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Recipes
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Written by Elke Probkevitz
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Thursday, 23 June 2011 11:25 |
 When the weather gets hot, we need to find refreshing ways to cool down. Since we can’t always get to the beach, cooling off with a cold beverage can invigorate and reenergize us from the inside out. Whether you want to spike your drinks for an adult cocktail or keep it simple for a kid-friendly treat, there are many beverages you can make at home to cool down on a hot summer day. Try these summer beverage ideas.
Watermelon-strawberry purée. Scoop out the melon and purée with strawberries, with ice, and fresh lime juice. To add to the presentation, use the scooped-out melon as a serving bowl or serve with a watermelon and strawberry slice on the rim of the glass.
Tropical delight. Mix cream of coconut (which is sweeter than coconut milk), pineapple, fresh lemon juice, and ice in a blender. Garnish with toasted coconut and a slice of pineapple.
Flavored lemonades. Make traditional lemonade with freshly squeezed lemons, sugar, and water. Purée your berry of choice, like strawberries or blueberries, with sugar and mix into lemonade. You can also add a splash of cranberry juice or grape juice to make a pink lemonade. Drink over ice.
Fruit smoothies. Purée a combination of fresh and frozen fruit with milk, chocolate milk, or fruit juice and ice. It’s a healthy snack as well as a refreshing drink.
Slushy drinks. Blend fresh fruit juice, such a grapefruit or lemon, with a lot of ice in a blender till crushed. Add pomegranate or strawberry syrup to the glass and combine to make a margarita-like beverage, with or without alcohol.
Fruit-and-herb spritzers. Fresh fruit and herbs are a great combination for a refreshing summer drink. Combine lime and mint or peaches and rosemary and muddle them with crushed ice to release the flavors. Top off with seltzer and more ice and add some whole herbs for garnish.
Iced teas. Brew any of your favorite flavors of tea; cool and add lots of ice. You can also brew the tea in the refrigerator by steeping in cold water overnight. Add apple juice to sweeten, lemonade for a twist, or fresh fruit or herbs for added depth of flavor.
Mint Limeade
Ingredients:
2 cups sugar
2 cups water
zest of 2 limes
1 cup fresh mint leaves, divided
2 cups crushed ice, plus more for serving
2 limes cut into wedges
1/2 cup fresh lime juice
white rum (optional for alcoholic beverage)
seltzer water
Directions:
Place sugar and water in a small pot and bring to a boil. Cook for 1 minute to dissolve sugar completely. Take off of heat and add zest and 1/2 cup mint. Let mint and zest steep in syrup for half an hour. Strain and refrigerate until cold.
Meanwhile, muddle the other 1/2 cup of mint leaves and lime wedges with crushed ice in a pitcher. Add one cup of cooled syrup, lime juice, more ice (and rum if desired). Pour into glasses halfway up and top off with seltzer. Garnish with lime wedges and mint.
Want to learn how to cook delicious gourmet meals right in your own kitchen? Take one-on-one cooking lessons or give a gift to an aspiring cook that you know. For more information, contact Take Home Chef personal chef services by calling 516-508-3663, writing to elke@TakeHomeChef.net, or visiting www.TakeHomeChef.net.
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