In the heart of every home is the kitchen. In the heart of every kitchen is the refrigerator. In the heart of the refrigerator, within hands reach, are the ingredients needed to prepare those summertime beverages that can quench the thirstiest soul. Just have on hand a supply of ingredients to prepare a cool drink when unexpected guests arrive. Some important ingredients to have are flavored syrups from Monin. You can find raspberry, strawberry, peach, mango, coconut, French vanilla, and so many more. They also carry premium grenadine syrup for your drink mixing pleasure. Visit them at monin.com and see their complete line of products.
Staying cool in the summer is a top priority and the following beverages will keep you focused and on track.
1 Cucumber Lemon Water
Water is essential and a necessity for keeping the body hydrated. However, you do not have to settle for plain, bland water. A great water beverage, that not only hydrates, but is also healthy is cucumber lemon water. Just slice some cucumber and lemon, add some cool water, and enjoy a refreshing and hydrating drink.
2. Iced Coffee
For all of those die-hard coffee lovers, iced coffee in the heat of summer can be a bit more refreshing than hot coffee and still provides the caffeine bite that you may need. Prepare your favorite coffee and let cool. Add your favorite flavored creamer and ice. It’s a cooling kick-start to the morning.
3. Ice Tea
Ice tea in the summertime is both refreshing and relaxing to drink. Add your favorite brand of tea bags to water and boil. Cut it off when it starts to boil and set it aside to steep (let it sit for a few minutes). Find a pitcher, add sugar to your liking (a cup and a 1/4 is good for a gallon), add the tea, fill the pitcher with water. Stir and serve. You can add a lemon slice if you prefer.
4. Sun Tea
Sun tea can be fun to make. It just takes a bit longer. Get a gallon jug, add tea bags (usually 2 family size tea bags or 4 of the smaller tea bags), add sugar, add water, and put it outside where the sun can directly beam on it. Check throughout the day until the tea is to your personal liking. The darker the tea the stronger it will taste. The preparation of sun tea can be a fun scientific project of observation for the kiddos as well. They can observe the changes throughout the day and write down their observations to share with the family later.
5. Lemonade
Lemonade is one of those all-around, summertime, homemade beverages enjoyed by all. It’s an enjoyable balance of sweet and sour. Grab a jug, squeeze some lemon, add some water, sugar, and ice, and mix or shake. Serve with some lemon slices and sip the day away!
6. Smoothies
Smoothies are both healthy and refreshing. Just pull out some fruit and veggies that you have in the fridge, put them in a blender, add some water, and ice. Pour into a glass, stick in a straw, and enjoy sipping a nutritional beverage that will make your body happy and healthy.
7. Homemade Lemon-Lime Soda
If you want to add a little sparkle to your day. Grab your favorite flavor of chilled sparkling water out of the fridge and some lemon and lime. Slice the lemon and lime, stir, and enjoy this sparkling, sweet-tart of a beverage.
8. Watermelon Breeze
Summertime brings us watermelon and we usually have one at home. I have a favorite Watermelon Breeze recipe that is a summer go-to. A little watermelon, a little coconut water, fresh lime, and a sprig of mint can transport you to a tropical paradise.
9. Raspberry Italian Cream Soda
If you want to take a trip without leaving your home, then a raspberry Italian cream soda is the ticket to get you there. Grab a glass, add some chilled soda water, raspberry syrup, half and half, and some ice. Don’t stir so the ingredients will be tiered in the glass. Ciao!
10. Frosty Coconut Mint Green Tea Mocktail
If you desire to lounge poolside, the mocktail is the perfect beverage. Add 2 mint leaves and a green tea bag to a bottle of coconut water and refrigerate for an hour. Empty the bottle into a blender (excluding the tea bag), add ice, your favorite sweetener, blend, and dive in!
Summertime is a fun time to cool down and tantalize your taste buds with a variety of beverages: water, teas, smoothies, etc. Use your imagination and come up with some original summer drinks. You can always find the right ingredients at home.
