Smita Diwan
To beat the scorching heat, here are a few thirst quenchers to have a cool summer, chuck the hard beverages and beer that adds calories.
1. Watermelon Mint Margaritas
Refreshing, hydrating, sweet watermelon is the season’s best fruit, dessert, salad, juice and drink.
Method:
Step 1 : Chop the watermelon into small pieces, blend with fresh lime juice, lime rind, tequila, sugar, and mint leaves.
Step 2 : Serve in your chilled glasses decorated with mint leaves.
2. Cucumber Mint Water
Straight from the salad plate to the glass of drink, cucumber has made its way to the summer drinks. Cucumber has cooling effects during summer heat strokes. Add a couple of slices of cucumber to cold water and a sprig of mint leaf for a cooling summer drink.
Method:
Step 1 : Chop half slices of cucumber and ½ cup of coarsely chopped mint in a pitcher.
Step 2 : Fill the pitcher with 16 cups of water and place it in the fridge to chill until you’re ready to serve.
3. Ginger Ale or Ginger Cooler
A spicy sip of ginger ale is a healthy drink to maintain body temperatures when out in the sun. This ginger cooler is an easy drink to carry around and sipping to keep the heat waves at bay.
Method:
Step 1 : Combine 1/4 cup chopped ginger, 1/2 cup chopped mint leaves, juice of one lime, 6 cups water, and sweetener of your choice to taste.
Step 2 : Blend these ingredients and pour in a pitcher.
Step 3 : Then place the pitcher in the fridge. Serve Chilled. Also, one can strain this drink after blending in case one does not like the texture of the ginger and mint bits.
4. Iced Green Tea with Lemon and Mint
Summers favourite drink is Iced Tea, especially during a gathering. It is a bit hectic drink to prepare but most tasty and classy.
Method:
Step 1 : Ingredients required are 15 bags of organic green tea, 1 gallon of water, 1/2 cup whole fresh mint leaves, juice of 2 lemons and sweetener of your choice to taste.
Step 2 : Add the ingredients in a large container filled with water and set out in sun for 3-4 hours, depending on how strong the tea is preferred.
Step 3 : Remove the tea bags and add lemon juice and sweetener. Serve chilled topped with a layer of ice.
5. Sangria
A light, classy drink Sangria coming from the Mediterranean beaches is flavoured with fruits and some wine.
Method:
Step 1 : This fruity drink requires 1 cup vanilla flavour syrup, 2 oranges thinly sliced, 1 lime thinly sliced, 1 cup orange juice, 2 bottles of dry red wine (750ml each) and ice cubes.
Step 2 : To prepare, in a pitcher sized 3 quarter combine the vanilla syrup, orange slices, lime, orange juice and red wine. Add Ice cubes and serve chilled.
