Our summer must-have drinks to make at home

Ok, so this blog is about summer drinks right? Of course we are going to kick things off with this one. Simple but effective, it will tantalise the taste buds.

You will need;

• DaVinci Summer Berry Smoothie mix (30-60ml)
• DaVinci Lemon & Lime syrup (2 pumps)
• Soda water
• Ice
• Fresh lemon (optional)

Add ice cubes to a glass until ⅔ full, top up with soda water until the same level as the ice. Add the syrup and stir and top with crushed ice. Pour smoothie over the top of the crushed ice. Add  a slice of lemon and frozen strawberries (optional).

This works really well with a splash of vodka or gin too!

Next up is my favourite indulgent delight. It is to die for. Whenever I make this one at home, there’s always lots of people hanging around the kitchen to ‘help’. You will need a blender for this one.

To make this you’ll need:

• Single espresso shot (or 30ml of really strong instant coffee)
• DaVinci Topping Toffee Fudge sauce (2 tbsp)
• Vanilla Frappe powder (1 scoop, 25g)
• Milk
• Ice
• Lotus biscuits (2 + 1 for garnish)

Add ice to a glass until ¾ full then add the espresso shot and enough cold milk to cover the ice.
Add the frappe powder, biscuits and toffee sauce to the blender. Add the glass contents and blend until smooth. Now, pour into a glass.

I like to add whipped cream and crumble a lotus biscuit on top, and then add toffee sauce too!

For anyone that thinks summer drinks take up a lot of resources and time, this is for you. It’s just so simple – and my personal favourite. All you do is submerge the tea in water (using an espresso cold brewer) for up to 24 hours and it’s done!

You will need;

• Suki Goji Berry & Pomegranate Loose leaf tea (try to resit eating the papaya pieces in there unlike myself)
• Espresso Warehouse Coffee Brewer or a large jug
• Filtered water
• Apple juice (optional)
• Mint (optional)
• Strawberries (optional)
• Pomegranate (optional)

Add the Suki tea to your jug 1/4 of the way full or fill the mesh insert of the cold brewer.
Fill with filtered water and leave for 24 hours.
Remove from the fridge, (strain fruit if using a jug) and serve.

This tastes great on its own, but if you want to add a splash of apple juice for extra sweetness you can. Also adding strawberries, mint and pomegranate makes this drink look extra special.

Can’t decide if you want an ice cream or a drink? You can have both with this chocolatey little number. Coffee meets cream, this is a naughty but oh so nice treat.

To make this you’ll need:

• Freshly brewed espresso (single shot or 30ml of strong instant coffee)
• DaVinci Belgian Chocolate sauce (1 pump or 15ml)
• DaVinci Amaretto syrup (1 pump or 7.5ml)
• Milk
• Ice

Add an espresso shot and chocolate sauce to a glass and whisk together. Now, fill the glass with milk, leaving room for some ice. Add a  few cubes of ice and add the syrup and top with whipped cream.

Ok so I’m always going on about how underrated tea is. This crush is understated. The smooth creamy mango mix with the hint of sharp citrus is perfect whilst soaking up the sun. This one slips down even better with a twist of vodka… it’s up to you if you twist or stick. You will need a blender for this.

You will need;

• DaVinci Lemon Tea syrup (2 pumps or 15ml)
• DaVinci Mango Smoothie mix (60ml)
• Still water
• Ice
• Fresh lemon (optional)

First, take you glass and marble some Mango Smoothie around the side of the glass.
Next, crush ice in the blender, enough to fill a glass ¾ full, then add to a glass.
Add syrup then cold water until ⅔ full,  top up with some more mango smoothie mix.
I like to add some fresh lemon rind to give some texture.

Summer… it’s what iced coffee dreams are made of. In the morning I usually have a coffee and some breakfast. But then I thought – two birds one stone. This magical little number is a great way to begin your day. A caffeine kick with that oaty goodness and little bit of sweetness from the banana. It’s so quick and easy, especially if you are on the go! You’ll need a blender for this one.

To make this you’ll need:

• 1 Banana
• Freshly brewed espresso (single shot or 30ml of strong instant coffee)
• Oat m*lk
• Ice
Add ice to a glass until half full then add a dash of oat milk to the espresso to cool, then pour over ice.
Top glass with oat m*lk until ⅔ full. Add the banana to the blender, followed by the cup ingredients and blend until smooth.
I like to add fresh banana slices too.