The weather at Smith Mountain Lake has been absolutely perfect thus far this summer. Warm enough to swim and drink in the sun and lake, but not as humid as normal. What a blessing. Don’t you wish it would stay this way the whole season through?

During warm weather months our family loves to create frosty, cool beverages. Each year we experiment with a new one, plus make dozens of our stand-by favorites. Summertime just seems to beg for something light, refreshing and cold. Our recipes are all pretty healthy and so we thought maybe you would enjoy trying one of them yourself.

ORANGE FRESHER

Blend 2 fresh whole lemons (peel and remove seeds), 2 med. carrots, 1 fresh whole orange (peel and remove seeds), 1 cup honey, 3/4 gallon water. Makes a rejuvenating, citrus beverage.

BLUEBERRY SLUSH

Blend 1/2 can frozen orange juice, 1/2 bag frozen blueberries, 1/2 cup maple syrup, 1 quart milk for a delicious, cold slushy.

ICY FRUIT SHAKE

Freeze milk in ice-cube tray, then take frozen milk cubes and blend with 1 cup milk, 1 cup honey, 1 bag frozen strawberries (or fruit of choice), pinch of salt, 1/4 tsp. vanilla, 1/2 cup plain yogurt. Makes fantastic, refreshingly light shake.