As temperatures soar during the summer, it becomes imperative to find natural and refreshing ways to combat heat stress and dehydration, especially in our Gulf environment, where temperatures can exceed 40°C on some days. This is where the power of cold, refreshing drinks comes in as a simple yet effective solution, helping to hydrate the body, stimulate the mind, and improve mood during hot times.
However, not all cold drinks are created equal. There's a clear difference between a simple drink that temporarily quenches your thirst and a complete beverage that delivers a truly refreshing and luxurious flavor worth experiencing. This balance can only be achieved using high-quality ingredients, and that's precisely what distinguishes the beverage and juice department at the "Rafah Al-Qahwa" store.
The store offers a variety of syrups, sauces, smoothie powders, and natural thickeners that allow you to prepare professional-quality summer drinks, whether you run a café or want to enjoy a unique experience at home. These products are easy to use, taste consistent, and carefully crafted to suit a variety of tastes and occasions.
In this article, we'll take you on a delicious tour of the top 5 summer drinks to help you beat the heat, using products available at "Coffee Luxury." We'll explore innovative ideas for preparing each drink, with aesthetic touches that add a modern and refreshing touch, whether for personal or commercial use.
Why are refreshing drinks important in summer?
- Hydration: High temperatures increase fluid loss through sweating, making hydration essential to avoid dehydration.
- Energy Support: Beverages containing vitamins or moderate caffeine help keep you energized throughout the day.
- Enhance the flavor: Refreshing drinks add a touch of fun to summer gatherings, whether at cafes or at home.
- Compatibility with Saudi culture: Iced drinks, such as cold coffee and juices, are suitable for hot weather and social gatherings.
Top 5 Drinks to Beat the Summer Heat
Here's a list of the top five drinks for summer in Saudi Arabia, along with their preparation methods, health benefits, and how to use tools from the Rafaat Al-Qahwa store to make them easy:
1. Cold Brew Coffee
Description
Iced coffee, particularly cold brew, is a refreshing beverage made by steeping ground coffee in cold water for 12–24 hours. It has a smooth, low-acidity flavor, making it ideal for the hot weather in Saudi Arabia.
Benefits
- Moisturizing: It contains a high percentage of water, which helps in moisturizing.
- Energy Boost: Contains caffeine (about 100-200 mg per cup) to promote alertness.
- Low in calories: If drunk without sugar or milk, it is a healthy choice.
Preparation method
- Grind 100g of Ethiopian Yirgashi or Brazilian Cerrado beans from the Luxury Coffee Shop to a coarse texture using a Baratza Encore grinder.
- Soak the beans in 1 liter of cold water in a Hario Cold Brew Maker for 12-24 hours in the refrigerator.
- Strain the mixture using a paper filter from a luxury coffee shop.
- Add ice cubes from the Euroice FD-70 machine, and add milk or vanilla syrup as desired.
- Serve coffee in an elegant glass cup from the Luxury Coffee Shop.
Why is it suitable for summer?
Iced coffee is refreshing and easy to prepare, and it appeals to the Saudi taste, which favors smooth flavors. It's ideal for work sessions or summer gatherings.
2. Orange and carrot juice
Description
Orange and carrot juice is a light, vitamin-rich drink that combines the sweetness and refreshing acidity of oranges with the nutritious flavor of carrots. It's an ideal choice for summer hydration.
Benefits
- Rich in vitamins: Contains vitamin C (for immune support) and vitamin A (for healthy skin and eyes).
- High hydration: High water content helps replace lost fluids.
- Low in calories: Suitable for those on a healthy diet.
Preparation method
- Wash and peel two oranges and two medium-sized carrots.
- Squeeze the ingredients.
- Add ice cubes for a cold drink.
- Add a lemon slice or mint leaf to enhance the flavor.
- Serve the juice in a glass cup from the Luxury Coffee Shop.
Why is it suitable for summer?
This juice is light and refreshing, providing quick hydration with flavors beloved by Saudis. Ideal for breakfast or casual gatherings.
3. Berry and banana smoothie
Description
A berry and banana smoothie is a creamy drink that combines the sweetness of bananas with the refreshing flavor of berries, with the addition of yogurt or milk for a rich texture. It's a filling snack.
Benefits
- Rich in fiber: Supports digestive health.
- Sustained energy source: Contains complex carbohydrates and protein (from yogurt).
- Antioxidants: Berries are rich in anthocyanins, which reduce inflammation.
Preparation method
- Place a ripe banana, 1 cup frozen berries, 1/2 cup Greek yogurt, and 1 cup almond milk.
- Add ice cubes from the Euroice FD-70 machine for a cold texture.
- Blend for 30-60 seconds until smooth.
- Garnish with chia seeds or sliced berries, and serve in a glass from the Luxury Coffee Shop.
Why is it suitable for summer?
Smoothies are filling and refreshing, perfect for family gatherings or as a post-workout snack in Saudi Arabia.
4. Iced green tea with mint
Description
Iced green tea with mint is a light drink that combines the benefits of green tea with the refreshing flavor of mint. It's an ideal choice for hot weather.
Benefits
- Antioxidants: Contains catechins (EGCG) to reduce inflammation.
- Hydrating and refreshing: Mint adds a refreshing flavor and reduces heat.
- Moderate caffeine: Provides energy without the jitters associated with coffee.
Preparation method
- Steep Twinings Green Tea with Mint 50 Tea Bags from Luxury Coffee Shop in 250ml hot water (80-85°C) for 1-2 minutes.
- Let the tea cool, then add ice cubes from the Euroice FD-70 machine.
- Add fresh mint leaves or a lemon slice to enhance the flavor.
- Serve the drink in a glass cup from the Luxury Coffee Shop.
Why is it suitable for summer?
Iced green tea is light and healthy, and suits Saudi tastes that prefer refreshing herbal flavors.
5. Mint Lemonade
Description
Mint lemonade is a classic drink that combines the refreshing tartness of lemon with the invigorating flavor of mint. It's a perfect choice for hot days.
Benefits
- High hydration: High water content helps replace lost fluids.
- Vitamin C: Supports immunity and skin health.
- Easy to digest: Peppermint helps soothe the stomach.
Preparation method
- Squeeze 3-4 lemons using a hand juicer from the Luxury Coffee Shop.
- Mix lemon juice with 1 liter of cold water and 2-3 tablespoons of honey or sugar as desired.
- Add fresh mint leaves and ice cubes from the Euroice FD-70 machine.
- Stir well and serve in a glass cup from the Luxury Coffee Shop.
Why is it suitable for summer?
Mint lemonade is light and easy to prepare, and is a perfect match for traditional Saudi summer gatherings.
Tips for preparing summer drinks
- Use fresh ingredients: Choose fresh or frozen fruits and vegetables to preserve flavor and nutritional benefits.
- Adjust the flavors: Add honey, mint, or ginger to enhance the taste according to Saudi taste.
- Use professional tools: Professional tools give you the perfect flavor and irresistible taste of your drink.
- Proper storage: Serve drinks immediately to preserve vitamins, or refrigerate for no more than 24 hours.
- Reduce sugar: Use honey or natural sweeteners to maintain the health benefits.
- Use stylish cups: Serve drinks in glass cups or eco-friendly straws from the Luxury Coffee Shop for a fun experience.
- Try variations: Add chia seeds to smoothies or vanilla syrup to iced coffee for new flavors.
Finally, refreshing drinks like iced coffee, orange and carrot juice, berry and banana smoothies, iced green tea, and mint lemonade are perfect options to beat the heat. These drinks combine hydration, delicious flavors, and health benefits, making them suitable for family gatherings and everyday occasions. Follow the Coffee Wellness blog for more tips on everything related to coffee and various beverages.