We’ve had quite a heatwave this past weekend in northern California.  To help me cool down, I like to make peppermint green tea and let it chill in the fridge for a couple of hours.  The peppermint helps you feel instantly cooler and the lime makes the tea a healthier drink.

Cooling minty green tea with lime recipe:

6 cups of water, 3 green tea bags, handful of fresh mint leaves, 1 whole lime sliced and juiced, 2 tbsp of agave nectar.Just boil the water, add the tea bag (let in steep for 5-10 minutes).  Add the fresh mint leaves, lime juice, and agave syrup.  Stir, let it cool and then refrigerate until cold.

You can even add some fresh sprigs of mint for an extra cooling and refreshing tea.

Another drink I remember enjoying on hot summer evening is Sangria.  My first glass of Sangria was in hot and humid Key West, Florida.  I am not a big fan of wine, and Sangria is more like fruit punch wine and pretty good.

Here is a beautiful hand painted ceramic Sangria pitcher from Spain.  Visit the site for a simple Sangria recipe.  Or try my recipe using a bottle of Merlot.

This tall hand thrown pitcher is the perfect way to serve Sangria - a festive, warm weather drink full of fruit and wine. It holds about 2 liters - half a gallon of cool refreshment. The pinched spout will help the wine flow freely and keep the slices of fruit where they belong — inside! (Food safe, lead free, hand wash.) - LaTienda.com

Sangria is usually red or white wine mixed with brandy, sugar, fruit juice, and soda water.  It is a popular wine “punch” originally from Spain and Portugal.  There are other variations to the recipe.

You can start with red wines such as Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, Pinot Noir or Shiraz.  But you can also use white wine as well.

Sangria Recipe (using Merlot):  1 bottle of red wine, 1 orange cut into slices, 1 lemon cut into slices, 2 tbsp of sugar or agave syrup, 2 cups of water, ginger ale, or club soda.  I would prefer ginger ale.  Some people may add rum or brandy, but I think it’s okay without.

For an extra fruity drink, try adding slices of peaches, nectarines, apples or raspberries.

Pour the wine into glass pitcher.  Squeeze the juices of lemon and oranges into the wine.  Toss in the fruit wedges and let it soak a bit.  They say, marinating overnight makes an even better Sangria.

After it has been chilled, add the club soda or ginger ale just before serving.  But if you want to serve right away, use chilled wine and serve with lots of ice.

Image source:

La Tienda - The Best of Spain