Ten Cool Drinks to Help You Beat the North Carolina Summer Heat!
IT’S SO HOT!!!
As summer temperatures soar, finding ways to cool off becomes a top priority.
We’ve identified some of our favorite summer drinks that blend a little bit of North Carolina fruits and vegetables for a thirst quenching summer indulgence.
So get your bags, visit a North Carolina farm and hand-pick the perfect fruits and vegetables to create the most refreshing drinks.
Fresh Fruit Smoothies: Blend a combination of your favorite fruits like strawberries, blueberries, bananas, mangoes, and pineapples. Add a little ice, yogurt, or coconut water for a delicious and refreshing smoothie
Watermelon Agua Fresca: Blend watermelon chunks with lime juice, a touch of sugar (if desired), and water. Serve over ice for a light and hydrating drink.
Cucumber Mint Cooler: Blend peeled and seeded cucumbers with fresh mint leaves, lime juice, and a sweetener of your choice. Strain the mixture and serve over ice for a cooling and rejuvenating beverage.
Pineapple Coconut Cooler: Combine fresh pineapple juice with coconut water and a squeeze of lime. Serve chilled or over ice for a tropical and revitalizing drink.
Beetroot and Carrot Juice: Juice beetroots and carrots together for a vibrant and nutrient-packed beverage. Add a splash of lemon juice or ginger for an extra kick.
Citrus Infused Water: Slice lemons, limes, oranges, or grapefruits and place the slices in a jug of water. Let it sit in the refrigerator for a few hours to infuse the water with a refreshing citrus flavor.
Green Smoothies: Blend a mix of leafy greens (such as spinach or kale) with fruits like bananas, apples, or berries. Add coconut water or almond milk for a nutritious and revitalizing green smoothie.
Pomegranate Lemon Cocktail: Combine pomegranate juice, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and sparkling water. Add a touch of honey or agave syrup for sweetness, and garnish with mint leaves or pomegranate seeds. Works well with just about any fine spirit.
Strawberry Basil Lemonade: Make a classic lemonade by mixing freshly squeezed lemon juice with water and sweetener. Add fresh strawberries and basil leaves for a unique twist and blend for a fruity and aromatic lemonade.
Ginger Infused Iced Tea: Brew your favorite herbal or black tea, add fresh ginger slices, and let it cool. Serve over ice with a squeeze of lemon or sweetened with honey for a refreshing and invigorating iced tea.
These are just a few examples, but the possibilities are endless when it comes to creating refreshing non-alcoholic drinks with fruits and vegetables. Feel free to experiment with different combinations to find your favorite flavors.
Before you go, here are some tips for a memorable farm visit this summer.
Research Local Farms
Before heading out, research nearby farms in North Carolina that offer pick-your-own options. Find out which fruits and vegetables are in season and plan your visit accordingly. Of course, you should use the Visit NC Farms App (Apple / Android). You might a special event near you.
See the full YouTube Short here: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/yYjKJJ9E2vQ
Dress Comfortably
Wear light and breathable clothing, comfortable shoes, and don't forget to apply sunscreen. It's important to stay protected from the sun's rays while enjoying your farm adventure.
Bring Containers
Carry reusable containers or baskets to collect your freshly picked produce. This ensures you can transport your treasures home safely while minimizing waste.
This summer, go beyond traditional methods of cooling off and embrace the delightful experience of visiting a North Carolina farm.
Hand-pick the freshest fruits and vegetables, and create the most invigorating and refreshing drinks. From fruit smoothies to herbal infusions, these farm-fresh beverages are the perfect antidote to the scorching summer heat. So, grab your sunscreen, head out to a local farm, and savor the goodness of nature while staying cool and hydrated.
Remember, the best ways to cool off involve discovering new experiences and treating yourself to the natural treasures that North Carolina farms have to offer. So beat the heat, stay refreshed, and create lasting memories this summer
