Iced apricot & pomegranate smoothie

Creamy smooth yogurt drinks are healthy and refreshing, especially when well iced. All the family will love them at any time of day.

* Serves 2

• 1 cup plain or peach yogurt
• 2 cups chopped and pitted ripe apricots
• 2 to 3 tbsp. clear honey
• a few ice cubes
• 1/2 pomegranate, broken up into seeds and white pith removed

Watermelon and strawberry slush

For a quick and refreshing summer ice or drink, a slush is great — fresh and fruity for the kids, alcoholic for the adults. If you want to serve it like an ice cone, pile up some crushed ice in a glass and pour the blended ingredients over the ice.

* Serves 1

• 1 cup crushed ice
• 1 cup hulled and halved fresh strawberries
• 1 cup watermelon flesh (seeds removed)
• 2 to 3 tbsp. strawberry syrup or Fraise liqueur
• slices of fresh fruit, to garnish

Ice cream float

Ice cream floats, also known as ice cream sodas, can be as colorful and varied as you wish.

* Makes 1

• 2 cups lemon–lime soda, chilled
• 2 scoops vanilla ice cream
• a few mini-marshmallows

Baked apple water ice

Soft fluffy baked or microwaved apples make a very easy and delicious water ice. Choose apples that are sharp and become soft and fluffy on cooking.

* Makes about 1 1/4 pints

• 2 medium-sized tart cooking apples (such as Newtown Pippin, Jonagold, or Granny Smith)
• 4 tbsp. honey
• 1 1/2 cups water
• 1/2 cup superfine sugar
• 1 tbsp. lemon juice
• 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon, plus a sprinkle more for garnish
• ginger snaps or cookies to serve

Soft apricot water ice

Apricots, when really ripe, can be delicately aromatic and are perfect for an elegant water ice. In winter use the dried apricot variation.

* Makes about 1 1/4 pints

• 3/4 lb. very ripe apricots, pitted
• 1/2 cup superfine sugar
• 1 1/2 cups water
• 1/4 cup Amaretto liqueur

Raspberry water ice

You would never guess this water ice contains wine, but it does add an unusually full-bodied flavor.

* Makes about 1 1/2 pints

• 2 cups fresh raspberries
• 1/2 cup light red wine
• 1 cup water
• 3/4 cup superfine sugar

Passion fruit water ice

Astringent passion fruit makes a delightfuly refreshing water ice.

* Makes about 1 1/4 pints

• 12 ripe passion fruit
• 1 cup water
• 3/4 cup superfine sugar
• 1 tbsp. orange juice
• 1 tsp. lemon juice

Dark chocolate granita

If you have not tried a chocolate water ice before, you are in for a treat! It is like eating a frozen bar of crumbled chocolate — definitely for chocoholics.

* Makes about 1 1/2 pints

• 2 1/2 cups water
• 3/4 cup dark brown sugar
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, sifted
• 3 tbsp. light corn syrup
• 1/2 cup white chocolate, flaked, grated, or finely chopped, plus more for decoration

Lavender granita

Pretty pink-purple lavender heads produce this stunning water ice with a most delicately perfumed taste.

* Makes about 1 pint

• 2 tbsp. fresh lavender heads
• 1/2 cup superfine sugar
• 1 cup boiling water
• 1 cup chilled water
• 2 tsp. lemon juice
• 2 tsp. orange juice

Summer berry water ice

A mixture of really ripe berries gives a luscious flavor of summer and a gorgeous splash of color.

* Makes about 1 3/4 pints

• 1/3 to 1/2 cup superfine sugar (depending on ripeness and mix of berries)
• 1 cup water
• 2 cups fresh berries
• 1 tbsp. lemon juice

Coffee granita

This is a strong black coffee water ice tempered with a little sweetness and topped with a swirl of nutty cream.

* Makes about 1 1/2 pints

• 3 cups freshly made very strong black coffee
• 1/3 cup superfine sugar
• 1/4 tsp. pure vanilla extract
• 1 cup water, chilled
• 1 cup whipping cream
• 2 tbsp. toasted hazelnuts

Green mint granita

This wonderfully aromatic water ice is delicious after spicy dishes as a palate cleanser or as a refreshing slushy drink on a hot day. Or serve it as an after-dinner frappé.

* Makes about 1 1/4 pints

• 1 1/2 cups (12 fl oz) boiling water
• 8 sprigs fresh mint (preferably picked early in the day or used immediately after buying)
• 3/4 cup superfine sugar
• 1 1/2 cups ice water
• 2 tbsp. finely chopped fresh mint leaves
• green food coloring (optional)
• mint sprigs for garnish (optional)

Watermelon granita

Be sure to find the ripest watermelon so that it has the most flavor.

* Makes about 1 1/4 pints

• 3 cups watermelon purée (approximately 1 3/4-lb. piece)
• 1/2 cup superfine sugar
• 2 tsp. pure vanilla extract
• juice of 1 pink or red grapefruit