Are you staying cool this summer? It can be hard to avoid the heat when the July sun beats down, but that doesn’t mean you have to stay indoors this season. Whether you want to lounge by the pool, out on the patio, or in the comfort of your own air conditioning, and an ice-cold drink is just what you need to beat the heat, and there are some refreshing recipes available to try in your kitchen. Check out these cool drinks next time you need to chill out and relax.
Berry Lemonade
Let’s start with a summertime classic. You can’t go wrong with a pitcher of lemonade on a hot day, and while the traditional preparation is always a hit, you can incorporate some fresh berries for a tasty take on the citrusy favorite. This recipe recommends strawberries, and to make sure their sweet flavor is fully blended into the drink, you’ll need to fashion a strawberry simple syrup on the stovetop.
Just combine a pound of fresh berries with a cup of sugar and two cups of water in a saucepan. Bring it all to a boil, then drop the heat to a simmer. Let the reduction cook for about 10 minutes, skimming any foam from the surface. Take the strawberry syrup off the heat and let it cool for about an hour, then strain it so that the liquid is fully separate from the solid bits of berry. When the syrup is fully cooled, combine it with one and a third cups of lemon juice and five cups of cold water. Before you serve the drink, garnish it with a few lemon wheels or slices of strawberry.
Agua Fresca
Agua frescas, or “fresh waters,” are a popular Mexican beverage that can be made with a variety of natural flavors. Fresh, seasonal fruit is central to most variations. Summer is the perfect time to make agua fresca with pineapple, cantaloupe, or even watermelon. Choosing your fruit in-season allows you to get the sweetest ingredients available. You might not have to add as much sugar to the mix. To make the drink, chop your fruit of choice. Place the fruit in a blender with two cups of water, around ¾ cup of sugar, and a little ice. Once the mix is pureed smooth, pour it all into a pitcher. You can thin it out with a couple of extra cups of water and more ice cubes.
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