We pack our jackets and long sleeves when the temperature rises. Summer is the perfect time to replace warm winter drinks with refreshing summer thirst quenchers. These cold alternatives to hot drinks are refreshing.
Cold-brewed coffee
Cold-brewed coffee, also known as toddy coffee, is a new experience for me. But I am hooked. I prefer cold-brewed coffee to hot-brewed, double-strength coffee. However, I find the rich taste and lower acidity of cold-brewed coffee to be a better choice than hot-brewed. It takes 12 hours to brew but the rich flavor and aroma extracted from the beans make it worth it. Get the best coffee from the largest coffee producing state in India and experience the best brew at home.
You will need a cold-brew coffee machine and coarsely ground coffee beans to get started. You should mix one cup of coffee with three cups water and ice. However, I prefer to use one cup coffee, one cup water, one cup coconut milk and one teaspoon of stevia for sweetness. Add flavoring syrup, half-and/or soy milk to make it sweeter. You can try these nespresso recipes for some cold and chill brew experience
Adult Version To make your iced coffee a summer-worthy elixir, add Bailey’s Irish Cream.
Iced tea
Sweet tea is a common drink in the South. When summer heats up, old-fashioned sweet tea is my first choice for refreshing beverages. There are many ways to make sun-tea, whether you brew it in a glass jar or with an iced tea maker.
For more flavor than just a lemon wedge, you can infuse your next pitcher with strawberries, raspberries or mint leaves to add some variety. You can also add some of your favorite flavor syrup to your next pitcher; I use sugarless vanilla.
Adult Version Give your iced tea a fruity kick with one or two ounces peach schnapps per cup — this is my favorite drink by the poolside. If you want something stronger, mix it with some whiskey or vodka.
Frozen Hot Chocolate
Hot chocolate can double as a comfort drink when winter seems to never end. But sometimes, it’s also necessary to have comfort in the heat. Frozen chocolate is a comforting option for those days when chocolate alone won’t do.
Blend 1 cup milk with 1 cup hot chocolate mix and 1 cup ice in a blender for a quick and simple option. Blend until smooth. For hot chocolate on the rocks, you can whisk the milk and chocolate mixture together. Pour it over ice and sprinkle a few mini marshmallows on top.
To make it richer and more delicious, combine 2 ounces milk chocolate chips with 1/4 cup Nutella. You can also add a packet of your favorite powdered chocolate mix to the mixture. Stir in 1-1/2 cups milk until the mixture is smooth. Mix the mixture with 2 cups of ice until it becomes creamy and thick. Add the whipped cream to top.
Adult Version Mix 1 cup milk, 6 ice cubes and 1 ounce of whip cream vodka in a cocktail shaker. Mix until smooth and serve as a comforting dessert after dinner.
Iced Chai
You can make chai iced by making use of a pre-made mix or chai tea bags to make your concentrate. I don’t drink chai regularly so I only use the pre-made mix.
Combine one cup of chai tea and one cup milk. Pour over ice. It’s super fast and easy. You may find the chai concentrate a little too liquidy so add more ice. You can also mix equal amounts of lemonade with chai to add a citrus flavor.
Adult Version To make a spiked version, you can add rum or bourbon to the chai. I prefer the chai with almond milk to ice with 1 ounce spiced liquor, but you are free to make your own.
Iced Cider
Although spiced apple cider is often associated with fall, it’s also a delicious drink that can easily make the transition to autumn. Pour apple cider over ice. You can also squeeze the juice of half an orange into your glass to make a refreshing citrus mix. For a subtle tart note, you can add a splash of cranberry or grape juice.
Adult Version: Hard Cider is a popular beer choice for people who are gluten-free or who just enjoy a carbonated apple beverage with low alcohol. You can also mix non-alcoholic cold apple cider with 12 ounces of cinnamon schnapps and 12 ounces dark rum to make a chilled cocktail that warms your insides.
Now, chill out!
