Five lemonades and coolers for hot evenings
Lara Shamma ·
Fresh, alcohol-free drinks you can make with what is already in the kitchen.
Summer in Beirut calls for something cold in your hand, and these five drinks need nothing more than a few lemons, some mint and a blender.
Lemon and mint. Blend the juice of four lemons with a big handful of mint, sugar to taste and plenty of ice. It is the drink I order everywhere and still make best at home.
Jallab. Stir jallab syrup into iced water and top with pine nuts and a few golden raisins, just like the street carts in Ramadan.
Hibiscus cooler. Steep dried hibiscus in hot water, sweeten it while warm, then chill and serve with orange slices.
Watermelon and rose. Blend chilled watermelon with a few drops of rose water and a squeeze of lime.
Sparkling ginger lemonade. Grate fresh ginger into lemon juice and honey, then top with sparkling water. Use plenty of ice and fresh fruit, and you will have a crowd-pleaser in minutes.