Source: Freepik
Summer typically brings long days and humid, sticky weather. When the humidity becomes nearly impossible to bear, cool, refreshing drinks can help you combat the heat and stay hydrated.
Summer drinks can be enjoyed by everyone, from children to adults, at family gatherings as well as pool parties with friends. The addition of fruit makes the drinks flavorful and healthy.
Read on to explore some fruit-based drinks you should make this summer. Each drink has a unique flavor, satisfying diverse taste buds.
Mango Mocktail
Mangos are a nutrient powerhouse. They are rich in Vitamins A and C, potassium, fiber, and antioxidants. The best way to gain all the benefits of mango in the summer season is by making a mango mocktail. Here’s what you need:
- 1 small diced mango (about 1 cup)
- 1 bottle of chilled Italian tangerine soda
- Some fresh mint sprigs
Start by adding your diced mango to a food processor and blend till smooth to make a puree. You can also buy pre-made mango puree, a great option for those hosting a party and making several servings.
Spoon mango puree into the bottom of your glass or cup, then pour tangerine soda or any other non-alcoholic soda. Stir the glass once or twice, then garnish with fresh mint sprigs.
Watermelon Slushie
Watermelon slush is one of the easiest summer drinks to make. You don’t need to follow a recipe- just the correct watermelon-to-ice ratio.
Start by taking a ripe watermelon: It should smell sweet and sound hollow when tapped. Cut the watermelon into large cubes and remove the seeds. You can either use a fresh cut watermelon or freeze watermelon cubes for a couple of hours.
To make one serving, add a cup of watermelon and ¼ cup of ice. Blend until you see a smooth and slushy texture. Pour your slush into a tall glass or mason jar and top it off with some fresh mint leaves.
Ways to Enhance Flavor
You can also add other ingredients to enhance the flavor, such as:
- Lime juice
- Pinch of salt
- Maple syrup
- Splash of tequila
- Fresh mint leaves
According to the American Heart Association, watermelon is a heart-healthy food. It contains roughly 92% water and is packed with nutrients and vitamins. Make watermelon slushie this summer to beat the heat while staying healthy.
Cherry Lemonade
Looking for a sweet and slightly tart-flavored drink? Make cherry lemonade for an almost candied flavor. It can be enjoyed by the whole family. Here’s what you need to make eight servings:
- 3 cups fresh and pitted cherries
- 1 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 cup sugar
- 4-5 cups of still water
- 3-4 lemon slices and fresh cherries to garnish
Combine the pitted cherries, lemon juice, and sugar in a blender and blend until smooth and no cherry chunks remain. Pour the cherry lemonade mixture over the still water in a large pitcher.
You can swap our still water with sparkling water and lemon juice for lime. Avoid adding ice to the pitcher, as it can dilute the lemonade. Instead, add ice cubes to your tall glass before pouring the cherry lemonade into it. Garnish it with fresh lemon slices and cherries for a mouth-watering appearance.
Leave a Reply