Summer mocktails and a juicy Ramazan

You can adjust the ingredients according to your own preferences or even mix&match - the sky is the limit!

The blazing heat of the June sun is slowly giving way to the sweltering, scorching July summer wave, as always. However, this year, July is host to the holy month of Ramazan as well.

Along with the piety and prayers, Ramazan heralds the beginning of sumptuous iftars and sleepy sehris. But this time, there will be an added twist.

With the power supply playing its agonising game of hide and seek, looming visions of extremely thirsty summer afternoons coming ahead have taken over our minds. Reprieve from this can come only in the form of cooling, sweat-beating summer drinks that are easy to prepare but offer a lot to relish.

Fortunately, to quench the ever-present thirst, there are plenty of juicy and fruity options to satisfy every palate. Here are some delicious drinks and shakes to keep both children and adults cool and well-hydrated during this month of Ramazan.

Mojito (Desi style)

Experience the true Caribbean bliss with this minty magnificence. Loaded with antioxidants, mint is a soothing herb with many health benefits including curing indigestion, fighting fatigue, anxiety and depression. Its strong aroma acts as a natural stimulant for the brain and is widely used in mouth fresheners because of its anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties.

Ingredients: (Serves two people)

Lemon juice – Extracted from 5 lemons

Mint leaves – 7 to 8 leaves

Sugar – 1 to 2 tbsps (according to taste)

A pinch of salt and black pepper

Photo: Saira Khan

Method:

1. Put lemon juice, mint, sugar, salt, black pepper and a few ice cubes in a blender and blend until they become smooth. Adjust sugar and salt according to taste.

Photo: Saira Khan

2. Fill three-fourth glass with chilled Sprite and the rest with some of the blended mixture. You can easily make a second glass with the remainder.

Photo: Saira Khan

Close your eyes while drinking it and it’ll transport you to a hammock amidst palm trees in the Caribbean!

Lychee Colada

Delicious and juicy, this exotic fruit is an excellent source of vitamin C. Also, rich in antioxidants, it helps improve blood circulation, reduces weight and protects skin from harmful UV rays. A good amount of potassium present in it regulates blood pressure.

Photo: Saira Khan

Ingredients:

Pitted lychees – 1 cup

Thick coconut milk – 1 cup

Caster sugar – 2 tbsps

Cream – ½ cup

Crushed ice – 7 to 8 cubes

Photo: Saira Khan

Method:

Blend all ingredients together and pour into a glass.

Photo: Saira Khan

It’s as simple as that and it’ll surely delight you with its velvety sensations.

Summer Rain Mocktail

The name in itself explains its virtues. This mocktail will most definitely help you fight off the toll the fast may take on. 


Ingredients:

Pineapple juice – 1 cup

Orange juice – 1 cup

Pineapple – 1 slice

Lemon juice – 2 to 3 tbsps

Caster sugar – 2 to 3 tbsps

Crushed ice cubes

Photo: Saira Khan

Method:

Add all the ingredients into a blender and blend until smooth.

Photo: Saira Khan

This tantalising drink can flip that frown around and release the happy in you!

Strawberry Lassi

Aesthetically pleasing with their bright red colour, strawberries are among the world’s healthiest fruits. Rich in health promoting antioxidants and the best source of Vitamin C, daily consumption of strawberries can do wonders for our health. A lot of available research supports its health benefits in reducing cardiovascular diseases, improving regulation of blood sugar levels, prevention of certain types of cancers and anti-aging properties. And the best part... it tastes scrumptious!

Photo: Saira Khan

Ingredients: (Serves two)

Strawberries – 1 cup

Thick yoghurt – 1 cup

Milk – ½ to 1 cup

Sugar – 2 to 3 tbsps

Crushed ice cubes

Method:

Put all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. Pour in a glass and enjoy the cool, soothing sensation. This one is definitely a heat-buster.

Photo: Saira Khan

Of course, you can adjust the ingredients in all the drinks according to your own preferences or even mix&match - the sky is the limit!

Wishing you a juicy Ramazan!