Refreshing drinks for summer
Woo Hoo It looks like summer has arrived, stay hydrated with my refreshing summer drinks
Hello again from sunny Greece
I thought I would post this week’s newsletter a little earlier because I couldn’t help but notice that back home in the UK (where the majority of my readers are based) we are having a bit of an early summer heatwave with above average tempertures for the time of year. With temperatures in the mid twenties it is perfect to be outside enjoying the warm sunshine, and I hear of many BBQ’s and impromptu gatherings that are being planned while it lasts.
During hot weather, it is important to stay hydrated. A cold jug of water is the obvious choice but it is always nice to have some alternatives for when water just doesn’t cut it. So now seems a perfect time to share some of my refreshing cold drinks, perfect for summertime.
From fruity refreshing homemade lemonade and homemade cordials to a naughty but nice classic long summer tipple - Sangria. Most of these take just minutes to make so you can get out and enjoy the sunshine.
I’ve also included a couple of extra drinks below that have not made it onto my blogs yet, that you may enjoy.
And if you're not in the UK, wherever you are, I hope you will enjoy these too and if you're down under and its too cold for now why not bookmark them for later in the year!
Until next time drink delicious
PS, if it is a salad for dinner that you fancy on one of these warm days, check out my Salad Recipe Collection
Lemon and Limeade – Recipes Made Easy
Homemade Lemonade is the classic summer drink. I make mine with the addition of lime for a slightly more aromatic drink using this recipe.
Lime and Mint Spritzer – Recipes Made Easy
A sophisticated and delicious alternative to a plain lime and soda. Low calorie and non-alcoholic, this lime and mint spritzer is the perfect summer drink. Also delicious with a splash of gin.
Apple and Ginger Fizz – Recipes Made Easy
A simple and delicious alcohol free drink, made from clear apple juice and ginger ale.
Homemade Blackcurrant Cordial – Recipes Made Easy
If you think all blackcurrant cordials are the same then you are in for a treat. Homemade blackcurrant cordial is less sweet, fresh tasting, much fruitier and absolutely delicious. It is also really easy to make.
Rhubarb Cordial – Recipes Made Easy
Refreshing and delicious Rhubarb Cordial is a great thirst quencher on hot sunny days. Easy to make it will keep for about 1 month in the refrigerator, simply dilute to taste.
Sangria – Recipes Made Easy
And if you want to dream you are on holiday in sunny Spain then it has to be Sangria. It can be made with white wine too.
Bonus Recipes
One summer cocktail drink that I have been enjoying recently is the Hugo Spritz. You can find out more about this cocktail here.
Hugo Spritz
Serves 1
Ingredients
40ml St.Germain elderflower liqueur
60ml Prosecco
60ml soda or mineral water
8-10 mint leaves
Lime wedge and mint sprig to garnish
Lots of ice!
Method
Fill a glass with ice.
Pour in 40ml of elderflower liqueur and add about eight mint leaves.
Top with 60ml each prosecco and sparkling water.
Stir the drink to combine all of the ingredients.
Garnish with a mint sprig and lime wedge.
Freddo Espresso
Meanwhile here in Greece I’ve been drinking freddo espresso as my choice of cold drink in the mornings. It is an extremely popular Greek iced coffee, made with espresso coffee, ice, and optionally sugar or milk. The coffee is shaken with ice in a mixer, creating a cold and frothy drink, then served over ice.
You can find out how to make it easily at home from one of my favourite American blogs at Fredo Espresso –The Mediterranean Dish.
Have you seen?
Strawberry Yoghurt Lollies – Only Crumbs Remain
These homemade strawberry Greek yoghurt lollies are super refreshing and a doddle to make. Fabulous when you want to make a frozen treat quick.
