January 19, 2026

Refreshing Summer Drinks: Easy Ways to Use Up Your Wilting Fruit

Categories: Kitchen Mastery Unwaste Guides

There’s nothing more summery than a cold drink – and nothing more frustrating than realising the fruit you bought with the best intentions is about to go bad. The good news is, the fix is simple. Slightly overripe fruits often make the best drinks, and summer is the perfect time to blend, pour, and sip your way through what’s already in your fridge.

There’s no right or wrong way to do it, just simple combinations that work. Here are a few easy ways to turn everyday summer favourites into refreshing drinks.

 

Watermelon, Strawberries, Berries

Ingredients

  • Chopped fruit of your choice (watermelon, strawberries, berries)
  • Sugar or sugar syrup (adjust to taste)
  • Lemon/Lemon juice
  • Pinch of salt (optional)
  • A few fresh mint leaves
  • Coconut water, sparkling water, or Sprite
  • Ice cubes

Method

  • Cut the fruit of your choice and put it in a blender.
  • Add sugar (or sugar syrup), a squeeze of lemon, a pinch of salt, and a few mint leaves – all to taste. You can skip any of these if you like.
  • Blend until smooth.
  • Dilute with coconut water for a lighter drink, or top with sparkling water, or Sprite for a fizzy finish.
  • Serve over ice and refresh yourself!

Grapes or Cucumber

Ingredients

  • Cucumber (peeled and chopped) or Grapes
  • Lemon/Lemon juice
  • Sugar or sugar syrup (adjust to taste)
  • A few fresh mint leaves (optional)
  • Cold water or sparkling water
  • Ice cubes

Method

  • In a blender, combine the lemon juice, sugar, salt (if using), chopped grapes or cucumber, and cold water.
  • Blend until smooth and well combined.
  • Taste and adjust sweetness or lemon if needed.
  • Pour over ice and enjoy!

Mango

Ingredients:

  • Ripe mangoes, peeled and chopped
  • Milk
  • Sugar or sugar syrup (adjust to taste)
  • Ice cubes

Method:

  • Place the chopped mango and sugar in a blender and blend until smooth.
  • Add milk and blend again until well combined.
  • If too thick, add a splash of water and blend again.
  • Pour into a glass over ice and sip away!

Sometimes, all it takes is a fresh look at what’s already in your fridge. These drinks are a reminder that summer flavours don’t need to be complicated or planned – and there are no rules. Use the fruits and ingredients you like, skip anything you don’t, and mix in whatever works for your taste. Whether it’s a mango, some grapes, or a few strawberries, grab your blender, experiment, and sip your way through the season. It’s truly the easiest, yummiest way to enjoy summer while using up extra fruits before they go to waste.