Medium Cold Drinks Recipe

Prepare ice and water

Fill a 16 fl oz serving glass about three-quarters full with ice cubes (about 1 cup). Pour 10 fl oz cold water into the glass to begin building the drink.

Sweeten and acidify

Stir in 1.5 tablespoons granulated sugar and 0.5 fl oz fresh lemon juice into the water until the sugar is mostly dissolved. If using simple syrup instead of granulated sugar, add 0.5 fl oz simple syrup and skip stirring until dissolved.

Tea option

If making a tea-based cold drink, add 6 fl oz strong-brewed black tea that has been cooled to room temperature or chilled. Stir gently to combine with the sweetened water and ice. Top with 4 fl oz sparkling water if you want a fizzy iced tea. Garnish with a lemon slice and mint leaves.

Fruit purée option

If using fruit purée, spoon 2 fl oz fruit purée (strained if desired) into the glass. Stir vigorously or shake (see shaking step) to combine the purée with the sweetened water and ice. Add 2 fl oz milk if making a fruit-milk drink (e.g., strawberry milk tea). Garnish with a slice of fruit or mint.

Cold-brew coffee option

If making a coffee-based cold drink, pour 6 fl oz cold-brew coffee into the glass over the ice and sweetened water. For a creamier iced coffee, add 2 fl oz milk and 0.5 fl oz simple syrup to taste. Stir to combine and garnish with a mint sprig if desired.

Fizzy option

To make a refreshing fizzy medium drink, after combining base and chosen flavor, top the glass with 4 fl oz sparkling water. Stir gently once to preserve carbonation.

Adjust sweetness with simple syrup (0.5 fl oz) if the drink needs more sweetness. Add milk (2 fl oz) for creaminess to tea or coffee options. Slap 3 mint leaves between your palms to release aroma and add them as garnish. Finish with a lemon slice on the rim if you used lemon juice in the base.

Shake for uniform texture

Combine the cold water, sugar (or simple syrup), lemon juice, chosen flavoring (tea, fruit purée, or cold brew), and ice in a cocktail shaker. Shake vigorously for 10–15 seconds. Strain into a 16 fl oz glass filled with fresh ice. Top with sparkling water if desired and garnish.