Blender

Blue curaçao provides the color and lime peel, the freshness.

Es alpukat, a surprisingly delicious and refreshing Indonesian coffee drink, gets its richness and body from avocado. In Indonesia, they often serve it over ice, but we prefer the ice blended right in, milkshake-style.

To get the most juice out of lemons, be sure they're at room temperature when you squeeze them.

This twist on the classic brunch drink gets its flavor from three types of citrus. For large parties, you can prepare several batches a few hours ahead of time and store them in the freezer. Then, before serving, thaw the mixture slightly and whisk to blend.

Blended drinks called batidas (or licuados) are served at fruit bars throughout Latin America. Milk or freshly squeezed orange juice is used as the base, then fruit is added and the mixture is blended to the consistency of a thick shake. Batidas are often enjoyed as a mid-morning or afternoon snack, but they're also delicious as cocktails later in the day. We tried various kinds of sugar to rim the glasses — from coarse crystals of sanding sugar to small grains of granulated sugar — and the only difference is in the appearance.

Yogurt drinks, known as lassi in India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh, are served in New York City's numerous Indian restaurants. Salty and sweet versions accompany spicy meals to cool the heat.

Nahm Takrai This lightly sweetened drink, served with both lunch and dinner in Thailand, is very cooling with spicy foods.