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Wohoo, summer has arrived! And with summer comes the heat we enjoy as well as more outside activities like picnics and gatherings. Even though I adore the summer, I have to admit that I can't beat the heat without a cold drink, so I always make sure to pack a bottle of water or, if I'm feeling a bit creative, a freshly brewed beverage like these summer drinks I'm sharing with you today.
But let's be honest, they are so delicious that they can be enjoyed anytime of the year. You can even make popsicles with these drinks; just get yourself a popsicle mold and enjoy them frozen.
Happy hour, anyone?
If you want a more festive outcome, you may also add a splash of your preferred liqueur to these recipes.
To start
You'll need a pitcher or jar to prepare these delightful drinks. Personally, I prefer using the ones with screw tops since I can carry them with me to gatherings without worrying about spilling the water and because they have the measurements on them, making it easier to estimate the amount of liquid required for any recipe. They can come in different sizes, but for a small gathering, I like the 64-ounce ones, or I choose the 32-ounce if it's just two of us. Now, let's enjoy the refreshing flavours of these summertime beverages.
Summer Drinks to Delight the Palate
Hibiscus Tea
Hibiscus tea is well known for its red colour, its high vitamin C content, and its very unique flavour. The tartness of this drink can be enjoyed both warm and cold, depending on the season and individual desire.
To make this delicious drink you will need:
3 cups of filtered water
1/2 cup dried hibiscus flowers (rinsed)
1600 ml filtered water
Honey (or your preferred sweetener)
Instructions:
Bring the 3 cups of water to a boil and add 1/2 cup of dried hibiscus flowers. Turn the heat to medium-low and let the flowers simmer for 10 minutes.
Let it cool, then strain into the 1600 ml of water and add ice and honey. Serve and Enjoy.
*Note 1: For a milder flavour, you can use only half of the concentrate (the boiled hibiscus) and save the other half for another batch.
*Note 2: If you like to try new recipes, don't throw your hibiscus flowers away; head to this site to learn how to make hibiscus flower tacos.
Thyme Lemonade
Thyme has been used for centuries for its plethora of medicinal properties; its earthy, minty flavour makes it a perfect match to go along with lemons. The result of this combination will make your taste buds happy.
To make this delicious drink you will need:
1500 ml. of filtered water
1 bunch of Thyme
2 cups of fresh lemon juice
2 cups of filtered water
Honey (or your preferred sweetener)
Instructions:
Simmer 1500 ml of water with 1 bunch of thyme and desired amount of honey for 10 minutes. Let it cool and strain into an ice-filled pitcher. Stir in the 2 cups of fresh lemon juice and the 2 cups of water. Serve and enjoy!
Lavender lemonade
Lavender is widely used as an herbal medicine as well as a culinary herb, and thanks to its calming properties, it is no wonder why it is a favourite plant for many people. Lavender, when combined with lemons, offers a unique flavour and a relaxing feeling that you might not want to miss.
To make this delicious drink you will need:
2 Tbsp of dried lavender flowers
2 cups of water
1 1/4 cups of fresh lemon juice
2 cups lavender tea
1 cup of filtered water
Honey (or your preferred sweetener)
Instructions:
Bring 2 cups of water to a boil and steep 2 tablespoons of dried lavender flowers for not more than 10 minutes, unless you like a strong lavender flavour, aka bitterness. Let it cool, strain into 1 cup of filtered water, stir in 1 1/4 cups of fresh lemon juice, and add ice and honey to taste. Enjoy!
To Wrap Up:
Whether you want to take a fresh drink to a gathering, plan a picnic or just relax and enjoy it in the comfort of your home, we hope you try these fresh recipes with gusto.
Happy Summer!
