refreshing summer drinks (easy, no alcohol)

I've always worked throughout the summers when I was in college. I don't know how I had the energy for it, but I sure did enjoy it! I worked as a bartender in a beach bar. summer was the only time of year I was able to visit my hometown's stunning beaches (check out the galapinhos' beach in setúbal) and I guess that I've always wanted to get the most out of it!

in addition to learning several valuable skills, I also learned how to mix fantastic drinks ;) what better way to enjoy the warm weather than by sipping on a refreshing drink? today I’ll share with you my top 4 summer drinks (easy, no alcohol).

— WATERMELON JUICE
did you know watermelon is filled with 97% water? this is an excellent summer drink for its cooling properties!

ingredients
- 1 large or 2 small watermelons
- 250ml lemon juice (from a bottle or squeeze your own)
- 1 lime, cut into slices
- small handful mint (here’s my tip: if you “smack” the mint leaves, you’ll get an accentuate flavor and release that lovely minty aroma)
- brown sugar, to taste
- crushed ice

instructions
1. cut the top off the watermelon and empty it out using a large spoon.
2. put the flesh in a blender with the lemon juice and brown sugar; mix it all together.
3. heap some ice into the hollowed-out watermelon and fill it with the juice mixture.
4. add the mint leaves, the lime slices and ice. stir gently, then serve.

— RASPBERRRY LEMONADE
when life gives you lemons… you make lemonade, right? or in this case, raspberry lemonade. this sweet raspberry lemonade is the best way to beat that summer heat.

ingredients
- 300g raspberries
- 25g raw honey
- small handful mint (here’s my tip: if you “smack” the mint leaves, you’ll get an accentuate flavor and release that lovely minty aroma)
- 750ml bottle sparkling water
- ice cubes

instructions
1. put half the raspberries in a large bowl and lightly crush some of them.
2. pour over the honey, stir well, cover and leave in the fridge for some minutes.
3. add the mint leaves, sparkling water and ice to the previous mixture.
4. add the remaining raspberries. stir gently to combine, then serve.

— PINEAPPLE JUICE WITH MINT
pineapples have a wide range of health advantages; they are nutrient-rich, a fantastic source of vitamin c and fiber, and they support the immune system. 

june ring, little arlo bracelets

ingredients
- 1 pineapple
- 1 tsp blue spirulina powder
- small handful mint (here’s my tip: if you “smack” the mint leaves, you’ll get an accentuate flavor and release that lovely minty aroma)

instructions
1. peel the pineapple and cut it into chunks.
2. place the pineapple chunks and the mint in a blender and blend until smooth.
3. add the spiraling powder (for extra benefits and a gorgeous color!!).
4. serve chilled or with ice cubes.

— MANGO MOJITO (non-alcoholic)
I love mangoes like anything… I mean who doesn't like mangos? this mango mojito is just the right flavor of juice and freshness you want to have on hand!

ingredients
- 1 cup mango puree
- 2 lemons
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
- small handful mint (here’s my tip: if you “smack” the mint leaves, you’ll get an accentuate flavor and release that lovely minty aroma)
- brown sugar, to taste
- 500 ml drinking soda or sparkling water
- crushed ice

instructions
1. in a pitcher add mint leaves and crush gently.
2. add lemon juice and brown sugar.
3. add pureed mango and stir well.
4. pour in the soda and mix well.
5. add ice and serve.

sofia torres is the digital media designer at CINCO. born in '97, she believes her strong passion for what she does enables her to create meaningful work. her educational background includes a master in multimedia design at the university of coimbra. since day one, she's loving working at CINCO.