Root beer float. A summer classic from the days when drive-ins were popular, this drink should make a comeback this year. Place a large scoop of vanilla ice cream in a clear glass stein and pour cold root beer over top. Place a paper straw in the glass and enjoy. These drinks are a hit with everyone and fun for kids to make. The moment of tension when the foam rises to the top of glass is always gripping!
Cucumber water. This low calorie drink is refreshing and great for people who are trying to lose weight. The health benefits of cucumber are far reaching and it is credited with having cleansing properties which help to eliminate toxins from the body.
In her Medical News Today article on the health benefits of cucumber, Megan Ware wrote, “Cucumbers may play a role in controlling and preventing diabetes. It contains substances that may help lower blood sugar or stop blood glucose from rising too high.”
She added, “One theory is that the cucurbitacins in cucumber help regulate insulin release and the metabolism of hepatic glycogen, a key hormone in the processing of blood sugar.”
To make a refreshing drink out of cucumber, simply slice half a cucumber, put the slices in a large pitcher, add water and chill in the refrigerator. This beverage can be made with ordinary drinking water, or use sparkling mineral water for some extra fizz.
For an additional twist, add your favourite fruit such as strawberries or slices of pealed orange. Serve with a lemon wedge and enjoy.
Lavender tea. Take a heaping tablespoonful of dried food grade lavender and place it in a pot containing about two cups of water. Cover with a lid to help keep in the flavour and bring the water to a boil. Pour into your favourite tea cup. Drink as it is or add honey and/or cream.
Lavender Milkshake. Possibly the best milkshake you’ve ever tasted. You will need to prepare the lavender ahead of time, but it is well worth waiting for the experience of it. Make lavender tea as directed above. Let cool and place in the refrigerator until it is thoroughly chilled. Place two scoops of ice cream in milkshake cup and pour in a very small amount of the chilled lavender water being careful not to let too many lavender blossoms fall in. Add just enough of the lavender water to blend the ice cream into the thickness of a milkshake. (You will have lots of lavender water left over but you will probably want a second lavender milkshake once you taste it, so don’t worry it will be used up!)
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