GULFWEEKLY: The mercury is rising and cooling fabrics and air-conditioned rooms alone aren’t going to cut it. What we need is a refresher that can keep us going from one task to the next. If you are looking for something to keep yourself hydrated between glugs of water, embark on this journey as Melissa Nazareth explores some summer coolers from around the world, nodding to the kingdom’s cosmopolitan community.
Umeboshi Soda
A pickled-plum drink from Japan
Health benefits: Energy boosting and digestion.
Made using preserved ume – a Japanese plum or apricot-like fruit – this salty-sour-sweet drink is a concoction of umeboshi paste and soda water. Umeboshi paste can be found at select pharmacies or ordered online.
Umeboshi soda combines the refreshing qualities of a fizzy drink while also replenishing lost energy and fighting fatigue.
Espresso Tonic
A coffee and tonic water blend from Scandinavia
Health benefits: Energy boosting and anti-inflammatory.
A new discovery, with the most popular account crediting a barista in Sweden, who accidentally whipped up the drink after mixing left over tonic water with espresso and syrup, it originated in the early 2000s.
Espresso Tonic is made by layering espresso, rich in anti-oxidants, and iced tonic water, rich in quinine known for its anti-inflammatory properties.
Some variations could include lemon garnish, or flavours like cherry or honey.
Karkadeh
Hibiscus tea from Egypt
Health benefits: Helps regulate blood pressure and manage weight.
While there are many variations of this ruby red drink, many theories point to its origins in Egypt.
Dubbed the ‘drink of the pharaohs’, it is made by infusing dried roselle flower petals in water and can be enjoyed hot or cold.
It has a tart cranberry-like flavour, which can be balanced by adding sugar or enjoyed as is.
Buko Salad Drink
A tender coconut beverage from the Philippines
Health benefits: Prevents dehydration and replenishes lost fluids.
Buko (‘tender coconut’) water is rich in electrolytes like magnesium and potassium, with the coconut pulp being full of fibre, healthy fats, and vitamins and minerals. Available at most Pinoy restaurants and cafes, the creation combines coconut water and pulp, tapioca pearls, assorted jellies, condensed milk, and sweet syrup – a party in your mouth! Whether you call it a drink or dessert, all variations of this concoction are a summertime hit.
Aam Panna
Raw mango refresher from India
Health benefits: Boosts immunity and mental focus while reducing the risk of heatstroke.
Made using the pulp of unripe mangoes, this tart beverage has a pale yellow to lime green colour and can make you feel rehydrated in seconds. Popular in Northern and Western India, mint leaves are often muddled along with the pulp in some recipes, enhancing the flavour. Rich in vitamins, minerals, electrolytes and more, it is the perfect drink to sip on, chilled, in the hot, sweat-inducing summers.
Limonada Suíça
Limeade variation from Brazil
Health benefits: Hydration and cooling, anti-oxidant properties, skin benefits.
Almost every culture has its version of lemonade.
Limonada Suíça, Portuguese for ‘Swiss lemonade’, is a classic summer combination that blends the acidity of Vitamin C-rich limes – not lemons – and the rich sweetness of condensed milk. The Swiss company, Nestle, is said to have popularised condensed milk in Brazil, which gives the drink its name.
Almond Milk with Orange Blossom
A cooling beverage from Morocco.
Health benefits: Glowing skin and strong bones.
Almonds might be heaty, but almond milk, which is made by soaking almonds in water and then blending and straining the liquid, is said to have cooling properties. Unlike dairy, it helps soothe heartburn and when combined with anti-oxidant and vitamin-rich orange blossom water, serves as a delicious and refreshing low-calorie drink.
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