Summer drinks

Even though summer has been treating us in central Europe really badly so far, I am always trying my best to drink enough fluids during the day. I have on occasion reffered to myself as a camel because of my general lack of thirst....
All joking aside I struggle with drinking enough water. So these tasty alternatives will really help when the next heat wave will hit. I am still hoping.
Regarding gadgets I have really come to love the little countertop smoothie maker my sister gave me a couple of years ago! But you can use a regular blender instead. (In case of the lemonades you can even use a stick blender.)
These quantities are all guestimates for one ca. 3 dl glass. Multiply and make pitchers if you are more than two!!! Chic straws optional.

Iced coffee
One espresso or alternatively instant coffee
Sugar sirup or sweetener to taste
Ice
Water
Milk
Mix the coffee while still hot with the sugar/sweetener to dissolve. Add lots of ice to a tall glass and pour it over to cool down. Then add milk and water to taste. I usually go for a half and half mixture to keep the drink on the refreshing side.

Mint or strawberry lemonade
Juice of a lime or half a lemon
Sugar sirup or sweetener to taste
One sprig of fresh mint/two to three hulled strayberries
Water (try sparkling)
Ice
Add the sweetener to the citrus juice to dissolve. Add the mint or strawberries then blend as finely as possible. You might have to add a splash of water depending on the gadget. Pour over ice and fill up with cold still or sparking water.

Watermelon smoothie
Watermelon, cut into chunks
Ice
One squeeze of lime juice
Some water, if you would like the consistency more fluid
Fill your glass half with watermelon chunks and then ice. Squeeze over a bit of lime juice and add water if you would like it to be more like lemonade instead of a smoothie. Blend until smooth. Drink with a stray.

 

**Please excuse the lack of watermelon smoothie pic. It seems to have gone missing. Just imagine a very un-tanned strawberry lemonade above. :-) 

Post edit

I forgot the most classic option: Iced Tea! When I grew up the summer months always meant a huge jug of this in the fridge. Since I don't have the fridge space for it I compromise by making this concentrate in a 0.5 l measuring jug.  Just add two or three black tea bags, ca. two heaped tablespoons of sugar or sweetener to taste and top with boiling water. When it has cooled remove the tea bags and add the juice of one lemon. Fill a glass with ice, half iced tea concentrate and half cold water. That's it. So much better than the bought stuff...

Homegrown tea

Surviving the first week of a challenging new job seems to have a similar effect as surviving grueling exams back at university. An illness of some ilk is sure to follow.

So while I am feeling utterly miserable, the few advantages of being sick in spring, and not in the depths of winter, are not lost on me.
I could, if bundled up to a sufficient degree, sit outside and let the sunshine, smells, sights and birdsong work some healing magic. (Not feeling particularly inclined at the moment.)
But what I definitely will do is take advantage of the first harvest of the 2010 growing season!


I have a special affection for herbs that can be used in both sweet and savory dishes. Mint is probably the most widely used of these. I love making sweet drinks and desserts with it. But think it is even better in salads like Tabbouleh.*

As you can see in the pictures this plant reemerges from apparent death after even the coldest of winters. It is basically a weed and therefor an easy plant to keep in a pot on a window sill. Some people will even discourage you from planting it in your garden without proper boundaries. I've always been convinced you can never have enough of it though!

Fresh mint tea is probably the simplest way I use this herb. And probably the most often. Depending on the strength of your plant you pick enough leaves.

Bruise the leaves (twist and turn a little) to release the oils and put it into a mug with sugar to taste (the darker the better).

Pour over just boiled water and let it stew for a couple of minutes.
Easy as pie.

Coupled with a laptop and a dvd of choice it's my idea of regenerating.


*The other one I always think of strait away it basil. Have you ever put some into a vodka cranberry? Good stuff.