Summer starts here: snacks and drinks that put you in holiday mode

The start of summer feels like a reset button. Days stretch longer, the pace of life slows just a little, and even on busy workdays that holiday feeling quietly sneaks in. Just like your wardrobe changes with the season, so do your cravings. Where winter calls for hearty snacks and hot drinks, the start of summer asks for something lighter, fresher and, above all, more refreshing. Summer snacks should be crisp and fruity, while drinks should be ice-cold and thirst-quenching. These are the flavours that instantly bring to mind sunshine, beaches and long afternoons on a terrace. The right snacks and drinks don’t just fill a gap, they turn every break into a mini holiday moment.

Fresh sweetness: light, fruity and made for sharing

At the start of summer, our taste for sweets shifts noticeably. Heavy chocolate bars and rich cookies take a step back, making room for treats that feel lighter and more refreshing. Think fruit candies, soft gummies or airy foam sweets in cheerful colours. These snacks are playful, vibrant and packed with summer flavours like citrus, berries and tropical fruits. You’re not eating them because you’re hungry, but because they simply taste like summer. That makes them perfect for on the go, at work or during travel days. Light, fizzy sweets also become more popular. They tickle your taste buds without feeling overwhelming. The start of summer is all about sweets that you can enjoy in small amounts throughout the day. It’s less about filling up and more about the experience. A handful here, a few pieces there – just enough to keep that summer feeling alive.

Cool drinks: thirst-quenching with a summer vibe

No start of summer is complete without the right drinks. While winter is ruled by hot coffee and creamy chocolate drinks, summer is all about coolness and refreshment. Summer drinks are light, energising and often built around fruity or slightly herbal flavours. They can sparkle, taste gently sweet or have a refreshing twist. Think of classic summer refreshers like lemon sodas, iced teas or lemon-lime drinks. Ice plays a starring role here: the colder, the better. Drinks with a hint of bitterness or a subtle sour note work especially well in warm weather. They don’t just quench your thirst, they give you that “I’m away for a moment” feeling. During the start of summer, pouring yourself a cold drink becomes something to look forward to. Open the can, take a seat, feel the warmth on your skin and enjoy a brief pause from everything else.

Homemade iced coffee at the start of summer

The start of summer also means iced coffee season. Not the overpriced kind from a café, but homemade iced coffee exactly how you like it. The base is simple: brew strong coffee or espresso and let it cool completely. Add plenty of ice cubes and you’re already halfway there. From that point on, it’s all about personal taste. Coffee syrups such as vanilla, caramel or hazelnut instantly give your iced coffee a summery twist. A spoonful of sugar or a splash of liquid sweetener softens the bitterness. Milk is essential for creaminess, whether you choose regular milk or plant-based options like oat milk or almond milk. For a more indulgent version, you can swap cold milk for lightly frothed milk or even a bit of whipped cream. Add toppings if you like: chocolate shavings or a drizzle of syrup work perfectly. The beauty of making iced coffee yourself is the freedom to experiment. Every glass becomes a personalised summer treat, perfectly suited to the start of summer.

Why the start of summer tastes different

What truly defines the start of summer is the way food and drinks make you feel. They cool you down, lift your mood and make everyday moments feel lighter. Snacks are meant to be shared, drinks are meant to refresh, and everything should feel effortless. Whether it’s a fruity candy, a chilled soda or a homemade iced coffee, these small choices shape how summer begins. The start of summer isn’t just a date on the calendar, it’s a flavour, a feeling and a mindset. And with the right snacks and drinks, that holiday mode is never far away.