Whether you’re thirsty for some chilled water or looking for a mixed drink to serve at your backyard barbeque, we can all agree that a refreshing, cold, and invigorating drink is what’s best under the beaming sunlight. When the heat kicks in, staying cool is essential. Different cultures from across the globe have invented and mastered a drink designed for the intense summer heat. So if you’re thirsty for something new, consider these suggestions as they might just be your next favorite sip!
Starting from a country known for its sweltering heat and humid climate, Vietnam has come up with a drink that will quench your thirst with its tangy, sweet, and sour flavors. Known as “Soda Chanh” (Lime soda), it is made freshly at vendors with hand-squeeze lime juice, soda, and ice cubes. Sugar is an optional part of the drink as there is plenty of sugar content within the soda already. Sprite or 7UP is the usual base for the drink–never pepsi, coke, or other pop drinks. Soda chanh’s tart, sweet, and cold nature ultimately makes it a balanced drink with a kick of carbonation–perfect for the summer!
A quintessential drink from Thailand that has been making waves to the Western world is Thai Iced Tea. Thai Iced Tea, or Cha Yen, is a sweet, creamy, black tea beverage famous for its signature orange shade. Known as cha yen in Thailand, it is customarily flavored with vanilla and sometimes spices like cloves and star anise. Its creamy sweetness and a little hint of bitter spice makes it very indulgent. Beyond its taste, it also offers a refreshing and chilling experience with every sip.
Spain, a country known for its vibrant culture and centuries of culinary traditions, is also home to some of the most refreshing drinks. Among the selections, Horchata de Chufa stands out. A cold and creamy drink that has been cherished in the Valencia region for generations. Unlike its predecessor counterpart from Latin America–usually rice-based–, the Spanish version is made from tiger nuts. Tiger nuts are actually tubers–similar to potatoes–and have been used for both traditional and medicinal purposes. These tubers give the drink a naturally nutty and sweet flavor. It is then grounded and mixed with water and sugar to create a milky texture which is then served ice-cold. It is honestly a great option of relief from the summer heat.
Home to the most beloved drink in South America, Mexico has an incredible array of refreshing drinks for the summer. One of the traditional and classic drinks is Agua de Tamarindo. The star ingredient is tamarind pulp–a thick, sticky paste that is made from the flesh of a tamarind–as it creates a perfect balance between a tangy, sweet profile. The tamarinds are simmered and then blended with sugar and cold water to create a smooth texture. The drink is bold, flavorful, and simple. Traditionally served cold with ice cubes, Agua de Tamarindo delivers a powerful punch against the summer heat, making it a perfect way to deal with the hot and humid southern weather.
Influenced from a place where the weather and climate can be described as cool and snowy, you would be surprised to find a hidden summer drink that stemmed from this region. One of the most distinctive summer beverages is Kvass, a fermented drink made from rye bread. Kvass is particularly popular in Russia and other Slavic countries. It is typically made from rye bread, which gives the drink its unique properties of a tangy flavor and its muddy appearance. Despite being a fermented drink, its alcohol content is usually less than one percent. This makes it a popular and safe choice for any age. Customarily served cold, the drink is able to quench the thirst of anyone and reenergize them. Often flavored with fruits, berries, or herbs, it gives the unique drink its depth. Although it seems contradictory to the place of origin, Kvass offers a drink that is distinctive from any other drinks provided to combat the summer heat.
From different flavors, spices, and textures from all around the world, summer drinks prove that refreshment comes in many different forms. From different cultural traditions rooted in rich history to unique culinary methods used to refine a particular drink, each one carries its own different characteristics. Sweet, tart, herbal, fizzy, and other characteristics offer a unique way to cool down when the season changes. Exploring these drinks is like taking a journey through different cultures. This summer, let your choices go beyond the usual ice coffee and consider the variety of cold drinks from across the globe.
