Scorching hot days call for a crisp, revitalising cold drink to quench your mounting thirst. You would be wrong to assume that drinking an ice-cold beverage will cool your body temperature down – although it is a common misconception. Scientists have concluded drinking hot and cold drinks has the same effect on body temperature – which is surprising. What a cold drink does is give the placebo effect of cooling down and makes you say, ‘ah, that’s better!’.
With your ice at the ready, you can make these simple and easy, refreshing iced summer drinks in a flash!
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Summer Inspired Iced Tea
Iced tea is a sweet, delicious treat, perfect for the days when you can’t beat the heat. Traditionally served over ice and sweetened with syrups or fruit – there are now hundreds of variations to select. Fresh, cold-brewed iced tea is incredibly easy to make- so avoid instant mixes and powders!
If you’re looking for a taste sensation, try cherry blossom speciality tea. The luxurious blend of delicious Japanese green tea combined with peony petals, rose petals, and fresh cherries produces an exquisite flavour – one you’ll crave every day.
To make a basic iced tea, you’ll need:
- Ice
- Tea bags
- 2 tbsp of caster sugar
- Honey
- 3 lemons- 2 juiced and 1 of them sliced
- 2 Oranges- 1 juiced and 1 of them sliced
- Mint
- Large Jug
Combine 5-6 tea bags with 1.5 litres of boiling water and honey. Then, pop it in the fridge for 10 minutes to allow the flavours to infuse. Put the tea into the large jug and add your lemon juice and slices, orange juice and slices, and mint. Stir well and pour over ice- it’s as simple as that! Experiment with flavours, such as the cherry blossom, and find your go-to iced tea flavour.
Virgin (Or Not) Piña Colada
A Piña Colada is a holiday vibe sort of drink. The flavours transport you to a white sand beach in Jamaica- total bliss! It’s a tropical-inspired drink typically filled with rum, cream of coconut, and pineapple- but virgin Piña Coladas are just as good. A traditional Piña Colada – a storied drink – will have your tastebuds dancing- it’s the perfect drink for any summer occasion. Here’s what you’ll need to make it:
- 45mls cream of coconut (or coconut milk)
- 45mls of Pineapple Juice
- 15mls of freshly squeezed lime juice
- Pineapple wedge for the garnish
- Cherry for the garnish
- Light rum (if you fancy a cheeky cocktail)
- Ice
- Blender
Throw all the ingredients into a blender and blend until it’s a thick, smoothie texture. Piña Coladas are best served in a hurricane glass with a pineapple wedge and cherry for garnish- total holiday vibes!
These refreshing summer drinks promise to rejuvenate you – whether or not the sun is shining. Fruity, flavoursome summer drinks are the perfect substitute for days when water isn’t hitting the spot. Use the two drinks above to fuel experimentation and come up with your own refreshing summer drinks!
