Summer is just around the corner, the days are getting longer, and the temperature is rising. Regulating your body temperature during the hotter months of the year can be tricky. While we’d all love the luxury of a high-quality air conditioning system, many of us have to make do with more rudimentary methods of staying cool, such as keeping a fan close by and sipping a delicious cold drink. As such, here are some of the best refreshing drinks to help you make the most of the pleasant weather.
When it comes to keeping your body temperature regulated, staying hydrated is crucial. In warmer temperatures, your body loses additional water through sweat; hence, you should aim to drink around two and a half litres of water per day during summer. Replacing lost fluids with water is the best way to stay safe and healthy in the sun. If you don’t enjoy plain water, consider adding lemon or cucumber, which has added potential health benefits, including weight loss and lowering blood pressure.
Watermelons are available in supermarkets year-round; however, during early summer, they are in season and, therefore, taste the best. Watermelon is about 92% water, which can help to keep you hydrated during hot weather. It is also an excellent source of vitamins A, C, and potassium, vital for vision, skin health, and the immune system. While you can stay cool and refreshed by eating a healthy slice of watermelon as one of your five a day, you can also blend it with ice and lime juice into a delicious summer smoothie.
Iced tea made with loose-leaf black tea has numerous health benefits, including improved heart and gut function and reduced risk of multiple life-changing diseases. It is also packed with antioxidants, which help protect your cells from damage caused by free radicals (highly reactive and unstable oxygen molecules). That said, pre-made bottled iced tea often contains added ingredients, preservatives, and alarming amounts of sugar. If you want a healthy, refreshing summer drink, consider brewing your own iced tea and flavouring it with honey and lemon juice.
A large, chilly bowl of fruit punch is excellent for parties and social gatherings. Furthermore, you can add just about anything you wish, such as freshly-squeezed fruit juice, lemonade and club soda. Garnish your punch with orange slices, lemon wedges, pineapple chunks, mint leaves and anything else you fancy. You could even add vodka or rum to make spiked punch for your adult guests and separate a non-alcoholic version for underage guests and non-drinkers.
There is nothing quite like a classic white wine spritzer on a warm summer’s evening. Whether you favour sparkling water or lemonade to top up your spritzer, the quality of your chosen wine makes all the difference. Consider a crisp, aromatic wine such as Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc or Riesling. A 3:1 ratio of wine to soda is generally considered the best way to prepare a white wine spritzer, although this is primarily down to personal preference. Pour your spritzer into a tall glass with plenty of ice, and enjoy!
The curious, slightly citrusy scent of elderflower denotes the beginning of summer in many countries. The flowers of the elder tree are commonly used in numerous recipes, including cordial, wine and baked goods. With the addition of sugar, lemon and citric acid, you can make a delicious elderflower cordial, ideal for adding to refreshing cocktails and sparkling wine. You can also give bottles of this sweet, concentrated syrup as gifts. If you’re not up to the challenge of making your own DIY elderflower cordial, you can find it in most supermarkets or online.
Pimm’s is a classic summertime drink enjoyed primarily by the Brits. If you’re unfamiliar with Pimm’s, it is a gin-based alcoholic beverage, mainly served with a mixer or as a cocktail ingredient, similar to Aperol. The best way to enjoy this liqueur is to mix it with lemonade and add plenty of garnishes, including chopped strawberries, orange slices, cucumber and fresh mint leaves. Serve your cocktail over ice for a refreshing summer treat, ideal for barbecues and garden parties.