Cool Breezes and Healthy Sips: 3 Recipes to Beat the South African Heat

South African summers can be a bit like stepping into an oven, But fear not, we've got your back In this blog, we're spilling the tea—literally. Say hello to two chill-out drinks and a sorbet that not only beat the heat but also have health benefits.

1. Sparkling Ice Tea /Arnold Palmer Lemon Iced Tea

This tasty  drink is packed with antioxidants from the tea and a vitamin C boost from the lemons.

Ingredients:

• 4 black tea bags

• 4 cups hot water

• 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice

• 1/4 cup honey (adjust to taste)

• Ice cubes

• Lemon slices for garnish

• Fresh mint leaves (optional)

Instructions:

1. Soak those tea bags in hot water for about 5 minutes.

2. Once the bags have done their thing, let the tea cool.

3. Squeeze in that fresh lemon juice and a dollop of honey. Mix it up real good.

4. Chuck it in the fridge for an hour or two – let it chill out.

5. Serve it over some ice, toss in lemon slices, and if you're feeling fancy, drop in some mint leaves.

Serving Size: 4 servings

2. Healthy Apple Cider Drink

Apple Cider Drink with cinnamon and sparkling water.

This drink brings a  gut-friendly goodness, packed with probiotics that help support a balanced gut microbiome.

Check out Justine Dorian’s AVC Bubble Water Recipe Here.

Ingredients:

• 2 Tbs Apple Cider Vinegar

• 1/4 Cup Apple Juice

• Sparkling Water

• 2 Cinnamon Sticks

• Ice

Instructions

• Pour in apple cider vinegar

• AppleJuice

• honey

• stir the mixture then add ice

• Enjoy!

3. Pineapple Sorbet

Pineapple Sorbet with coconut water and lime

This frozen delight not only cools you down but also brings the goodness of pineapple – vitamin C galore.

Check out Eat with Hafia Boab Pineapple Popsicles Recipe HERE.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups fresh pineapple chunks

• 1/4 cup honey or agave syrup

• 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice

• 1/2 cup coconut water (optional)

• Mint leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Chuck those pineapple chunks into a blender.

2. Add honey and lime juice, and if you're feeling fancy, throw in some coconut water.

3. Blend it up until it's smooth like a tropical breeze.

4. Freeze it for a few hours or overnight – let it get all icy and delightful.

5. Before serving, let it chill for a few minutes, then scoop it up.

6. Garnish with mint leaves if you're feeling extra.

The Arnold Palmer Lemon Iced Tea, the Healthy Apple Cider Drink, and the Pineapple Sorbet aren't just refreshing; they're your secret weapons for a healthy and cool summer.