It’s officially summertime! Beat the heat with these three delicious recipes for cold drinks that strike the perfect balance between tasty and healthy.
Watermelon Agua Fresca
Agua frescas are fruit drinks made from a blend of fruit, sugar, and water. A simple but delicious drink, they provide hydration with a hint of sweetness. Because watermelon is already very sweet, this agua fresca needs less sugar than others.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons cubed and seeded watermelon
2 tablespoons water
2 tablespoons white sugar (adjust to taste)
1 slice lime
6 fresh mint leaves
Ice
Instructions
Puree watermelon and water in a blender until smooth.
Add sugar to taste.
Muddle half a lime slice and three mint leaves in each glass.
Fill glasses with ice, pour in the puree, and stir.
Fruit Smoothie
Take advantage of summer’s bounty with a seasonal fruit smoothie. Choose strawberries or another fruit you enjoy, such as blueberries or peaches.
Ingredients
1 banana
½ cup yogurt
1 ½ teaspoons honey
¼ cup pineapple juice
1 cup seasonal fruit (e.g., strawberries)
1 teaspoon orange juice
1 teaspoon milk
Instructions
Combine all ingredients in a blender.
Process until smooth.
Iced Coffee
Iced coffee is a great pick-me-up on a hot afternoon. This version uses honey and a dash of vanilla extract to make your cup cafe-worthy (and a little healthier!).
Ingredients
¼ cup fresh brewed coffee
¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons boiling water
3 tablespoons crushed ice
¼ cup cream
Instructions
Refrigerate coffee for 30 minutes until cool.
Dissolve vanilla and honey in boiling water, then chill for 30 minutes.
Assemble by combining chilled coffee, honey mixture, ice, and cream in glasses.
Summary
Each recipe makes two servings and is a great accompaniment to an afternoon interlude in the shade. Other ideas: try pairing the watermelon agua fresca with a backyard barbecue, or serve the fruit smoothie as a light and refreshing dessert.
