At least for now, the dog days of August aren't quite as sweltering as usual. But, I'm sure the final days of summer sun still have some heat and humidity to squeeze out. To wet your whistles, enjoy these cool and refreshing summer beverages. Citrus Fruit Drink tastes very similar to those popular concoctions found at area ice cream shops. Frozen Strawberry Lemonade is tart and fruity. Lemonade Fizz is perfect for a summer party. And, finally, here's my take on the kind of tea I make for my family - Southern style.

Happy eating! Citrus Fruit Drink 6 lemons 3 limes 6 oranges 3 quarts water 1 1/2 C. sugar

Squeeze the juice from 5 lemons, 3 limes and 5 oranges. Pour into a gallon sized container. Thinly slice the remaining orange and lemon and set aside. Add water and sugar to juice and whisk well. Chill completely and serve over ice with orange and lemon slices.

Frozen Strawberry Lemonade

8 large lemons 1 quart strawberries, hulled and sliced 1 C. sugar 6 C. club soda or sparkling water Lemon slices and whole strawberries for garnish Crushed ice

Juice lemons, reserving the skins. Place juice in a pitcher. Add lemon skins and sugar. Using a wooden spoon, muddle the mixture by crushing the skins into the sugar. Add the sliced strawberries and club soda and stir to mix well. Remove skins. Pour all ingredients into a blender and add ice cubes, blending until smooth.

Lemonade Fizz 2 C. fresh lemon juice (about 8 or 9 lemons) 1 C. sugar 2 limes, very thinly sliced 1 (1-liter) bottle chilled club soda Ice

In a large pitcher, combine juice and sugar until completely dissolved. Stir in remaining ingredients. Chill completely before serving.

Old Southern Sweet Tea

3 C. water 1 family size bag Tetley or Lusianne tea (do not substitute) 4 C. cold water 1 C. sugar

Bring 3 cups water to a boil in a non-aluminum saucepan. Reduce heat to low and add tea. Cover and let tea simmer for five to ten minutes. Pour into pitcher and stir in sugar. Add 4 cups cold water and serve over ice with lots of lemon wedges.