Addie McDowell

There are so many snacks and drinks that can be perfect for a hot summer day.

As Michigan’s weather slowly warms up, it’s a necessity to find any way to stay cool. While beaches are an incredible option, as someone who lives 40 minutes away from Lake Michigan, pools are a much better and easier option than a beach. If you’re planning a full day at the pool this summer, it is very important to find the perfect poolside snacks and drinks, so you stay refreshed and energized for swimming. 

Fruit platter

The fruits that are in season during the summer might be the highlight of my year. There are so many different fruits to have as a poolside snack that it would be perfect to put them all on one big plate.

Watermelon is the perfect addition to your fruit platter; it is both hydrating and delicious. It can be cut into squares to eat from a bowl or plate, or into triangles for a more hand-held option. Watermelon is a great fruit for health, and it is perfectly in season in the summer.

Berries are another good pick for your platter, specifically blueberries and strawberries. These two berries are perfect for a quick snack and won’t cause much of a sticky mess compared to watermelon. Strawberries and blueberries are also a very easy choice because they don’t require any cutting or much preparation. 

Charcuterie board

A charcuterie board is another perfect pick for a quick poolside snack. It’s relatively easy and quick to make, universally loved, and quite easy to eat. 

My favorite part of a charcuterie board is the crackers, and there are so many options for the best crackers. While my personal favorite is Ritz crackers, a few more good choices are pretzel crisps, herb crackers, or seed-based crackers for a healthier alternative to Ritz. Crackers are a necessity on a charcuterie board because they provide a base for the meats and cheeses.

The meats and cheeses are also a necessity on a charcuterie board. My favorite option for the meat is salami, but a con is that it can be difficult to fit on a cracker. This is why smaller cut salami is another great option; it’s easier to fit on a cracker and just as good. Another classic meat option is prosciutto. Prosciutto is slightly thinner than salami and easier to fold to put on a cracker. Some classic cheese choices to add a little extra flavor are slices of cheddar or some brie.

Drinks

Drinks are necessary to have with you at all times on a hot summer day. While water is a great option and should definitely be one of the drinks you have throughout the day, it’s always nice to add a little extra fun drink as well.

My favorite drink to have by the pool is a Capri-Sun. They’re a fundamental part of a humid day, and they’re the perfect quick drink to cool you off. Another great plus about a Capri-Sun is the variety of flavors and the fact that no bees will be able to make their way into your drink because of the small straw.

Lemonade is also a great pick and a classic summer drink. There are so many different varieties such as strawberry lemonade, pink lemonade, and regular lemonade. It can be bought from the store or made quickly and easily with lemonade powder mixed with some water. All you need to do on a hot summery day is add some ice cubes, and you will be cooled off and refreshed in no time.

These snacks and drinks are the perfect way to freshen you up and cool you off throughout your day at the pool. They’re all relatively quick and easy to make, and a necessity for your summer day.