As the temperatures rise, so does our need for refreshing drinks to cool us down. The beauty of this is that every culture has its unique way to beat the heat. Let's take a sip from six different countries and their most refreshing summer beverages.
1. Aam Panna (India)
In the scorching heat of Indian summers, Aam Panna serves as a respite. This drink, made from green mangoes, sugar, spices, and mint, is rich in vitamin C and excellent for preventing heat stroke.
2. Limonana (Middle East)
Limonana is a popular drink in the Middle East, especially during summer. It's a simple lemonade upgraded with fresh mint leaves and sugar, offering a refreshing tangy flavor with a hint of mint.
3. Cendol (Southeast Asia)
Cendol is a sweet summertime delicacy popular in Southeast Asia. It's a colorful drink with green rice flour jelly, coconut milk, and palm sugar syrup. The jelly strands mimic green 'worms,' making the drink a fun and refreshing option.
4. Tereré (Paraguay)
Tereré is a traditional Paraguayan drink, perfect for hot summer days. It is a cold version of the famous Yerba Mate tea, often flavored with fresh herbs such as mint and lemon verbena. The drink is highly social, often shared among groups of friends or family.
5. Aguas Frescas (Mexico)
Aguas Frescas are light, non-alcoholic beverages that are a staple in Mexico. These are typically made by blending ripe fruits with water, sugar, and sometimes a touch of lime. Watermelon, strawberry, and papaya are among the popular choices.
6. Iced Borscht (Eastern Europe)
Iced Borscht is a unique and refreshing summer soup from Eastern Europe. It's a chilled beet soup served with cucumber, radishes, and fresh herbs, often accompanied by a dollop of sour cream. Don’t knock it until you try it!
These global summer beverages offer a unique combination of refreshing and cooling properties, with a dash of cultural flavor. So, next time the summer heat gets to you, try one of these beverages and let the world's tastes cool you down.
