20 Easy Summer Drinks Everyone Is Making This Year (Cool, Fruity & So Refreshing!)

Fresh Family Table May 25, 2026

Introduction

There’s something magical about a really good cold drink on a hot summer afternoon. You know the feeling you come in from outside, your face is glowing, the sun has been absolutely relentless, and then you grab an ice cold glass of something fruity and delicious. Pure relief.

This summer, everyone is upping their drink game. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, relaxing by the pool, or just trying to survive a Tuesday at home with the kids, keeping a list of easy, refreshing summer drinks is basically a life skill at this point.

And the best part? You don’t need a fancy blender, a bartending degree, or a trip to a special grocery store. Most of these drinks use simple ingredients you probably already have on hand fresh fruit, lemon, herbs, tea bags, and maybe a can of sparkling water.

So grab your favorite glass, fill it with ice, and let's dive into 20 easy summer drinks this year. Some are fruity, some are creamy, some are fizzy, and they're all absolutely delicious. Save this post you're going to come back to it all summer long.

1. Strawberry Basil Lemonade

The drink that started the whole summer vibe.

It's a crowd pleaser every time. Sweet strawberries, fresh lemon juice, and a handful of basil leaves come together to create a lemonade that tastes far better than the effort that goes into it. It's the kind of drink you'd pay $9 for at a fancy cafe, but here you're making it at home in about 10 minutes.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and halved
  • ½ cup fresh lemon juice (about 4–5 lemons)
  • ¼ cup sugar or honey
  • ¼ cup warm water (to dissolve sugar)
  • 8–10 fresh basil leaves
  • 2 cups cold water
  • Ice

Instructions:

  1. Make a simple syrup by dissolving the sugar in ¼ cup of warm water. Stir until clear and set aside to cool.
  2. Blend the strawberries until smooth. Strain through a fine mesh sieve if you want it silky smooth, or leave it slightly pulpy for more texture.
  3. In a large pitcher, combine the strawberry puree, lemon juice, simple syrup, and cold water.
  4. Gently muddle or tear the basil leaves and stir them into the pitcher.
  5. Taste and adjust sweetness. Pour over ice and serve.

Tips & Variations:

  • Add a splash of sparkling water for a fizzy version.
  • Swap basil for mint if that's what you have on hand.
  • Make it an adult drink by adding a shot of vodka or rosé wine.

2. Watermelon Mint Agua Fresca

Summer in a glass no seriously, this is IT.

Agua fresca is one of the most underrated drinks out there. It's light, subtly sweet, and super hydrating. The watermelon version is especially popular in the summer because, well, watermelon is basically 92 percent water. Add some fresh mint and a squeeze of lime and you have something truly special.

Ingredients:

  • 4 cups seedless watermelon, cubed
  • 1 cup cold water
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • 1 tablespoon sugar (optional, depending on sweetness of melon)
  • 8–10 fresh mint leaves
  • Ice and extra mint for serving

Instructions:

  1. Blend the watermelon cubes until completely smooth.
  2. Strain through a fine mesh strainer into a pitcher to remove pulp.
  3. Stir in cold water, lime juice, sugar (if using), and mint leaves.
  4. Let it sit for 5 minutes so the mint can infuse.
  5. Serve over plenty of ice with a sprig of fresh mint on top.

Tips & Variations:

  • Use a frozen watermelon for a slushie like texture.
  • Add cucumber slices for extra cooling flavor.
  • Great for kids and adults alike no modifications needed!

3. Mango Lassi

Creamy, tropical, and honestly kind of addictive.

If you've never made mango lassi at home, it's time to start this summer. It's a classic South Asian drink made with yogurt, ripe mangoes, and a dash of cardamom, and it's perfect on a hot day. Thick, creamy, slightly tangy, and naturally sweet, it doubles as a snack, dessert, and everything in between.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup ripe mango chunks (fresh or frozen)
  • ¾ cup plain whole milk yogurt
  • ½ cup cold milk
  • 1 tablespoon honey or sugar
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cardamom
  • Pinch of salt
  • Ice cubes

Instructions:

  1. Add all ingredients to a blender.
  2. Blend on high for about 45 seconds until smooth and creamy.
  3. Taste and adjust sweetness.
  4. Pour over ice or serve chilled in a tall glass.
  5. Optional: sprinkle a tiny pinch of cardamom on top for presentation.

Tips & Variations:

  • Use frozen mango chunks for a thicker, frostier texture.
  • For a vegan version, use coconut yogurt and oat milk.
  • A pinch of saffron stirred in gives it that beautiful golden color.

4. Pineapple Coconut Slushie

Tropical vibes zero effort maximum deliciousness.

Close your eyes, take a sip of this, and you're basically sitting on the beach. This slushie is made with just a handful of ingredients and takes five minutes to throw together. It's naturally sweetened with pineapple and coconut, so you barely need any added sugar.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups frozen pineapple chunks
  • ¾ cup coconut milk (full fat for extra creaminess)
  • ½ cup pineapple juice
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon sugar (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Add all ingredients to a blender.
  2. Blend until you reach a smooth slushie consistency.
  3. If it's too thick, add a splash more pineapple juice.
  4. Pour into glasses and serve immediately with a slice of pineapple on the rim.

Tips & Variations:

  • Add a handful of fresh mint for a more complex flavor.
  • Blend in half an avocado for an ultra-creamy tropical smoothie.
  • Make it a cocktail with a shot of rum or coconut vodka.

5. Cucumber Lime Sparkling Water

Simple elegant and surprisingly refreshing.

Sometimes the simplest drinks are the best. This cucumber lime sparkling water is the kind of thing you'd find at a spa or fancy brunch, but it literally takes two minutes to make. Cool, crisp, and lightly flavored it makes drinking water feel like a treat.

Ingredients:

  • 1 medium cucumber, thinly sliced
  • 1 lime, thinly sliced
  • 2 cans (or 16 oz) sparkling water
  • Fresh mint (optional)
  • Ice

Instructions:

  1. Fill a large pitcher or water bottle with ice.
  2. Add cucumber and lime slices.
  3. Pour in the sparkling water.
  4. Stir gently and let sit for 5 minutes before serving.

Tips & Variations:

  • Add frozen blueberries or strawberries for color and flavor.
  • Works great as a large batch drink for parties.
  • Make it ahead and let it infuse in the fridge overnight.

6. Peach Iced Tea

Sweet fruity and totally Southern inspired.

Peach iced tea is a summer classic for a reason. When fresh peaches are in season (June through August), this drink is absolutely incredible. Sweet, fruity, a little tangy from the tea, and perfectly cold it's the definition of a summer afternoon drink.

Ingredients:

  • 4 black tea bags
  • 4 cups boiling water
  • 2 ripe peaches, sliced (or 1 cup peach puree)
  • ¼ cup sugar or peach simple syrup
  • 2 cups cold water
  • Ice and peach slices for serving

Instructions:

  1. Steep tea bags in boiling water for 5 minutes. Remove bags and let cool.
  2. If using whole peaches, blend them until smooth and strain.
  3. Combine tea, peach puree, sugar, and cold water in a pitcher.
  4. Stir well, taste for sweetness, and refrigerate until cold.
  5. Serve over ice with fresh peach slices.

Tips & Variations:

  • Use white peaches for a more delicate, floral flavor.
  • Add a sprig of rosemary for an herb-forward twist.
  • Swap black tea for green tea for a lighter version.

7. Lavender Lemonade

Floral pretty and completely dreamy.

This one is for the Pinterest lovers. Lavender lemonade is absolutely gorgeous it's a soft purple pink color, lightly floral, and refreshingly tart. It photographs beautifully, tastes amazing, and takes maybe 15 minutes from start to finish.

Ingredients:

  • ½ cup fresh lemon juice
  • ¼ cup lavender simple syrup (made with dried food-grade lavender)
  • 2 cups cold water
  • Ice
  • Lemon slices and dried lavender for garnish

For the lavender syrup:

  • ½ cup sugar
  • ½ cup water
  • 2 tablespoons dried food-grade lavender

Instructions:

  1. Make the syrup: combine sugar, water, and lavender in a small saucepan. Heat until sugar dissolves, then simmer for 2 minutes. Let steep for 10 minutes, then strain.
  2. Mix lemon juice, lavender syrup, and cold water in a pitcher.
  3. Stir, taste, and adjust as needed.
  4. Serve over ice with a lemon slice and a pinch of lavender.

Tips & Variations:

  • Add sparkling water for a fizzy version.
  • Use butterfly pea flower tea instead of lavender for a vivid blue to purple color changing effect.
  • Make it a cocktail with gin lavender and gin are a classic pairing.

8. Frozen Strawberry Margarita

The party starter that never disappoints.

No list of summer drinks is complete without a frozen strawberry margarita. This one is blended, icy, and made with real fresh strawberries not the syrupy stuff. It's bright, tart, and just the right amount of sweet. Make a pitcher's worth because people will definitely want seconds.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups frozen strawberries
  • ½ cup fresh lime juice
  • ¼ cup orange juice
  • 2 tablespoons sugar or agave
  • 2 oz tequila (optional for adult version)
  • Coarse salt for the rim
  • Ice

Instructions:

  1. Rub a lime wedge around the rim of your glass and dip it in coarse salt.
  2. Blend frozen strawberries, lime juice, orange juice, sugar, and tequila (if using) with a cup of ice until smooth.
  3. Pour into the salt-rimmed glass.
  4. Garnish with a fresh strawberry and lime wedge.

Tips & Variations:

  • Skip the tequila for a delicious virgin version.
  • Use mango instead of strawberries for a fun twist.
  • Add a jalapeño slice to the blender for a spicy kick.

9. Blueberry Lemonade Slushie

Icy, fruity, and the most gorgeous color.

That deep purple blue color alone is enough reason to make this drink. Blueberries are loaded with antioxidants and happen to be at their peak in summer, so this is the perfect time to use them. Sweet, tart, icy cold it's a total crowd pleaser.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
  • ½ cup fresh lemon juice
  • 3 tablespoons sugar or simple syrup
  • 2 cups ice
  • ½ cup cold water

Instructions:

  1. Blend blueberries with water until smooth. Strain if desired.
  2. Add lemon juice, sugar, and ice to the blender.
  3. Pour in the blueberry liquid and blend until slushy.
  4. Pour into glasses and serve immediately.

Tips & Variations:

  • Freeze the blueberry mixture in ice cube trays and blend those for an even icier slushie.
  • Add a splash of sparkling water on top for some fizz.
  • Pairs really well with a sprig of thyme as garnish.

10. Virgin Piña Colada

Tropical,creamy,and totally vacation worthy.

You don't need rum to enjoy a piña colada. This virgin version is just as dreamy  thick, creamy, coconut-forward, and tropical. It tastes like an island vacation in a glass, even if you're just sitting on your back porch.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup frozen pineapple
  • ½ cup coconut cream
  • ¼ cup pineapple juice
  • ½ cup ice
  • Pineapple slice and maraschino cherry for garnish

Instructions:

  1. Add all ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth and creamy.
  2. If too thick, add a little more pineapple juice.
  3. Pour into a chilled glass.
  4. Garnish with a pineapple wedge and a cherry on top.

Tips & Variations:

  • Use coconut milk for a lighter, less sweet version.
  • Blend in a handful of spinach for a sneaky nutrition boost you won't taste it at all.
  • For adults, blend in 1.5 oz of white rum.

11. Raspberry Iced Green Tea

Light antioxidant rich and beautifully pink.

Green tea and raspberries are a seriously underrated combination. The tea is light and grassy, the raspberries are bright and tart, and together they make a drink that feels both healthy and indulgent. Perfect for a lazy afternoon or a light brunch.

Ingredients:

  • 3 green tea bags
  • 3 cups boiling water
  • 1 cup fresh or frozen raspberries
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 cup cold water
  • Ice and fresh raspberries for serving

Instructions:

  1. Steep tea bags in boiling water for 3–4 minutes (don't over-steep or it'll get bitter). Let cool.
  2. Mash raspberries with honey in a bowl. Strain to remove seeds.
  3. Combine cooled tea, raspberry mixture, and cold water in a pitcher.
  4. Stir well and refrigerate until cold.
  5. Serve over ice with fresh raspberries.

Tips & Variations:

  • Add fresh mint for a mojito style twist.
  • Use jasmine green tea for a floral, aromatic version.
  • Sweeten with agave instead of honey for a vegan option.

12. Honeydew Agua Fresca

Mild refreshing and surprisingly delicious.

Honeydew might be the most underappreciated melon out there. When it's perfectly ripe, it's sweet, juicy, and has this incredibly delicate flavor that makes for a beautiful, subtle agua fresca. Light green, lightly sweet, and so cooling on a hot day.

Ingredients:

  • 3 cups ripe honeydew melon, cubed
  • 1 cup cold water
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • 1 tablespoon sugar (optional)
  • Fresh mint for garnish

Instructions:

  1. Blend honeydew until completely smooth.
  2. Strain through a fine mesh sieve into a pitcher.
  3. Stir in water, lime juice, and sugar if using.
  4. Taste and adjust sweetness.
  5. Serve over ice with a mint sprig.

Tips & Variations:

  • Combine with cucumber juice for an extra cool, spa like drink.
  • Works beautifully as a base for sparkling water cocktails.
  • Freeze into popsicle molds for a refreshing summer treat.

13. Sparkling Cherry Limeade

Sweet tart and fizzy in the best possible way.

This sparkling cherry limeade is basically summer in a glass. It's got that gorgeous deep red color, a sweet-tart punch of flavor, and the kind of fizzy pop that makes you want to sip it slowly on a porch swing somewhere beautiful.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup fresh or frozen cherries, pitted
  • ¼ cup fresh lime juice
  • 2 tablespoons sugar or simple syrup
  • 12 oz sparkling water
  • Ice
  • Lime slices and cherries for garnish

Instructions:

  1. Blend cherries until smooth. Strain to remove skins.
  2. In a glass or pitcher, stir together cherry puree, lime juice, and sugar.
  3. Pour in sparkling water and stir gently.
  4. Serve over ice with lime slices and whole cherries.

Tips & Variations:

  • Use maraschino cherry juice if fresh cherries aren't available.
  • Add a splash of grenadine for extra sweetness and color.
  • Works great as a mocktail for parties — make a big batch without the fizz and add sparkling water to individual glasses as you serve.

14. Coconut Cold Brew

Your iced coffee obsession just got a summer upgrade.

For the coffee lovers in the room this one's for you. Cold brew is already incredible, but pour it over ice with a splash of coconut milk? It becomes something else entirely. Smooth, slightly sweet, nutty, and completely cooling. This is your new morning routine.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup cold brew coffee (store-bought or homemade)
  • ¼ cup coconut milk or coconut cream
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon sugar or simple syrup (optional)
  • Ice
  • Toasted coconut flakes for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Fill a tall glass with ice.
  2. Pour cold brew over the ice.
  3. Add coconut milk, vanilla, and sweetener if using.
  4. Stir gently (or let it swirl naturally for a pretty layered look).
  5. Top with toasted coconut if desired.

Tips & Variations:

  • Use sweetened condensed coconut milk for a richer, Vietnamese coffeeinspired flavor.
  • Add a pinch of cinnamon or cardamom for a spiced version.
  • Blend everything with ice for a frozen coconut cold brew.

15. Tropical Fruit Punch

Big batch big flavor big fun.

This tropical fruit punch is the one you make when you're feeding a crowd. It's bright, fruity, and comes together in about five minutes. It's also completely customizable swap in whatever juices you love. Everyone always asks for the recipe, so be ready to share.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups pineapple juice
  • 1 cup mango juice
  • 1 cup orange juice
  • ½ cup passion fruit juice or nectar
  • 2 cups sparkling water or ginger ale
  • Ice and fruit slices for serving

Instructions:

  1. Combine all juices in a large pitcher and stir well.
  2. Refrigerate until cold.
  3. Just before serving, add sparkling water or ginger ale.
  4. Pour over ice and garnish with orange rounds and pineapple wedges.

Tips & Variations:

  • Freeze some juice into ice cubes so the punch doesn't get watered down.
  • Add a splash of grenadine for a sunset effect.
  • For an adult punch, add coconut rum or prosecco.

16. Blackberry Lemon Shrub Soda

Tangy complex and totally worth the extra step.

A shrub is a drinking vinegar equal parts fruit, sugar, and vinegar and it sounds weird, but trust the process. The acidity from the vinegar creates this tangy, complex flavor that makes shrub sodas taste like something from an artisan cocktail bar. This blackberry lemon version is absolutely stunning.

Ingredients (for the shrub):

  • 1 cup fresh blackberries
  • 1 cup sugar
  • ¾ cup apple cider vinegar
  • Zest of 1 lemon

For serving:

  • 2 tablespoons shrub syrup
  • 8 oz sparkling water
  • Ice and blackberries for garnish

Instructions:

  1. Mash blackberries with sugar in a bowl. Cover and refrigerate overnight (or at least 4 hours).
  2. Strain the mixture through a fine sieve, pressing to extract all juice.
  3. Stir in apple cider vinegar and lemon zest. Bottle and refrigerate. Lasts up to 1 month.
  4. To serve, add 2 tablespoons shrub to a glass of ice and top with sparkling water.

Tips & Variations:

  • Use raspberry or strawberry instead of blackberry.
  • Mix into cocktails as a shrub syrup replacement for simple syrup.
  • Experiment with herbs like thyme or basil in the shrub for extra complexity.

17. Frozen Peach Bellini Mocktail

Elegant peachy and perfect for brunch.

This frozen peach bellini mocktail is everything. Peach, bubbles, a little sweetness it feels luxurious without any alcohol. Serve it at brunch and your guests will feel like royalty. It's also incredibly easy to make, which makes it even more satisfying.

Ingredients:

  • 1½ cups frozen peach slices
  • ½ cup peach nectar or juice
  • 1 tablespoon honey or simple syrup
  • ½ cup sparkling water or white grape juice
  • Ice

Instructions:

  1. Blend frozen peaches, peach nectar, and honey until smooth.
  2. Pour into champagne flutes or wine glasses, filling halfway.
  3. Top with sparkling water or white grape juice.
  4. Stir gently and serve immediately.

Tips & Variations:

  • For the alcoholic version, swap the sparkling water for Prosecco or Champagne.
  • Add a splash of raspberry puree swirled in for a bellini royale effect.
  • Use fresh peaches when they're in season for the most incredible flavor.

18. Hibiscus Iced Tea

Tart ruby red and absolutely stunning.

Hibiscus tea (also called agua de Jamaica) is one of the most beautiful drinks you can make. That deep crimson color is completely natural — no food dye needed. It's tart like cranberry, slightly floral, and incredibly refreshing over ice. People always comment on how beautiful it looks.

Ingredients:

  • ¼ cup dried hibiscus flowers (food grade)
  • 4 cups boiling water
  • 3 tablespoons sugar or honey
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • 2 cups cold water
  • Ice and lime slices for serving

Instructions:

  1. Steep hibiscus flowers in boiling water for 10–15 minutes for a deep color and flavor.
  2. Strain and stir in sugar until dissolved.
  3. Add lime juice and cold water.
  4. Let cool to room temperature, then refrigerate.
  5. Serve over ice with lime slices.

Tips & Variations:

  • Sweeten with agave for a smoother flavor.
  • Add fresh ginger for a warming, spiced edge.
  • Mix with sparkling water for a hibiscus soda experience.
  • Serves beautifully in a clear pitcher where everyone can see that gorgeous color.

19. Jalapeno Watermelon Lemonade

Sweet Spicy Bold. Unforgettable.

This one is for the adventurous drinkers. Watermelon and jalapeño sounds like a surprising combination, but it is honestly mind blowing. The sweetness of the watermelon plays perfectly against the heat of the jalapeño, and the lemon keeps everything balanced and bright. It's bold, it's different, and once you try it, you'll make it every summer.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups watermelon juice (blend and strain watermelon)
  • ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
  • 2–3 slices of fresh jalapeño (seeds removed for milder heat)
  • 2 tablespoons honey or simple syrup
  • 1 cup cold water
  • Ice and watermelon triangles for garnish

Instructions:

  1. Blend watermelon until smooth and strain into a pitcher.
  2. Add lemon juice, honey, and cold water. Stir well.
  3. Add jalapeño slices and let steep for 5–10 minutes (taste as you go to control heat level).
  4. Remove jalapeño once desired spice level is reached.
  5. Serve over ice and garnish with a slice of watermelon.

Tips & Variations:

  • Leave seeds in the jalapeño for serious heat.
  • Muddle the jalapeño with sugar for a more infused, even spice throughout.
  • Pairs incredibly well with grilled food and tacos.

20. Brown Sugar Milk Tea Slushie

Inspired by the boba shops everyone is obsessed with.

Boba tea shops have completely taken over, and this homemade brown sugar milk tea slushie captures all that creamy, sweet, complex flavor at a fraction of the price. It's rich, slightly caramel-like from the brown sugar, and utterly addictive. Fair warning you might make this every single day.

Ingredients:

  • 2 black tea bags
  • 1 cup hot water
  • 3 tablespoons brown sugar (dark preferred)
  • ½ cup whole milk or oat milk
  • 2 cups ice
  • Drizzle of brown sugar syrup for serving

For brown sugar syrup:

  • 3 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons water

Instructions:

  1. Steep tea bags in hot water for 5 minutes. Let cool completely.
  2. Drizzle brown sugar syrup on the inside of your glass (make syrup by melting brown sugar and water in a pan until thick).
  3. Blend cooled tea, milk, remaining brown sugar, and ice until smooth and slushy.
  4. Pour into the syrup drizzled glass.
  5. Stir gently as you drink to incorporate those sweet brown sugar streaks.

Tips & Variations:

  • Add boba pearls (cook at home packets are widely available) to make it a full bubble tea experience.
  • Use tiger milk tea bags for an even more authentic flavor.
  • Oat milk gives it a slightly nutty, creamy quality that's absolutely wonderful.

FAQs

Q: How do I make drinks ahead of time for a party? 

Most of these drinks can be made in large batches the night before and stored in the refrigerator. Hold off on adding ice or sparkling water until just before serving so things don't get thin or flat.

Q: What's the best way to keep drinks cold without watering them down?

Freeze some of your juices ahead of time or pour the mixture into ice cubes and use them instead of plain water ice. This keeps things cold and the flavor stays strong.

Q: Can I make these drinks without a blender?

Absolutely! Most unblended drinks like agua frescas, teas, and sparkling drinks only require a pitcher and a strainer. You can also use a food processor in a pinch for blended ones.

Q: How do I adjust sweetness? 

Always taste as you go. Start with less sweetness than the recipe calls for and add more as you go. Remember that cold temperatures can dull the sweetness a bit, so something that tastes best at room temperature may need a little more sugar after pouring it over ice.

Q: Where do I find dried hibiscus flowers or food-grade lavender? 

Most wellstocked grocery stores carry these in the tea or bulk section. You can also find them easily on Amazon or at Latin grocery stores (hibiscus/Jamaica is very common there).

Q: Are these drinks kid friendly? 

All of these drinks are completely kid friendly as written! The margarita and bellini can be made without alcohol and they're just as delicious. The jalapeño lemonade can be made mild or left out for younger kids.

Conclusion

Honestly, summer is better when you have a great drink in hand. Whether you’re all about that creamy coconut cold brew in the morning or you’re whipping up frozen strawberry margaritas for a weekend get together, these 20 easy summer drinks have you covered for every occasion.

The best part about all of them? None of them require any special equipment, hard-to-find ingredients, or prep time. Real fruit, a few pantry staples, and a blender or pitcher that’s all you need.

Start with our top picks: Strawberry Basil Lemonade (a guaranteed crowd pleaser), Hibiscus Iced Tea (the most visually stunning), and Brown Sugar Milk Tea Slushie (the most addictive thing on this list seriously, be warned).

So pick one, make a big pitcher, and enjoy every sip this summer. You have earned it.

💾 Love this post? Save it to your Pinterest boards so you can come back to it all summer long! And if you make any of these drinks, we'd love to know which ones became your favorites!

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