Summer’s here, and it calls for colorful drinks. When I say this, you probably imagine a beach-front cabana, endless sand, and an infinite ocean in front of you with the smell of salt on your still-wet hair—the ice clinks against the glass when you take a sip of a colorful cocktail. The sweet taste mixes with a little bit of saltiness that remained on your lips from your dip in the ocean earlier. Not bad, right?
However, the chances of that happening right now are, I’d assume, slim. But you can always try and recreate a similar feel within the comfort of your home. The taste of these drinks might not get you to the beach in real life, but they will definitely get you there in your mind-travels.
As much as I love cooking, I also enjoy mixing drinks. Because let’s be honest, plain water can be hydrating as much as it needs to be, but sprucing it up is always fun. What is also great is that it normally only takes a couple of ingredients to make them. So, there’s no reason to shy away and spoil yourself a little. It’s summer, after all.
I do drink water all the time, but having options on hand that elevate its taste always sounds like a treat. I like to start with either a club soda or sparkling water and spruce it with different fruit and garnish with herbs. It is as easy as that.
The bubbles bring out the sweetness and spiciness of the ingredients you dip in. Mash them with a fork a little, so they release more of its yummy juices. If you want to be really fancy, do what Venetians did in the ’30s and ’40s. They mixed a chilled peach puree into champagne. Seriously simple, but utterly divine. You can always substitute peaches for some other sweet fruit, like tropical mango or passion fruit. Garnish it with some lavender, which is by the way in full bloom in June, so it’s the perfect summer scent.
Preparing the drinks compliments everything that goes on in the kitchen. On my menu are normally simple and delicious drinks like cocktails with kombucha. It is even called “the immortal health elixir” by the Chinese, and it boasts numerous health benefits starting with your improved digestion. But as health really begins in your healthy gut, your answer is at the palm of your hand. If you’re adventurous and patient enough, you can try making your own kombucha from scratch. If you’re impatient and your glands at the back of your mouth water are still at the thought of it, buy it at the store, mix with some sparkling water, add fresh fruit, and fresh spices like ginger. Voila! What better way to start off your day, right?
To keep the breezy vibes flowing, prepare ice cubes filled with herbs and pieces of fruit. They will chill your drinks all day long, making you feel at a beach-front resort. Plus, they look like they came directly from an Instagram post.
Creating refreshing drinks can instantly elevate your spirits and take you to a faraway beach if you feel a little stuck with what you do. I know it does the trick for me until I earn that beach-front cabana.
