Cool off with summertime drinks
Enjoy a refreshing watermelon lemonade cooler and take a break from summer heat. (Cathie Campbell/For The Madera Tribune)
No matter what you are doing for summer fun or even summer work, you’re bound to get thirsty and want to take a little break.
I think I am addicted to ice, whether it be cubes or crushed. I love a drink in a glass that’s filled with ice.
And I also have favorite glasses that I use a lot.
If you have worked up a thirst, it is my hope that you will discover a refreshing recipe here that you can prepare anytime you want this summer. Clink frosty glasses with me as we celebrate a cold drink on a hot day! Iced tea with raspberry juice I like to allow the flavored tea to cool before adding it to the ice-filled glasses.
8 1/4 cups water, divided 2/3 cup sugar 5 individual tea bags (whatever kind you prefer) 3 to 4 cups unsweetened raspberries 1. In a large saucepan, bring 4 cups water to a rolling boil. Add sugar and stir until dissolved. Remove from heat and add the tea bags, allowing to steep for 5 to 8 minutes (perhaps longer for herbal teas). Discard the tea bags and add 4 more cups water. 2. In another saucepan, bring raspberries and remaining water to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer, uncovered for 3 minutes. Strain the berries and discard any seeds and pulp. 3. Add the raspberry juice to the tea mixture, blending well. Serve in chilled glasses over ice. Makes about 2 quarts. Watermelon lemonade cooler Really easy! 2 cups your favorite lemonade 3 cups seedless watermelon, coarsely chopped 1 cup crushed ice Small wedges of watermelon, optional 1. Just before serving, blend all ingredients in a blender until smooth. Pour into glasses, garnish with a small watermelon wedge if desired, and serve immediately. Makes 4 servings. Blueberry lime slush Better to start this the day before planning to serve. 2 cups sugar 4 cups water 1 can (12-oz.) frozen limeade concentrate 1 can (12-oz.) frozen orange juice concentrate 2 cups blueberry juice or blueberry juice cocktail 2 liters lemon-lime soda, chilled Fresh or frozen blueberries, optional 1. In a large saucepan, combine sugar and water, then bring to a boil, stirring, until sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat and allow to cool for 30 minutes. 2. Stir in the juice concentrates and blueberry juice. Divide the mixture (about 2 cups each) among five 1 1/2-pint freezer containers. Cover and freeze overnight or until firm. 3. For each batch, place one portion frozen mixture into a blender. Add 1 2/3 cups lemon-lime soda. Cover and process just until well blended. Serve immediately, adding a few whole blueberries if desired. Makes about 20 servings. Cranberry raspberry fizz
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup water
3 tablespoons lime juice
2 cups cranberry juice
3 cups seltzer (I just use unsweetened mineral water. Lime would be good.)
1 cup ginger ale
1 pint raspberry sorbet
1. In a small saucepan over high heat, combine the sugar and water. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil a boil and cook, stirring frequently, until slightly thickened, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat and lime juice. Let the lime syrup cool to room temperature. 2. Using a large pitcher, pour in the lime syrup, cranberry juice, seltzer and ginger ale, mixing well. To serve, place a scoop of sorbet into each tall glass, then pour in the liquid mixture. Makes about 6 servings.
