The weather is quickly warming up, and before you know it, the hot days of summer will be here. At Nate’s, we’re no stranger to hot, humid summers. We’re Texas-born and bred, so hot summers are a way of life for us. And there’s nothing more refreshing than pouring an ice-cold glass of iced tea or sparkling water on a scorching summer afternoon.

With so many grab-and-go, sugary-drink options out there, we decided to put together a list of our favorite iced drink recipes for you to try. By switching from processed sugar to raw and unfiltered honey, you’ll get more of the good stuff and less crash.

1. Iced Honey Latte

Shake up your morning routine with honey-sweetened iced coffee! An easy cold-brewed coffee for a tasty, caffeinated drink sure to brighten your day.

YIELD: 1 Serving

PREP TIME: 5 Minutes

TOTAL TIME: Minutes

 

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 cup ice
• ¾ cup cold brew coffee
• 2-3 Nate’s Honey Minis (about 3-5 Tbsp honey)
• 3-4 Tbsp half and half

 

DIRECTIONS:

Place ice, coffee and honey in a large glass or wide-mouthed mason jar. Secure lid and shake for one minute. Add half and half.

 

2. Iced Honey Mocha

Start your day right with Iced Honey Mocha, another cold-brew coffee recipe we love. You’ll skip the trip through the coffee shop line and save yourself from that mid-afternoon sugar crash too.

YIELD: 1 Serving

PREP TIME: 5 Minutes

TOTAL TIME: 5 Minutes

 

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 cup cold brew coffee
• 2-4 Nate’s Honey Minis (about 3-5 Tbsp honey)
• ½ Tbsp cocoa powder
• 3-4 Tbsp half and half, coconut milk or almond milk
• Crushed ice

 

DIRECTIONS:

Fill a wide-mouth pint-sized mason jar halfway full with ice. Top with coffee, honey and cocoa powder.

Screw lid on mason jar. Shake vigorously, until cocoa powder is well mixed into the drink.

Top with half and half, coconut milk or almond milk.

 

3. Iced Honey Matcha

Matcha is a finely ground powder made from green tea leaves. Whether you’re a green tea fan or not a coffee person, this iced matcha drink is a fantastic alternative that will help give you the boost you need.

YIELD: 1 Serving

PREP TIME: 5 Minutes

TOTAL TIME: 5 Minutes

 

INGREDIENTS:

• 1-2 tsp matcha tea powder
• 2-4 Nate’s Honey Minis
• 1½ cups almond or coconut milk
• Crushed ice

 

DIRECTIONS:

Fill a wide-mouth pint sized mason jar halfway full with ice. Add matcha, honey and milk.

Screw lid on mason jar. Shake vigorously, until matcha powder is well mixed into the drink. Enjoy!

 

4. Honey Sweet Tea

So much tastier than sugar-sweetened tea! This tea is mild with honey flavor in every sip. It will be a little cloudy compared to sugar-sweetened tea and ten times more delicious.

YIELD: 8 Cups

PREP TIME: 10 Minutes

TOTAL TIME: 1+ Hour (for best results)

 

INGREDIENTS:

• 8 cups water
• 4 bags favorite strong tea (such as black or oolong)
• ⅓ – ½ cup Nate’s 100% Pure Honey
• 1 lemon, sliced very thin
• Mint (optional)

 

DIRECTIONS:

Boil water and brew tea until deep amber. While still warm, but not hot, stir in honey to taste. (Some people like really sweet tea. If that’s you…go for it!)

Pour into a glass jug or bottle that has a top. Add lemons.

Chill until ready to use. Shake well before serving. Add mint if desired.

 

5. Nate’s Sparkling ACV Spritzer

Apple cider vinegar is well known to have a lot of great benefits, and combined with honey, you’ll be unstoppable! Try with some sparkling water for a truly refreshing treat on a hot summer’s day.

YIELD: 1 Serving

PREP TIME: 5 Minutes

TOTAL TIME: 5 Minutes

 

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 oz apple cider vinegar
• 1 oz Nate’s 100% Pure Honey
• Crushed ice
• 1-2 cups sparkling water
• ½ lemon, sliced

 

DIRECTIONS:

Whisk vinegar and honey together. Pour into a glass, over crushed ice.

Top with sparkling water and serve with sliced lemon.

 

6. Fresh Honey Lemonade with Berry-Mint Ice Cubes

Homemade lemonade is traditionally made with sugar, but swap in honey and you’ll have a tangy, delicious gourmet drink that’s perfect for summertime. The added flavors of raw honey give this lemonade layers of refreshing flavor. Served with berry-mint ice cubes, a pitcher is perfect for parties, potlucks, picnics and lazy evenings on the porch.

YIELD: 4 Servings

PREP TIME: 5 Minutes

TOTAL TIME: 5 Minutes

 

INGREDIENTS:

Berry Ice Cubes

• 2 cups cold water
• ¼ cup fresh blueberries
• ¼ cup fresh raspberries
• ¼ cup mint, finely chopped, divided

Lemonade

• ⅓ cup Nates 100% Pure Honey
• 1½ cups boiling water
• 1 cup (about 8-12 lemons) fresh-squeezed lemon juice

 

DIRECTIONS:

Berry Ice Cubes

In a small bowl, mix 1 cup of cold water, the blueberries and half of the chopped mint together. Pour into an ice cube tray.

Repeat with raspberries and remaining mint.

Freeze until firm, about 6 hours.

Lemonade

In a large glass bowl, whisk together the honey and boiling water until the honey dissolves. Stir in the lemon juice.

Place in fridge until completely cool.

Serve over berry ice cubes.

 

7. Iced Mexican Coffee

When you’re looking to spice things up a bit, and also get an energy kick, this iced coffee is deliciously decadent. Ideal as a special treat on a hot day or in place of ice cream for a dessert.

YIELD: 1 Serving

PREP TIME: 5 Minutes

TOTAL TIME: 5 Minutes

 

INGREDIENTS:

• ½ cup Nate’s 100% Pure Honey
• 1 tsp Mexican vanilla extract
• 1 Tbsp cocoa powder
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ⅛ tsp cayenne pepper, optional
• 1 cup evaporated milk (fat-free is fine)
• 1 cup strong coffee, chilled

 

DIRECTIONS:

Combine honey, vanilla, cocoa and cinnamon (and cayenne if using). Stir well.

Add milk in stages, and stir until well combined. Pour over coffee and stir well.

Serve immediately over ice.

 

8. White Honey Sangria

Let this mocktail sit overnight in the fridge and serve in a pitcher to the whole party. You’ll be the favorite in your squad in no time.

YIELD: 8 Servings

PREP TIME: 10 Minutes

TOTAL TIME: 10 Minutes

 

INGREDIENTS:

• ½ cup lemon juice
• ½ cup Nate’s 100% Pure Honey
• 1 (64 oz) jar white grape juice
• 1 orange, sliced
• 1 cup fresh cranberries
• ½ cup fresh pomegranate arils
• 1 green apple, diced (optional)
• 2-4 sprigs fresh rosemary

 

DIRECTIONS:

In a small pot, heat together lemon juice and honey, just until honey dissolved. Transfer to a large glass pitcher, add grape juice.

Stir to mix well. Add fruit.

Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight, so flavors can meld.

Serve in wine glasses, garnish with rosemary sprig.

 

9. Cranberry Ginger Kombucha

This cranberry-ginger mocktail looks beautiful in a martini glass and tastes delicious! For a warm evening relaxing on the front porch, grab yourself a glass of this refreshing kombucha and watch the sunset on the horizon.

YIELD: 2 Servings

PREP TIME: 10 Minutes

TOTAL TIME: 10 Minutes

 

INGREDIENTS:

• ¼ cup fresh cranberries
• 3 Tbsp Nate’s 100% Pure Honey, divided
• 1 Tbsp sugar
• 1-inch piece fresh ginger, coarsely chopped
• ¼ cup 100% cranberry juice
• ¾ cup kombucha
• Ice

 

DIRECTIONS:

Thread cranberries onto a small skewer. Brush with 1 tablespoon honey, sprinkle with sugar. Set aside.

In a cocktail shaker, combine ginger, cranberry juice and 2 tablespoons honey. Add ice. Shake for 60 seconds.

Strain into martini glasses, top with kombucha. Garnish with cranberry skewer.

 

11. Blood Orange Fizz

Looking for the perfect brunch beverage? Skip the orange juice in a jug and grab this sophisticated, blood orange delight. This mocktail will leave your guests guilt-free when they can’t resist asking for another round.

YIELD: 1 Serving

PREP TIME: 5 Minutes

TOTAL TIME: 5 Minutes

 

INGREDIENTS:

• ½ cup blood orange juice (fresh or from concentrate)
• 3 Tbsp Nate’s 100% Pure Honey
• Ice
• 1 cup sparkling water (orange flavored, if desired)
• Orange slice
• Fresh mint for garnish

 

DIRECTIONS:

In a cocktail shaker, combine orange juice with honey and ice. Shake for 60 seconds, pour into a rocks glass.

Top with sparkling water.

Garnish with a slice of orange and fresh mint.

 

12. Iced Turmeric Milk

Whether you’re reading the newspaper and enjoying the morning breeze on your patio or heading out the door, spice up your morning routine with this simple recipe!

YIELD: 1 Serving

PREP TIME: 5 Minutes

TOTAL TIME: 5 Minutes

 

INGREDIENTS:

• Crushed ice
• 1-2 tsp turmeric
• 2-4 Nate’s Honey Minis
• 1½ cups almond or coconut milk
• Vanilla and/or cinnamon suggested for additional flavor

 

DIRECTIONS:

Fill a wide-mouth pint-sized mason jar halfway full with ice. Add turmeric, honey, and milk.

Screw lid on mason jar. Shake vigorously, until turmeric is well mixed into the drink.

 

13. Iced Apple Cider

A refreshing twist on a winter drink, you can revive an old classic so you can enjoy that crisp apple and cinnamon taste all year long.

YIELD: 12 Servings

PREP TIME: 10 Minutes

TOTAL TIME: 10 Minutes

 

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 cup Nate’s 100% Pure Honey
• 1 (50 oz) jug unsweetened, unfiltered apple juice
• 6-8 cinnamon sticks
• ¼ cup anise stars (optional)
• 2-inch piece fresh ginger, sliced
• 2 Tbsp whole cloves
• Ice

 

DIRECTIONS:

In a large pot, heat honey, applesauce and all spices together just until mixture is steaming and honey dissolves. Allow to cool slightly.

Transfer to a large pitcher, cover with plastic wrap and allow to sit overnight.

Serve over ice. If desired, garnish with thin apple slices, skewered with a bamboo cocktail skewer.

 

14. Avocado Margarita Mocktail Slush

Creamy, slushy and perfect for summer! This bright and light avocado-lime mocktail slush is the perfect blended drink for sipping on the back porch. Sweetened with honey, this may be the most delicious way you’ll cool off all season. Try it blended or on the rocks!

YIELD: 3-4 Servings

PREP TIME: 10 Minutes

TOTAL TIME: 10 Minutes

 

INGREDIENTS:

• ⅓ cup + 1 tsp Nate’s 100% Pure Honey, divided
• 1½ tsp coarse salt, for rimming glass
• 1 avocado
• ⅓ cup lime juice
• 2 cups crushed ice
• Fresh mint leaves, for garnish
• ½ lime cut in wedges, for garnish
• Pinch cayenne for garnish

 

DIRECTIONS:

With ½ teaspoon honey and salt, rim two rocks glasses. Set aside.

In a blender, combine ⅓ cup honey, avocado, lime juice and ice. Blend until smooth.* Pour into glasses. Garnish with mint and lime, sprinkle a pinch of cayenne on top for garnish. Enjoy!

Note: For a grown-up version of this margarita, add 3 oz tequila to the blender.

*If a thinner consistency desired, add ¼ cup water to the blender and puree. Can also use iced cubes for “on the rocks!”

 

15. Iced Chai Energy Drink

Just like a coffee-house chai, but made without sugar. And we’ve added protein-rich soy or nut milk too. Delicious!

YIELD: 2 Servings

PREP TIME: 10 Minutes

TOTAL TIME: 10 Minutes

 

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 cups water
• 2 bags black Chai tea
• 2-3 Tbsp Nature 100% Pure Honey
• 1 cup soy or unsweetened nut milk

 

DIRECTIONS:

First, boil water and brew tea until strong. When still just warm, remove tea bags and stir in honey.

Add milk and pour over plenty of ice.