two ingredients. Take a gallon of orange sherbet and place in a punch bowl. Add a chilled two-liter bottle of pineapple soda and you have a two-ingredient punch that is colorful and delicious. Raspberry sherbet mixes well with lemon-lime soda and lemon sherbet with fruit punch soda makes a tasty choice too.

For a punch with a few more flavors, try this lime sherbet-based delight: Chill a can of pineapple juice and a can of apple juice that is the same size as the pineapple juice. Mix the two together in a punch bowl. Add a half-gallon of lime sherbet. To that add 8-12 ounces of lemon-lime soda. Stir and enjoy. As the sherbet melts the punch becomes frothy.

Don’t want to mix your own drinks but want a delicious treat. Head to Borden’s for an old-fashioned ice cream soda or float. It’s a Lafayette landmark.

Another venue in Lafayette destined to become a landmark is Le Pavilion. This event center and wedding venue can be seen by appointment calling 337-371-1076 or email bookings@lplft.com.

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