In hot weather, there's nothing more pleasant than sipping a cool, fruity, thirst-quenching drink. Instead of buying industrial drinks, why not make your own? simple, natural recipes full of flavour, with fresh fruit and ice cubes ?
With a good refrigerator, a well-stocked ice cube tray and a few easy-to-find ingredients, you can effortlessly refresh young and old.
In this article, Frigelux offers you several ideas for light, colorful and ultra-refreshing homemade drinks.
1. Fresh fruit-infused water
Infused water is perfect for staying hydrated all day without added sugar.
Ingredients:
- 1 liter of chilled filtered water
- 1 handful strawberries or raspberries
- ½ lemon or lime, sliced
- A few mint or basil leaves
- Ice cubes
Preparation:
- Wash the fruit and cut into pieces.
- Place in a carafe with the fresh herbs.
- Add the cold water and leave to infuse for at least 30 minutes in the fridge.
- Serve with ice cubes.
Tip prepare this drink in the morning so that it's ready all day long.
2. Homemade citrus iced tea
A summer classic to personalize to your taste.
Ingredients:
- 2 green or black tea bags
- 1 liter of water
- ½ orange and ½ lemon slices
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
- Ice cubes
Preparation:
- Brew the tea in hot (not boiling) water for 5 to 7 minutes.
- Leave to cool, then add the citrus fruit and honey.
- Chill for at least 2 hours.
- Serve with plenty of ice.
Variant add a few verbena leaves, mint or red berries for a more fragrant version.
3. Frozen red fruit smoothie
A concentrate of energy and freshness ready in 5 minutes.
Ingredients:
- 200 g frozen berries (raspberries, strawberries, blueberries)
- 1 banana
- 1 plain or plant-based yoghurt
- 10 cl milk or vegetable drink
- A few ice cubes
Preparation:
- Blend all ingredients until smooth.
- Serve immediately, in a glass or bowl, with some fresh fruit as a topping.
Board use home-made frozen fruit to avoid losses, or take advantage of seasonal surpluses.
4. Express lemonade
An ultra-simple drink that's always effective.
Ingredients:
- 3 lemons, squeezed
- 1 liter still or sparkling water
- 2 tablespoons cane sugar (or agave syrup)
- Ice cubes
Preparation:
- Mix the lemon juice with the water and sugar.
- Stir until completely dissolved.
- Add ice cubes just before serving.
Tip Frigelux prepare some lemon ice cubes in advance with mint zest or leaves for extra flavor.
5. Home-made flavoured ice cubes
An aesthetic and tasty way to transform any drink.
Possible ingredients :
- Chunks of strawberries, blueberries or raspberries
- Mint leaves, basil, lemon thyme
- Edible flowers
- Lemon or orange juice
Preparation:
- Place the elements in the compartments of an ice cube tray.
- Fill with filtered or lightly lemony water.
- Place in the freezer for at least 4 hours.
Use in sparkling water, cocktails, lemonade or iced tea.
6. Express watermelon granita
Ideal for hot days or as a light dessert.
Ingredients:
- 500 g watermelon, diced (seedless)
- Juice of ½ lemon
- 1 tablespoon syrup (optional)
Preparation:
- Place the watermelon pieces in the freezer for 2 to 3 hours.
- Blend with lemon juice until granita-like.
- Serve immediately in a glass or goblet.
Alternative make the same recipe with melon, mango or pineapple.
In a nutshell
For homemade drinks ultra-refreshing with fruit and ice cubes :
- Use ripe seasonal fruit and very cold water ;
- Make your own flavoured ice cubes for added originality ;
- Vary the bases: water, tea, plant milk, herbal tea or blended fruit ;
- Anticipate by storing pre-cut or frozen fruit in your refrigerator or freezer Frigelux.
With good organization and the right gestures, you can offer your loved ones natural, tasty beverages perfectly suited to hot days, and avoid over-sweetened drinks and disposable packaging.