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, or to taste
1 slice lime
6 fresh mint leaves
Ice
INSTRUCTIONS
Puree the watermelon and water in a blender until smooth. Add sugar to taste. Cut the lime slice in half. Place a half lime slice into each of eight glasses along with three mint leaves. Crush with a cocktail muddler, then fill each glass with ice. Pour in the watermelon agua fresca, and stir before serving.
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 strawberries or other fruit
1 teaspoon orange juice
1 teaspoon milk
INSTRUCTIONS
Blend all ingredients in a blender 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 until cool, about 30 minutes. Chill four glasses, if desired. Stir vanilla extract and honey in the boiling water until dissolved. Refrigerate until cool, about 30 minutes. Divide the ice and chilled coffee evenly between the four glasses. Stir in cream and honey mixture to taste.
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.