Look, I get it. We’ve all been there. It’s 90 degrees out, your apartment feels like a literal oven because you’re trying to save on the electric bill, and your bank account is looking like a high-score in a game you’re losing. I remember one summer in grad school where I had exactly $4.12 to my name until Friday. I was dying for one of those $7 artisanal sodas from the place down the street, but I needed cheap summer drinks that didn’t break the bank.

Instead, I took some generic frozen berries and a sprig of mint I “borrowed” from a neighbor’s overgrown garden. The result? Better than the $7 version. It’s the ultimate budget refresher: vibrant, cooling, and it makes you feel like you actually have your life together for a minute.

The Philosophy of the “Frozen Fruit Ice Cubes”

In the world of budget cooking, we don’t do “watered down.” If you use regular ice cubes, your drink gets sadder with every minute that passes. By using frozen fruit ice cubes, the drink actually gets better as they melt. The berries leak out those deep purples and reds, turning plain tap water into a professional frozen berry drink that looks—and tastes—expensive.

Real talk: buy the store-brand “mixed berry” bag. It doesn’t matter if half the raspberries are broken or the blueberries are tiny. Once they’re in the glass, it’s “shabby chic.”

The “Mint Slap” (Zero-Dollar Bartender Hack)

No one’s judging here, so let’s be real: you probably don’t own a muddler. I didn’t own a matching set of forks until I was 26. To get the flavor out of your mint without turning it into bitter green mush, use the “slap.”

Place the mint sprig in one palm and give it a sharp clap with the other. This ruptures the tiny oil glands on the leaves. You’ll smell it immediately. It’s a professional move that costs zero dollars but makes you feel like a pro. If you like this approach, you might also enjoy exploring my favorite best sparkling water drinks.

Reviving the Clearance Rack: Under 50 Cent Recipes

Whenever you see those sad, wilted herbs marked down to 50 cents in the produce section, buy them. Take them home, trim the ends of the stems, and stick them in a glass of water like a bouquet of flowers. Throw a plastic bag over the top and put them in the fridge. They will look brand new in a few hours. These are the kinds of under 50 cent recipes that keep your kitchen feeling gourmet on a budget.

Serving It Up with Student Drink Hacks

If you want to lean into the aesthetic without spending money on glassware, use a cleaned-out jam jar. It holds more liquid, the wide mouth fits the frozen fruit easily, and it’s a vibe. This is one of those essential student drink hacks for when you’re between paychecks.

If you’re craving more variety, try the viral ‘dirty’ coconut & lime sparkler or my no-blender frappé hack for a caffeinated boost.

This recipe is about reclaiming your dignity when the budget is tight. You aren’t “drinking tap water because you’re broke”—you’re “enjoying a berry-infused botanical refresher.” Your bank account and your taste buds will both thank you.