5 Asian Summer Drinks

Summer is often associated with the hottest time of the year and warm weather. In certain Asian countries, summer is one of the main seasons. However, in Southeast Asian countries like Malaysia, there is no distinct summer season. Instead, the climate is tropical, with warm and humid weather throughout the year.

That said, with climate change, weather patterns have become less predictable, and global warming continues to have a noticeable impact on seasonal definitions.

 

Regardless of the season or climate, nothing beats cooling, soothing, and refreshing drinks (COCONUT MILK DESSERT).

Asian summer drinks generally use simple, common ingredients, including those that can be easily grown at home. These drinks are budget-friendly and easy to prepare (TURMERIC GOLDEN MILK).

 

A key feature of these drinks is the use of lime, especially calamansi, although lemon and other types of lime are suited as well. Lime adds a refreshing citrus flavour that balances sweetness and enhances the cooling effect. Ingredients are flexible and can be adjusted according to personal taste rather than strict measurements. If certain ingredients are unavailable, suitable substitutes are ideal too. 

 

Such summer drinks may not necessarily be served with ice. They are also lovely at room temperature as a thirst quencher. It is best to prepare them fresh, as storing them for too long in the fridge may affect their freshness.

 

Asian summer drinks without a doubt are drinks for the hot weather, drinks to beat the heat, or tropical cooling drinks. Maybe even as punch bowl drinks for gatherings and occasions (QUICK VEGETARIAN SALADS).

Iced Honey Lime Tea

Ingredients
Plain tea (any type)
Calamansi lime
Honey
Ice cubes

 

Method
Pour tea into a glass.
Squeeze in lime juice.
Add honey and stir.
Top up with ice cubes.

 

Pandan Lime Drink

Ingredients
Pandan leaves
Calamansi lime
Water
Cane sugar
Ice cubes

 

Method
Simmer 2-3 pandan leaves in water.
Let it cool and remove the leaves.
Stir in sugar.
Pour into a glass.
Squeeze in lime juice.
Stir and top up with ice cubes.

Basil Mint Lemon Drink
Ingredients
Basil seeds (soaked)
Mint leaves
Lemon slices
Water
Rock sugar

 

Method
Add basil seeds, water, and sugar into a glass.
Stir to dissolve the sugar.
Add crushed mint leaves and squeeze in lemon juice.
Stir and top up with ice.

 

Barley Lime Drink
Ingredients
Barley (soaked)
Calamansi lime
Water
Rock sugar
Ice cubes

 

Method
Simmer barley in water until cooked.
Stir in sugar.
Let it cool and pour into a glass.
Squeeze in lime juice.
Top up with ice cubes.

Lemongrass Tea Drink
Ingredients
Lemongrass (bruised)
Hot plain tea (any type)
Honey
Ice cubes

Method
Pour hot tea over the lemongrass.
Let it steep.
Strain and pour into a glass.
Stir in honey.
Top up with ice or serve at room temperature.