3 Refreshing Homemade Summer Drinks

1. Quince Honey Tea

Ingredients:

- 50g fresh quince fruit

- 100g fresh tea leaves

- Honey

Instructions

Step 1: Rinse tea leaves thoroughly, shake off excess water, then crush them and place in a clean large bowl

Typically, any tea leaves can be used, but young or moderately aged leaves will impart a more fragrant and delicious aroma.

Step B2: Boil about 1 liter of water. Pour a portion of the boiling water quickly into the bowl containing crushed tea leaves (note: only pour over the surface of the leaves) and then discard this water immediately.

This step involves 'washing' or 'rinse' the tea leaves to completely remove any dirt and reduce the intensity of fresh tea leaves. Then, put the crushed tea leaves back into the boiling water, steep for about 20 - 30 minutes to get green tea water.

Step B3: Strain the green tea water through a sieve into a brewing pot to remove leaf stems and tea particles. Add honey according to your desired sweetness level, stir well.

Step B4: Gently roll the fruit to release some of the essential oils from the peel, then slice thinly. The gentle rolling action also helps the citrus seeds to detach automatically when you slice.

Step B5: Add the sliced citrus into the tea cup, adjust the amount according to your desired level of tartness.

Now, add ice and enjoy!

The gentle fragrance of citrus essential oil is incredibly pleasant, combined with the mild sourness and sweetness of honey blended with the characteristic aroma of green tea, will turn your summer into a paradise!

2. Aloe Vera Water

Aloe vera is known as a natural 'remedy' for detoxifying the body. In addition, it also aids digestion, helping you flush out harmful bacteria. Drinking a glass of aloe vera water every day will help balance your body's hydration and alertness in the scorching summer heat.

Ingredients for aloe vera water for 4 servings:

- 300 grams of aloe vera leaves

- 3 tablespoons of brown sugar

- 1 liter of water

Instructions

Step B1: Remove the skin of the aloe vera leaves, cut into pieces and then soak them in a basin of water.

Step B2: Wash the aloe vera thoroughly until all the sliminess is gone.

+ You can soak aloe vera in a mixture of saltwater and vinegar for about 30 - 50 minutes, then rinse with water until sliminess is gone.

+ Alternatively, remove the aloe vera gel and wash it directly under running water like washing rice until all the outer sliminess is gone.

Step B3: Heat the stove, put aloe vera and brown sugar in, stir briefly for the sugar to dissolve into the aloe vera, then pour water in and bring to a boil.

Then let it cool completely and store it in the refrigerator to drink gradually. Initially, aloe vera water may be slightly dry to drink due to its characteristic smell. But once you get used to it, this drink can be quite addictive!

3. Peppermint Lemon Tea

The vitamin C in fresh lemon, along with the mild spiciness of peppermint leaves, provides a cooling and refreshing effect, helping to dispel wind-heat and keep your body hydrated and balanced on hot summer days.

Ingredients for peppermint lemon tea:

- 6 tea bags

- 3 fresh lemons

- 20 grams of peppermint leaves

- Brown sugar

- 500 ml Mineral water or lukewarm boiled water

- Distilled water: 150 ml

Instructions:

Step B1: Wash the peppermint leaves and dissolve brown sugar in 150 ml of water, simmer over medium heat until the water boils, then add the clean peppermint leaves, press them down with chopsticks until submerged, then turn off the heat. (Remember to leave a few peppermint leaves for decoration when serving if desired)

Step B2: Steep the tea bags with 500ml boiling water, after about 3 minutes, remove the tea bags and let it cool.

Step B3: Strain the sugar water and peppermint leaves through a sieve to extract the liquid. Squeeze the juice from 2 lemons, thinly slice the remaining lemon.

Step B4: Mix the brewed tea, sugar water with peppermint leaves, and lemon juice without seeds, stir well.

Add a few slices of fresh lemon, fresh peppermint leaves, and ice, then enjoy!

A refreshing and invigorating lemon tea not only boosts immunity but also effectively cools down the summer heat!

Wishing you a cool summer in your heart!