10 Refreshing Summer Drinks to Discover on Your Next Vacation

As the summer heat rises and travel plans take shape, savvy globetrotters know that discovering local beverages is one of the most delightful ways to experience a destination. Beyond the typical tourist attractions and Instagram-worthy landmarks lies a world of authentic cultural experiences waiting at the bottom of a glass. These aren’t just drinks—they’re liquid souvenirs that capture the essence of a place through unique flavors, traditional preparation methods, and often centuries of history.

From the vibrant streets of Bangkok to sun-drenched terraces in Santorini, each destination offers its own signature thirst-quenching remedy perfectly adapted to its climate and culture. Whether you’re planning your next summer getaway or simply looking to bring international flavors to your home bar, these five iconic beverages promise to transport your taste buds across continents.

Are you ready to explore the world one sip at a time? Let’s dive into these refreshing summer drinks that locals reach for when temperatures soar—starting with a sweet, spiced orange treasure from Thailand that’s captured the hearts of travelers worldwide.

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Thailand – Thai Iced Tea

There’s nothing quite like the moment when that first sip of Thai iced tea hits your palate after hours of exploring Bangkok’s sun-drenched streets. This vibrant orange beverage stands as Thailand’s most photogenic and refreshing cultural icon, instantly recognizable by its striking color and creamy top layer.

Known locally as “cha yen,” Thai iced tea begins with a strong brew of Ceylon tea infused with traditional spices like star anise, cardamom, and tamarind. What transforms this simple tea into something extraordinary is the addition of condensed milk, creating that perfect balance between bold flavors and creamy sweetness that’s simultaneously refreshing and indulgent.

While you’ll find vendors selling this beloved drink throughout Thailand, the most authentic experience awaits in Bangkok’s bustling street markets. Wander through Chatuchak Weekend Market, where skilled vendors pour the tea in dramatic fashion between containers, creating an impressive vertical stream that aerates the drink perfectly. The result? A silky smooth texture with distinct layers that gradually blend together as the ice melts.

For the ultimate travel experience, pair your Thai iced tea with spicy pad thai or green curry from a nearby food stall. The sweetness counterbalances the heat in Thai cuisine, creating a culinary harmony that locals have enjoyed for generations.

Traveler’s tip: Look for vendors who brew their tea fresh rather than using pre-made mixes. The telltale signs of quality are a deep amber color and natural spice fragments visible in the brew. Many seasoned travelers agree that Cha Tra Mue, a tea brand with shops throughout Bangkok, serves some of the most balanced and flavorful versions of this refreshing classic.

Brazil – Caipirinha

As the sun sets over Copacabana Beach and bossa nova rhythms float through the air, there’s one quintessential experience every visitor to Brazil must embrace: sipping a perfectly crafted caipirinha. This deceptively simple cocktail—Brazil’s national drink—captures the vibrant spirit of the country in just three ingredients: cachaça, lime, and sugar.

Unlike rum, which is distilled from molasses, cachaça comes directly from fermented sugarcane juice, giving it a distinctively earthy, grassy profile that forms the soul of this refreshing cocktail. The drink’s preparation is a ritual in itself—lime wedges muddled with sugar to release both juice and essential oils from the peel, then mixed with cachaça and crushed ice for a sensory experience that’s simultaneously sweet, tart, and potent.

While you can order a caipirinha at virtually any bar in Brazil, the most memorable experiences often come from beachside kiosks in Rio de Janeiro, where barefoot bartenders craft them with practiced precision. In Salvador’s historic Pelourinho district, local variations incorporate tropical fruits like passion fruit or mango, creating colorful twists on the traditional recipe.

The caipirinha’s true magic lies in its ability to refresh despite Brazil’s tropical humidity. One sip transports you directly into the country’s laid-back culture, where conversations flow easily and strangers become friends over shared drinks.

Traveler’s insight: For the most authentic experience, seek out establishments using artisanal cachaça rather than industrial varieties. Small-batch producers create cachaças with distinctive regional characteristics, similar to fine wines. The Academia da Cachaça in Leblon offers an impressive selection of premium options for curious travelers looking to develop a deeper appreciation for Brazil’s beloved spirit.

Greece – Frappé Coffee

When the Mediterranean sun beats down on the whitewashed buildings of Santorini or the bustling streets of Athens, locals reach for their most beloved summer refreshment: the iconic Greek frappé coffee. This foamy, ice-cold caffeinated drink has become so integrated into modern Greek culture that it’s practically a national symbol alongside ancient ruins and azure coastlines.

Unlike its Italian coffee cousins, the Greek frappé was born from improvisation rather than tradition. Created in 1957 when a Nescafé representative couldn’t find hot water at a trade fair, this accidental invention involves vigorously shaking instant coffee with sugar and a splash of water until it transforms into a thick, velvety foam. Cold water, ice cubes, and optional milk complete this refreshing beverage that Greeks sip leisurely through straws, often for hours at a seaside café.

The frappé experience extends beyond mere refreshment—it embodies the Greek concept of “siga-siga” (slowly-slowly), representing an unhurried approach to life. Watching locals nurse their frappés while engaged in animated conversation or quiet contemplation offers cultural insights no guidebook can provide.

While virtually every café in Greece serves frappés, the most authentic experience awaits in Thessaloniki, the drink’s birthplace. Here, at the waterfront cafés along Nikis Avenue, baristas have elevated frappé-making to an art form, creating perfect foam-to-liquid ratios customized to your sweetness preference: “sketos” (no sugar), “metrios” (medium sugar), or “glykos” (sweet).

Traveler’s secret: For a truly local experience, order your frappé “me gala” (with milk) and pair it with a “koulouri”—a sesame-encrusted bread ring—for the perfect mid-morning energy boost while exploring ancient sites during your Greek vacation.

Mexico – Agua Fresca

In the vibrant markets and family-run fondas of Mexico, enormous glass barrels filled with colorful agua fresca stand as beacons of refreshment. These lightly sweetened fruit waters—literally “fresh waters”—represent Mexico’s ingenious answer to hydration in a sunny climate, offering travelers a delicious alternative to commercial sodas and bottled drinks.

The beauty of agua fresca lies in its simplicity and endless variety. Fresh fruits, flowers, or grains are blended with water, a touch of sugar, and sometimes lime juice, creating a beverage that captures the essence of Mexican culinary heritage. Popular varieties include jamaica (hibiscus flower), horchata (rice water with cinnamon), tamarindo (tamarind pulp), and sandía (watermelon), each offering unique flavor profiles that complement Mexico’s spice-forward cuisine.

For the most authentic experience, seek out local mercados where vendors prepare aguas frescas fresh each morning. Mexico City’s Mercado de la Merced or Oaxaca’s Mercado 20 de Noviembre offer spectacular varieties, often served in biodegradable cups or plastic bags tied around straws—a charming local custom that speaks to the drink’s street food origins.

What makes agua fresca truly special is how it connects visitors to Mexico’s agricultural bounty. Each region showcases seasonal fruits in their prime, allowing you to literally taste the landscape. In coastal areas, you might find cucumber-lime agua fresca with a hint of chili, while mountainous regions might offer membrillo (quince) or tejocote (Mexican hawthorn) varieties rarely seen elsewhere.

Traveler’s tip: For an elevated travel experience, visit the award-winning Agua de Piedra in Mexico City, where mixologists create gourmet aguas frescas using unexpected ingredients like lemongrass, charred pineapple, or roasted corn. Their creative approach exemplifies how this traditional beverage continues to evolve while maintaining its refreshing soul.

Italy – Limoncello Spritz

When afternoon sun bathes the Amalfi Coast in golden light, locals and visitors alike partake in Italy’s most refreshing ritual: sipping a Limoncello Spritz on a terrace overlooking the Mediterranean. This bright, effervescent cocktail perfectly captures the essence of la dolce vita while showcasing the region’s most celebrated agricultural treasure—the Sfusato Amalfitano lemon.

Unlike the classic Aperol Spritz from northern Italy, the Limoncello Spritz emerged as a southern Italian adaptation, blending the region’s prized lemon liqueur with prosecco and soda water. The result is a more citrus-forward, sunshine-in-a-glass experience that perfectly complements balmy summer afternoons in coastal towns like Positano, Sorrento, and Ravello.

What makes this drink special beyond its refreshing taste is its connection to centuries of Italian tradition. The lemons used for authentic limoncello grow on terraced hillsides along the Amalfi Coast, where their thick, wrinkled rinds contain potent essential oils that give the liqueur its distinctive aroma. Families have passed down secret recipes for generations, with each household claiming their method produces the finest limoncello in town.

For the most immersive experience, venture beyond tourist hotspots to family-run “limoneto” farms that offer tastings. At places like Il Giardino di Vigliano in Massa Lubrense, you can sample limoncello straight from the source while learning about traditional production methods and the painstaking local harvest that happens entirely by hand.

Traveler’s insight: The most authentic Limoncello Spritz uses a 3:2:1 ratio (prosecco, limoncello, soda) and should be served in a wine glass with plenty of ice and a spiral of fresh lemon zest. For a truly memorable moment, enjoy one at sunset at Franco’s Bar in Positano, where the panoramic views rival the exceptional quality of the cocktails themselves.

Some Other Great Drinks

Still thirsty for more global flavors? These bonus drinks round out your summer sipping itinerary with lesser-known but equally delightful beverages from around the world. Whether you’re dreaming of desert oases or tropical rainforests, these refreshing choices deserve a spot on your travel (and tasting) bucket list.

Morocco – Mint Tea (“Atay B’naanaa”)

A steamy drink might seem counterintuitive in the summer, but in Morocco, sweetened green tea infused with fresh spearmint is a year-round staple—especially in the heat. The tea is poured theatrically from a height to create bubbles and cool it slightly, a ritual you’ll witness in riads and souks across Marrakech. Served hot but calming and aromatic, it’s surprisingly refreshing and an essential part of Moroccan hospitality.

India – Nimbu Pani (Lime Soda)

India’s beloved street-side cooler, nimbu pani, is a zesty mix of lime juice, water or soda, black salt, and sometimes cumin. Found everywhere from Delhi’s crowded bazaars to coastal Goa, it’s both a rehydration hero and a bold flavor bomb. Many travelers swear by its ability to beat the heat and settle the stomach after spicy meals.

Jamaica – Sorrel Drink

This ruby-red iced drink made from hibiscus petals (locally called sorrel), ginger, clove, and sweeteners is a Caribbean classic. Though especially popular during Christmas, it’s enjoyed throughout the summer as a cooling tonic. Often spiked with rum, but equally satisfying without, sorrel offers a tangy, spicy sip that pairs perfectly with island breezes.

Vietnam – Soda Chanh (Lime Soda)

In Vietnam’s bustling cities, soda chanh is a go-to summer refresher. This DIY-style drink involves squeezing lime juice into a glass, stirring in sugar, and topping with club soda. It’s bubbly, tart, and lightly sweet, offering a homemade charm you can enjoy at a streetside café or from the comfort of your hotel balcony.

Turkey – Ayran

This salty yogurt-based drink might surprise travelers expecting sweetness, but Ayran is a Turkish summer essential. Made with yogurt, cold water, and a pinch of salt, it’s especially popular after grilled meat dishes or on hot afternoons. Found from Istanbul’s eateries to roadside stalls in Cappadocia, Ayran delivers cool hydration and a taste of Turkish culinary tradition.

🧳 Travel Tip:
Keep a running list of your favorite drinks while traveling and consider collecting small recipe cards or local ingredients. That way, you’re not just bringing home souvenirs—you’re bringing back flavors that instantly transport you.

Bonus Section: How to Make These Summer Drinks at Home

Returning from your global adventures doesn’t mean leaving these refreshing beverages behind. With a few key ingredients and simple techniques, you can recreate these international favorites in your own kitchen, extending your travel memories long after your suitcase is unpacked.

For an authentic Thai Iced Tea, look for Thai tea mix in Asian markets (brands like Pantai or Number One are excellent). Steep 2 tablespoons in 1 cup of hot water for 5 minutes, strain, then cool completely. Pour over ice and top with 2 tablespoons of sweetened condensed milk. The key to the perfect balance is allowing the milk to slowly cascade through the tea rather than stirring immediately.

Crafting a proper Caipirinha requires cachaça—accept no substitutes! Cut one lime into eighths, muddle with 2 tablespoons of sugar in a rocks glass, add 2 ounces of cachaça and crushed ice. The secret technique Brazilian bartenders use is muddling just enough to release the juice without extracting bitter oils from the white pith.

For a Greek Frappé, combine 2 teaspoons instant coffee, 2 teaspoons sugar, and 2 tablespoons water in a cocktail shaker. Shake vigorously for 30 seconds until foamy, then pour over ice and add cold water and optional milk. The authentic texture comes from the aggressive shaking—electric frothers work too if you’re short on arm strength!

Agua Fresca is wonderfully adaptable: blend 2 cups of any ripe fruit with 2 cups water, 1 tablespoon lime juice, and sugar to taste. Strain through a fine mesh sieve for the traditional smooth texture.

Finally, a Limoncello Spritz requires good quality limoncello (Pallini or Luxardo are widely available). Combine 2 ounces prosecco, 1 ounce limoncello, and a splash of soda water over ice for an instant Mediterranean escape in your own backyard.

Conclusion

These refreshing summer drinks offer more than just relief from the heat—they provide a liquid passport to cultures around the world. Whether you’re sipping a frothy frappé overlooking the Aegean Sea or enjoying homemade agua fresca in your backyard, these beverages carry the authentic flavors and traditions of their homelands.

The next time you plan your summer travels, consider adding these iconic drinks to your itinerary. Better yet, seek out the hidden gems and local favorites that aren’t in guidebooks. The most memorable travel experiences often come when you pause your sightseeing, find a comfortable spot among locals, and take time to savor the flavors that have refreshed generations.

Have you tried any of these global beverages during your travels? Or perhaps you’ve discovered another refreshing drink that deserves recognition? Cheers to summer adventures, one sip at a time!