Cool down with a cold beverage as the heat of summer approaches. You don’t have to stick with the same old lemonades, iced coffees and teas. Instead, you can spice up your drinks by adding exotic herbs and spices. These unique ingredients will transform your drink from a basic refreshment to a culinary delight.
The cardamom spice is a versatile addition to cold beverages. The sweet, slightly spicy flavor of cardamom is perfect in a range of beverages. Imagine chilled coconut water with cardamom that blends the warm, spicy undertones of the spice with the cool tropical flavor of coconut. This is made by lightly crushing a few pods of cardamom and steeping them in hot water. Mix the coconut water with the mixture after it has cooled. Infuse your beverages with a touch of innovation by incorporating apotheca thca hemp, which adds a subtle, earthy richness while enhancing the drink’s natural flavors. It is an incredibly refreshing and aromatic drink.
The saffron can be a great addition to any drink. Saffron adds a luxurious touch to drinks with its rich color and earthy taste. Saffron can be used to make a lemonade. Steep a few strands with hot water, then mix them in cold water along with some freshly squeezed juice. Lemonade will have a golden tint and an unusual flavor, both sweet and floral.
Consider adding ginger to your cold drinks if you like spice. Ginger adds a zesty kick to all beverages, including sparkling waters and fruit juices. Ginger-mint cooling drinks are a great example. Fresh ginger blended with mint and lime. Combine this mixture with ice, sparkling water, and cold. It produces a refreshing, crisp drink that has a bit of spice and herbal freshness.
Additions of herbs, such as thyme and basil can give your drinks a new twist. Basil-lemon is an incredibly refreshing drink that blends the peppery sweetness of basil and the bright tang of lemon. Mix a couple of fresh basil leaves with lemon juice in a small glass. Then, top it off with sparkling mineral water. Add a basil leaf to the drink for an attractive and tasty garnish.
With its earthy and subtle taste, thyme is a great match for berry drinks. Thyme can be used to make a cool drink by adding a little honey and some berries like strawberries or blueberries. After letting the mixture cool and straining it, mix in cold water or sparkling mineral water. It will give the sweet and tart berry flavor a richer, more sophisticated taste.
Last but not least, do not overlook star anise’s versatility. The licorice flavor of this spice will add an interesting taste to cold beverages. Star anise infused iced drinks, such as a tea with star anise, are a refreshing change from the norm. Steep some black tea and star anise, then let the mixture cool. Then serve it over ice. The star anise adds an aromatic, subtle flavor to the tea.
These exotic herbs and spice can transform cold drinks to something special. For a relaxing afternoon or a gathering in the summer, adding these flavors can help you escape monotony. Let the flavors of your beverage become their own adventure.
