Summertime . . . and the sippin’ is easy!

Somebody in one of my groups the other day was complaining that it’s hard to get a non-alcoholic drink at a summertime gathering. And as I thought about it, she’s right. She mentioned powdered lemonade or powdered iced tea in a Tupperware pitcher with no ice. 

This little article is by way of enlightened self-interest because I am joining the ranks of the no-alcohol crowd this summer. In my case, I am now taking a medicine that will turn me into a zombie or worse if I indulge. So, I’m hoping for something tasty and refreshing without resorting to old Demon Rum. Delectable drinks might include:

Pioneer Woman’s Iced Coffee

I’m starting my non-alcoholic trip around the web with a visit to Pioneer Woman, who is a continued source of amazement to me. I love her winter squash soup in the wintertime, but we’re talking hot summer days here. How does she make her iced coffee? She basically takes a pound of good quality ground/roast coffee, covers it with 8 quarts (that’s two gallons!!!) of cold water, and lets it steep in the fridge overnight or for 8 hours. Have the fixings ready: Sugar, various sweeteners, half and half, and lots of ice. She also suggests sweetened condensed milk if sugar is wanted, for extra creamy goodness. Fill a tall glass with ice, pour in the coffee concentrate, and fix to your liking. 

P.W. is not going to disappoint us. The above recipe serves 24! She wants us to know that we can brew up a regular pot of our best coffee or use the rest of our morning brew. Just chill it and serve as above. Find her complete instructions at:

https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a11061/perfect-iced-coffee/#

Allrecipes “Real Southern” Sweet Tea

A Southern favorite which you either love or hate. I recommend having both kinds available for your guests—sweet or unsweet. Just leave out the soda and sugar for your unsweet tea and use the same ratio of teabags and water.

To my surprise, Allrecipes has discovered the Southerner’s deep, dark secret for the best and most delicious sweet tea. A small pinch of baking soda mixed into the brewing water will dissolve without leaving a taste and give you clear, sparkling iced tea with none of the bitterness that can occur. Give it a try!

https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/109190/smooth-sweet-tea/

The Nash Family’s Brazilian “Lemonade”

Just to set the record straight, Brazilian lemonade is actually made with limes. The word for lemons is the same as the word for limes. That being said, the Internet has gone wild for this—and no wonder. It’s indescribably delicious and will be a real crowd pleaser. I found this recipe  on the same blog where I found the strawberry lemonade recipe hanging out. In Brazil, this is known as “Swiss lemonade” because sweetened condensed milk was originally a Swiss product. Find out what is driving the Internet crazy this summer.

https://houseofnasheats.com/brazilian-lemonade-limeade/

Also from the Nash Family: Red Lemonade

A delicious strawberry lemonade!

https://houseofnasheats.com/strawberry-lemonade

Whatever You Do

Have yourself a grand summer with shady porches, backyard barbecues, and lots of good sipping. Cheers!