On a hot afternoon, there is nothing as refreshing as sipping a cool drink in a shady spot. From lemonade and iced tea to sparkling juice and smoothies, summer cocktails quench the thirst and revitalize the body. Young and old can enjoy a wide selection of non-alcoholic beverages.
Green tea is a staple in Asia and continues to gain popularity in North America. It is an excellent addition to cool summer drinks high in antioxidants and other restorative qualities. Studies indicate that green tea may lower blood pressure, stabilize blood glucose, aid in digestion, strengthen blood vessels and lower bad LDL cholesterol.
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In Asia, drinking tea is a time to take a moment to be calm and relax before continuing with a busy day. In China and Japan, there is a culture of tea drinking complete with a tea ceremony for special occasions. In day-to-day life, restaurant patrons tap their index and middle fingers on the table to signal they want more tea.
To brew green tea correctly, the water temperature should be hot to the point that steam begins to rise from the surface of the water, about 175 F (80 C). The water should not boil. If the water is too hot, it will scorch the leaves and create a bitter flavour.
Green tea needs only to steep for two minutes or less. Unlike black tea, green tea can be re-infused two or three times. Four ounces of green tea can yield more than 50 cups of tea. Hot tea should be served immediately but it also can be stored in a pitcher with a lid in the refrigerator for up to two days. If kept longer, a bitter taste forms.
In addition to green tea, blender drinks are another beverage option. The Aqua Fresca is simple and refreshing and can use whatever fruit you have on hand. Try the quick and easy versions of a Mojito and a Mochachino – two of my favourites. Enjoy.
Fresh lime and White Grape
Iced Green Tea
2 cups (500 mL) CHILLED GREEN TEA
2 cups (500 mL) CHILLED WHITE GRAPE JUICE
6 tbsp. (90 mL) FRESHLY SQUEEZED LIME JUICE
SUGAR TO TASTE (OPTIONAL)
ICE CUBES
SMALL LIME WEDGES OR LIME SLICES, FOR GARNISH
Put the green tea, grape juice and lime juice into a medium-sized pitcher and stir well. Add sugar if desired. Pour the tea mixture into glasses filled with ice. In each glass, float four lime wedges or add a skewer threaded with lime slices. Serves two to four.
Source: Green Tea – 50 Hot drinks, Cool Quenchers and Sweet and Savory Treats.
Devlin’s Mojito
1 cup (250 mL) SODA WATER
1 tbsp. (15 mL) LEMON JUICE
2 tbsp. (25 mL) LIME JUICE
1/2 tsp. (2 mL) FRESH CHOPPED MINT
In highball glass, combine soda water, lemon and lime juices and chopped mint. Stir and serve garnished with a wedge of lime.
Makes one tall glass. Source: Summer Drinks – A collection of Delicious Non-Alcoholic Beverages.
Aqua Fresca
3 cups (750 mL) CHOPPED FRESH FRUIT (CANTALOPE, WATERMELON AND STRAWBERRIES)
8 cups (2 L) WATER
3/4 cup (175 mL) SUGAR
1/4 cup (60 mL) FRESH LEMON JUICE
In blender, add fruit and three cups (750 mL) of water. Puree until smooth, then strain through sieve. Add rest of water, sugar and lemon juice. Stir and serve. Serve in eight large margarita glasses.
Source: Summer Drinks – A collection of Delicious Non-Alcoholic Beverages.
Green Tea, Pear and Almond
Horchata
1 cup (250 mL) CHILLED GREEN TEA
1/2 cup (125 mL) REGULAR OR LOW-FAT PLAIN YOGURT
1/2 cup (125 mL) PEAR JUICE OR NECTAR
1 MEDIUM RIPE PEAR, CORED, PEELED AND QUARTERED
1 BANANA, PEELED AND QUARTERED
10 SEEDLESS WHITE GRAPES, HALVED
3 tbsp. (45 mL) SLIVERED OR SLICED RAW BLANCHED ALMONDS
4 ICE CUBES
Place all the ingredients in a blender, adding the ice cubes last. Blend for two to three minutes at medium speed or until the ice is completely crushed and incorporated. Pour into glasses and serve immediately.
Serves two to four.
Source: Green Tea – 50 Hot drinks, Cool Quenchers and Sweet
and Savory Treats.
Lava Flow
1/2 cup (125 mL) 10 percent CREAM
1/2 cup (125 mL) PINEAPPLE JUICE
1 tbsp. (15 mL) COCONUT MILK
1/2 BANANA
1/2 cup (125 mL) FRESH STRAWBERRIES
In blender, add cream, pineapple juice, coconut milk, banana and strawberries. Puree until smooth, serve chilled.
You can serve this in a hollowed-out coconut half, with a big umbrella and straw or in a tall glass.
Source: Summer Drinks – A collection of Delicious Non-Alcoholic Beverages.
Hannah’s Iced Mochachino
2 cups (500 mL) BREWED COFFEE
1 tsp. (5 mL) BROWN SUGAR
1 pinch GROUND CINNAMON
2 tbsp. (25 mL) CHOCOLATE SYRUP
2 tbsp. (25 mL) COFFEE CREAM
When coffee is still warm, stir in sugar, cinnamon and chocolate syrup. Let cool, stir in cream. Half fill two medium glasses with crushed ice and add mochachino. Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon or cocoa powder. Serves two.
Source: Summer Drinks – A collection of Delicious Non-Alcoholic Beverages.
In-The-Pink Iced Green Tea
2 cups (500 mL) FRESHLY SQUEEZED PINK GRAPEFRUIT JUICE
3 cups (750 mL) CHILLED GREEN TEA
2 tbsp. (25 mL) LIGHT BROWN SUGAR
ICE CUBES
MARASCHINO CHERRIES, FOR GARNISH
Combine the grapefruit juice, chilled green tea and brown sugar in a medium-sized pitcher and stir until blended. Pour the tea mixture into tall glasses filled with ice cubes. Make a garnish for each glass by sliding maraschino cherries onto a skewer. Place a skewer in each glass and serve immediately. Serves two to four.
Source: Green Tea – 50 Hot drinks, Cool Quenchers and Sweet and Savory Treats.
