Summer Camping Drinks and Treats to Beat the Heat

Summer is the best time of the year to escape to the outdoors and enjoy a fun and refreshing camping trip. And whether you’re lounging by the lake, chatting around a campfire, or firing up the BBQ, the heat is sure to put you in the mood for a refreshing drink or a cold treat. Going camping doesn’t mean you have to stick to peanut butter sandwiches and powdered coffee after all. Elevate your next RV camping trip with this list of festive summer drink recipes and refreshing treats!

Camping Cocktails

For the adults in the group, unwind on a hot summer day at the campsite with this refreshing list of summer cocktail recipes!

White Sangria

Skip the heavy red wine and kickstart your camping trip with this refreshing white sangria recipe. A delicious blend of white wine, fresh fruits, and just the right amount of sweetness, this recipe is the perfect campfire cocktail.

Ingredients:

- 1 bottle of white wine (Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio)

- 1/4 cup brandy

- 2 tablespoons orange liqueur (Triple Sec or Cointreau)

- 2 tablespoons sugar (adjust to taste)

- Sliced fruits (Apples, peaches, grapes, and citrus fruits)

- Fresh mint leaves for garnish

- Ice cubes

Instructions:

1. In a pitcher, combine the white wine, brandy, orange liqueur, and sugar. Stir until the sugar is dissolved.

2. Add the sliced fruits to the pitcher and stir gently.

3. Refrigerate the sangria for at least 2 hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld.

4. When ready to serve, fill glasses with ice cubes.

5. Pour the white sangria over the ice in each glass, making sure to include some of the sliced fruits.

6. Garnish with fresh mint leaves for a touch of freshness.

7. Stir gently before sipping and savoring the delightful flavors of White Sangria.

Enjoy the crisp and refreshing taste of this white wine-based sangria, perfect for a camping trip or any summer gathering!

Watermelon Margarita

Everyone loves a classic margarita, especially on a hot summer day. But every now and then it’s refreshing to mix things up and try something new. This watermelon margarita recipe provides a fun, camping-inspired twist on this classic cocktail!

Ingredients:

- 2 cups watermelon chunks

- 2 ounces tequila

- 1 ounce lime juice

- 1/2 ounce simple syrup (optional, adjust to taste)

- Salt or sugar for rimming the glass (optional)

- Lime wedges for garnish

- Ice cubes

Instructions:

1. In a blender, puree the watermelon chunks until smooth.

2. In a shaker, combine the watermelon puree, tequila, lime juice, and simple syrup. Shake well.

3. Rim the glass with salt or sugar, if desired.

4. Fill the glass with ice cubes and strain the margarita mixture into the glass.

5. Garnish with a lime wedge.

6. Enjoy your refreshing Watermelon Margarita!

Coconut Mojito

The mojito is one of the most classic cocktails of all time, but adding a dash of coconut water can really take it to the next level. A thirst-quenching blend of fresh mint, zesty lime, and creamy coconut, this refreshing summer drink is the perfect way to beat the heat!

Ingredients:

- 8-10 fresh mint leaves

- 2 tablespoons lime juice

- 2 tablespoons simple syrup

- 2 ounces white rum

- 1/2 cup coconut water

- Soda water

- Ice cubes

- Lime wedges and mint sprigs for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a glass, muddle the mint leaves with lime juice and simple syrup.

2. Fill the glass with ice cubes.

3. Add the white rum and coconut water. Stir well.

4. Top with soda water.

5. Garnish with lime wedges and mint sprigs.

6. Give it a gentle stir, and enjoy the refreshing Coconut Mojito!

Pineapple Coconut Rum Punch

Liven up your next camping trip and bring along a taste of tropical paradise with this pineapple coconut rum punch recipe! It’s impossible not to kick back and relax while sipping on this refreshing campfire cocktail.

Ingredients:

- 1 cup pineapple juice

- 1/2 cup coconut rum

- 1/4 cup lime juice

- 2 tablespoons grenadine syrup

- Pineapple wedges for garnish

- Ice cubes

Instructions:

1. In a pitcher, combine the pineapple juice, coconut rum, lime juice, and grenadine syrup. Stir well.

2. Fill glasses with ice cubes.

3. Pour the punch over the ice in each glass.

4. Garnish with pineapple wedges.

5. Stir gently before drinking.

6. Sip and enjoy the tropical flavors of Pineapple Coconut Rum Punch!

Frosé

Who ever said camping couldn’t be fancy? Chill out and add a touch of class to your next camping trip with this delicious blend of frozen rosé wine and fresh fruit.

Ingredients:

- 1 bottle of rosé wine

- 2 cups frozen strawberries

- 2 tablespoons sugar

- 1 tablespoon lemon juice

- Ice cubes

Instructions:

1. Pour the rosé wine into ice cube trays and freeze until solid.

2. In a blender, combine the frozen rosé cubes, frozen strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice.

3. Blend until smooth and slushy.

4. Pour into glasses and serve immediately.

5. Cheers and enjoy your delightful Frosé!

Camping Mocktails

All the flavor and fun of a camping cocktail without any of the booze, these mocktail recipes are sure to refresh!

Cucumber Mint Cooler

After a long day out in the sun, nothing will bring you back to life quite like this crisp, fresh mocktail. A delicious blend of cool cucumber and fresh mint with a hint of zesty lime, this recipe is refreshing, tasty, and hydrating.

Ingredients:

- 1 cup cucumber juice

- 1 tablespoon lime juice

- 1 tablespoon simple syrup

- 4-6 fresh mint leaves

- Soda water

- Ice cubes

- Cucumber slices and mint sprigs for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a glass, muddle the mint leaves with lime juice and simple syrup.

2. Fill the glass with ice cubes.

3. Add the cucumber juice and stir well.

4. Top with soda water.

5. Garnish with cucumber slices and mint sprigs.

6. Stir gently, and enjoy the refreshing Cucumber Mint Cooler!

Blueberry Basil Lemonade

It’s hard to beat a glass of lemonade on a hot summer day, but who’s to say you can’t add some excitement and class to your favorite summer refreshment? Try out this blueberry basil lemonade recipe and you may never go back to plain lemonade.

Ingredients:

- 1 cup blueberry syrup (blueberries, water, and sugar cooked and strained)

- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice

- 4-6 fresh basil leaves

- Soda water

- Ice cubes

- Lemon slices and fresh blueberries for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a glass, muddle the basil leaves with blueberry syrup and lemon juice.

2. Fill the glass with ice cubes.

3. Add soda water to the glass and stir gently.

4. Garnish with lemon slices and fresh blueberries.

5. Sip and enjoy the vibrant flavors of Blueberry Basil Lemonade!

Peach Ginger Fizz

Striking the perfect balance of sweet peaches and the spicy warmth of ginger, this bubbly concoction will keep you refreshed throughout the day.

Ingredients:

- 1/2 cup peach nectar

- 1/4 cup ginger syrup

- 2 tablespoons lime juice

- Soda water or club soda

- Ice cubes

- Peach slices and fresh mint leaves for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a glass, combine the peach nectar, ginger syrup, and lime juice.

2. Fill the glass with ice cubes.

3. Top with soda water and stir gently.

4. Garnish with peach slices and fresh mint leaves.

5. Give it a gentle stir and enjoy the refreshing Peach Ginger Fizz!

Kids Drinks

We can’t forget the kiddos of the bunch! Here are some fun drink recipes they’ll enjoy sipping on those hot summer days.

Rainbow Lemonade

A mix of exciting colors and citrusy flavors, this lemonade recipe is as much fun as it is flavorful.

Ingredients:

- Clear lemonade (homemade or store-bought)

- Red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and purple food coloring

- Sliced citrus fruits for garnish

- Ice cubes

Instructions:

1. Divide the clear lemonade evenly into six separate containers or bowls.

2. Add a few drops of food coloring to each container to create the desired rainbow colors. Stir well.

3. Fill a glass with ice cubes.

4. Start with one color of lemonade (e.g., red) and pour it into the glass, filling about 1/6th of the glass.

5. Slowly pour the next color (e.g., orange) over the ice, allowing it to flow down the side of the glass, creating layers.

6. Repeat this process with the remaining colors to create a rainbow effect.

7. Garnish with slices of citrus fruits.

8. Stir gently before serving to mix the colors and flavors.

9. Serve the vibrant Rainbow Lemonade and enjoy!

Orange Creamsicle Float

Kids and adults alike will love this summertime twist on the classic root beer float. This fun and easy campfire drink is sure to cool you down on a hot day.

Ingredients:

- Orange soda

- Vanilla ice cream

- Whipped cream (optional)

- Orange slices for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Fill a glass with a scoop or two of vanilla ice cream.

2. Slowly pour orange soda over the ice cream until the glass is filled.

3. Optional: Top with whipped cream and garnish with an orange slice.

4. Serve with a straw and spoon.

5. Enjoy the creamy and fizzy Orange Creamsicle Float!

Sparkling Fruit Punch

Make the kids feel extra special with this fizzy blend of citrusy flavors!

Ingredients:

- A mix of fruit juices (Orange, pineapple, cranberry, grapefruit, etc.)

- Sparkling water or lemon-lime soda

- Sliced fruits for garnish

- Ice cubes

Instructions:

1. In a pitcher, combine the fruit juices in equal parts.

2. Fill glasses with ice cubes.

3. Pour the fruit juice mixture into the glasses, leaving some space at the top.

4. Top with sparkling water or lemon-lime soda.

5. Garnish with sliced fruits.

6. Stir gently and enjoy the sparkling and fruity punch!

Cold Treats and Camping Snacks

Now that we know what’s in your glass, let’s look at some fun camping treats that will help you beat the heat!

S’mores Ice cream Sandwiches

The most quintessential campfire snack just got a chilly upgrade with S’mores Ice cream Sandwiches. Combining all of the nostalgic flavors of a classic s’more, this cold treat is perfect for a hot summer camping day.

Ingredients:

- Graham crackers

- Chocolate ice cream or chocolate-flavored gelato

- Marshmallows, melted

Instructions:

1. Take two graham crackers and place a scoop of chocolate ice cream or gelato on one cracker.

2. Drizzle some melted marshmallow over the ice cream.

3. Top with the other graham cracker to create a sandwich.

4. Optional: Roll the sides of the sandwich in crushed graham crackers or chocolate shavings.

5. Repeat the process to make more ice cream sandwiches.

6. Place the sandwiches in the freezer until firm.

7. Enjoy the delicious S'mores Ice Cream Sandwiches!

Frozen Banana Bites

This delicious and easy camping snack is the perfect summer fruit treat to bring along on your next trip. Enjoy them straight from the freezer or cooler to keep you cool and energized for all of your camping adventures.

Ingredients:

- Ripe bananas

- Dark chocolate, melted

- Optional: Crushed nuts, shredded coconut, or sprinkles for coating

Instructions:

1. Slice the bananas into bite-sized pieces.

2. Dip each banana slice into the melted dark chocolate to coat it partially or completely.

3. Optional: Roll the coated banana slice in crushed nuts, shredded coconut, or sprinkles for added texture and flavor.

4. Place the coated banana slices on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

5. Freeze until the chocolate is firm.

6. Enjoy the frozen banana bites straight from the freezer!

Frozen Lemonade Bars

While this recipe takes a little preparation beforehand, it will all be worth it when you’re lounging by the lake on a hot summer day. This refreshing camping snack strikes a perfect balance between tangy lemonade, and creamy sweetness, and is sure to keep you cool and refreshed.

Ingredients:

- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs

- 1/2 cup melted butter

- 2 cups sweetened condensed milk

- 1/2 cup lemon juice

- Zest of 1 lemon

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter. Mix until well combined.

2. Press the mixture into the bottom of a square baking dish to form the crust.

3. In another bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, lemon juice, and lemon zest until smooth.

4. Pour the lemon mixture over the crust in the baking dish.

5. Smooth the top with a spatula.

6. Place the dish in the freezer and freeze until firm (at least 4 hours or overnight).

7. Once frozen, cut the mixture into bars or squares.

8. Serve the Frozen Lemonade Bars straight from the freezer and enjoy!

For more ideas about how you can spice your next camping trip, head over to the Eats section of our blog where you’ll learn about prime camping locations with good eats, and even more fun and easy camping recipe inspiration! And when you’re ready to book your trip, take advantage of Spot2Nite’s easy-to-use interactive map to discover your perfect destination. Book your stay today!