By Chef Noel Cunningham/Images © Chef Noel Cunningham
“Sun is shining, the weather is sweet yeah…make you wanna move your dancing feet now. To the rescue, here I am!”
These are words well sung by the late legend, Bob Marley and words that deeply resonate with me right now. You see, I’m super excited because summer is well at our doorsteps and it is one of my favourite seasons of the year. Its all ’bout grilling, chilling and visiting family.
And let’s be honest…there is almost nothing better in the summer than an icy, cold drink on a hot day – making different kinds of juices during this time is a must for me. So this week, I have turned down my pots and pans and made it all about blending.
Here are six of my favourite summer drinks to get you in the spirit of the season. Try one or all – they are refreshing and only require a few steps to whip up at home.
1. Guinep Juice
When I was thinking about what drinks to make the first thing that came to mind was guinep. The first time my mom made guinep juice I was blown away, I had not known that the guinep fruit could make such a delicious juice. Since then it has been one of my must-have summer juices, as the fruit is only available from June to September.
In Jamaica guinep is also known as Spanish Lime, Skinip, Quenepa, Honey Berry, Mamoncillo or Mapo, while in other islands like Barbados and St. Lucia, it is known as ‘Ackee‘. The fruit is said to be a cross between a lychee and a small lime. It is normally eaten or sucked when ripe but the pulp of the guinep fruit can also be made into a refreshing juice, sauce and even jam.
Guinep juice is not only refreshing and tasty but also very healthy. The fruit is full of fibre for lowering cholesterol and preventing constipation; Vitamin A, which boosts your immune system and prevents formation of urinary stones and Vitamin C, which is a great antioxidant. Get the recipe here.
2. Jamaican Carrot Juice with Guinness
This carrot juice is a real Jamaican classic especially on a Sunday. The creaminess from the milk combined with the Guinness is the real deal. Get the recipe here.
3. Frozen Ginger-Mint Lemonade
I have put a spin on the traditional lemonade with the additon of mint and ginger, which also adds a refreshing depth to the classic drink. Get the recipe here.
4. Pumpkin-Pineapple Cooler
This pumpkin-pineapple cooler is definitely a crowd pleaser. Hands down. The first time I made this drink was on Nyammings Cooking show in Jamaica. Everyone’s facial expressions was a bit ‘iffy’ when they heard me call a pumpkin drink. But after they all tasted it everyone was asking for more. The pineapple combined with the pumpkin is like a match made in heaven with the ginger and lime juice serving as maid-of-honour and best man. This drink is healthy as it is refreshing and ideal for the summer heat. Get the recipe here.
5. Beetroot 2 Ways
‘Beet’ the summer heat with an energizing mix of beetroot and ginger (get the recipe here) or kick-it-up a notch (or should I say ‘punch-it-up’ a notch) with a rich and creamy Beetroot Punch (get the recipe here)!
6. Chocotini
This drink is perfect for a nice summer evening. It’s rich, creamy and tasty. If you are a coffee lover you will definitely love this one.
Get the recipe here.
Drink up and protect yourself from the scorching heat this season. Comment below and tell me what is your favourite summer drink. Cheers to summer 2016 – lets drink to that!
RECIPES IN THIS POST:
Guinep Juice
Jamaican Carrot Juice with Guinness
Frozen Ginger-Mint Lemonade
Pumpkin-Pineapple Cooler
Beetroot and Ginger Energizer
Beetroot Punch
Chocotini