Drinks to Beat the Summer Heat!

by holly{Bruce}

“Is it hot enough for ya?” Every time one hears that question, thoughts turn towards her grandfather. It’s at that time she finds herself missing him all the more. She would give anything to hear him ask that question once more, even if it is 20 times a day.

Well, now that we’re in the “dog days of summer” a girl thought it might help to concentrate more on beverage recipes. These first two can be used to substitute for a light meal or mid-day snack.

Orange Yogurt Float

Ingredients:
1 can ( 6 ounces ) orange juice concentrate, undiluted
3/4 cup plain yogurt
1 cup milk
2 large scoops orange sherbet

Directions:
Whirl orange juice, yogurt and milk in blender container until smooth (about 10 minutes). Pour into 2 tall glasses, top each one with a scoop of orange sherbet and serve.

Tips:
Should you need to double the recipe, blend each batch one at a time. Also, you can reduce fat and calories by using non-fat, plain yogurt as well as non-fat milk. Large glass tumblers work well in serving.

Chilled Apple Cider Eggnog

Ingredients:
2 eggs
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 cup apple cider
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
3 cups milk, chilled
Whipped cream and extra nutmeg for garnish

Directions:
In a mixing bowl, beat the eggs and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the apple cider, salt, cinnamon and nutmeg. Whisk the egg mixture into the chilled milk. Serve in chilled glasses, garnish with whipped cream and sprinkle with extra nutmeg.

Yields: 4 servings

It’s at this point in the summer where the evenings just don’t provide enough cooling relief. Whether one is entertaining or just relaxing with family, these recipes can help beat the monotony of soda pop or water. Although a girl cannot stress enough the importance of water during these summer days, especially after exercise or any physical activity. Water is essential to hydrating your body properly.

Honey-Citrus Cooler

Ingredients:
1/2 cup boiling water
2 tea bags
1/4 cup honey
1-1/2 cups cold water
1/2 cup lemon juice
1/2 cup orange juice
Ice cubes
1 can ( 12 ounces ) lemon-lime soda, chilled
Lemon slices, for garnish

Directions:
Pour the boiling water over tea bags. Steep for 5 minutes. Remove the tea bags and stir in the honey. Add the cold water and fruit juices. Chill for 1 hour. Afterwards, add the soda to the tea mixture. Fill 4 tall glasses with ice cubes before pouring in the mixture. Garnish each glass with a lemon slice and serve.

Tips:
Using orange-blossom honey from Florida is a real treat! The best Florida souvenir for this girl is a crate of these at Christmas.

Sparkling Fruit Punch

Ingredients:
1 cup orange juice
1/4 cup lemon juice
1 can ( 6 ounces ) unsweetened, pineapple juice
1 can ( 6 ounces ) apple juice
1 can ( 12 ounces ) lemon-lime soda, chilled
Ice cubes
Lime slices, for garnish

Directions:
Combine all the juices into a large pitcher and chill for 1 hour. Then add the soda. Fill 4 tall glasses with ice cubes before pouring in the mixture. Garnish each glass with a lime slice and serve.

Alcoholic drinks are best served in the evenings, and should rarely be used to “cool off’ after physical exertion. Unfortunately alcohol does not replenish the body, but rather dehydrates one even further. When serving alcohol, you may wish to supplement such drinks with plenty of bottled water, as well as snacks.

A Tropical Cooler for Master

Ingredients:
1/2 cup lemonade
1 ounce creme de menthe
2 scoops vanilla ice cream

Directions:
Pour all the ingredients into a blender. Cover and blend until smooth (about 5 minutes). Pour into a tall glass and serve.

Sangria

Ingredients:
1 bottle ( 4/5 quart ) dry, red wine
1 cup ice cubes
The juice of 1 orange, squeezed
The juice of 1 lime, squeezed
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1 bottle ( 12 ounces ) chilled club soda

Directions:
Filling a glass pitcher with the ice cubes, pour in the chilled wine next.Combine the juices with the sugar, then add to the wine. Stir in the club soda just before serving time.

Yields: 6 servings

holly would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a comfortable and enjoyable summer.

holly {Bruce}
E-mail: holly_anne1@yahoo.com