Watermelon Cocktail
Watermelon cocktail is an Italian recipe, a great light cocktail for the weekend.
Drinks
Drinks are much more than just a way to quench your thirst. For me, they’re an essential part of home comfort, a ritual, a way to take care of myself and my loved ones. I make drinks every day: energizing teas in the morning, cooling lemonades during the day, and aromatic spiced drinks in the evening. In this section, I've gathered tried-and-true recipes that I’ve used for many years. They’re suitable for the whole family, easy to adapt to the season or mood, and don’t require expensive or exotic ingredients. I prefer using only natural products – fresh fruits, berries, honey, spices, and herbs. Homemade drinks can be both tasty and beneficial: they can restore energy, improve digestion, calm the body or, on the contrary, energize. I often experiment with combinations: I add lavender to tea, basil to lemonade, or turmeric to milk. But I always strive for balance so the flavors remain harmonious. All recipes have been tested not just by me but also by my family – and their approval means the most to me.
Drink Recipes
Refreshing Drinks for Hot Days
When it’s hot outside, I always prepare something cooling and natural – iced tea, lemonade, uzvar, or water with fruits and herbs. One of my family’s favorites is classic lemonade made with fresh lemon juice, honey, and mint. Its taste perfectly balances tanginess, sweetness, and coolness. Another recipe I often make is a cucumber-basil infusion. I simply pour water over thin cucumber slices and basil leaves, add ice – and the drink is ready. I add not only dried fruits to uzvar but also spices – cinnamon, cloves, star anise. This gives the drinks depth and aroma. I always make sure there’s as little sugar as possible – a spoon of honey works better if needed. For me, it’s important that drinks not only refresh but also energize, cleanse, and hydrate. I often prepare iced green tea with lemon and mint – I store it in a jug in the fridge and serve it throughout the day. Such drinks have become a true lifesaver for me in summer.
Hot Drinks for Comfort and Warmth
I love evenings with a cup of hot drink. It’s my ritual for unwinding after a busy day. Most often I prepare spiced tea with ginger, honey, and lemon – it’s not only tasty but also good for the immune system. In autumn and winter, I often make mulled wine using grape or apple juice – with cinnamon, cloves, and zest. And here’s my recent discovery – warm milk with turmeric, honey, and a pinch of black pepper. This drink has a warming effect and helps with sleep. I also make herbal teas: with chamomile, lemon balm, and thyme. They’re easy to make at home from picked or dried herbs. I sometimes add vanilla, cocoa, or almond to certain drinks – it brings a sense of comfort. Hot drinks are not just about warming the body – they’re also a way to take a pause and spend a moment with your thoughts. I always make them with love, often garnishing with an orange slice, a cinnamon stick, or a drop of cream – because even simple things deserve beauty.
Drinks for Children: Tasty, Safe, and Natural
I always pay close attention to what children drink. That’s why I have a special set of recipes tested on kids of various ages. One of my children’s favorite drinks is a strawberry smoothie made with homemade yogurt, frozen berries, and banana. It couldn’t be simpler – and the result is guaranteed to be tasty and healthy. I often prepare compote from fresh apples, pears, and prunes – without sugar or with a minimal amount of honey. Another favorite is carrot-apple juice – I always make sure it’s not too concentrated and dilute it with water. In the evening, my kids drink a soothing tea made from chamomile and linden blossom – it’s gentle and non-allergenic. I’m convinced that children’s drinks should be as natural as possible – free from colorants and flavorings. And they should be fun to serve – I often decorate glasses with colorful straws or fruit slices. That way, children are more eager to drink and enjoy it.
Homemade Drinks for Festive Occasions
During holidays, I always make something special. Drinks are no exception. One of my favorite recipes is a festive punch made with apple juice, cranberries, oranges, and spices. It’s perfect for both adults and children. For New Year’s, I prepare homemade cocoa with spices, whipped cream, and marshmallows – it has become a tradition. I also enjoy making lemonade with rosemary, raspberries, and citrus fruits – I serve it in a glass jug with ice and fruit slices. For adults, I sometimes make more refined drinks – based on hibiscus, wine, or tonic with berries. I always plan holiday drinks in advance: considering what will be on the table and the evening’s mood. Drinks should not only taste good but also create the right atmosphere – freshness, warmth, and festive spirit. That’s why I pay attention to the little things – glasses, presentation, decorations. And every time, guests ask for the recipe – for me, that’s a sure sign of a successful drink.
Functional Drinks for Everyday Wellness
I believe that drinks can be not just tasty but also beneficial for health. That’s why I often prepare functional drinks – those that support energy, digestion, and immunity. In the morning, I drink water with lemon and a drop of apple cider vinegar – it gets digestion going. After an active day – ginger infusion with honey, lemon, and turmeric. For hydration – water with cucumber, mint, and a pinch of salt. I also make infusions with flax seeds, rose hips, and mint – depending on the season and needs. Functional drinks are part of my lifestyle. They’re simple but effective. And most importantly – they’re easy to adapt to your own preferences. I always suggest listening to your body: when you crave warmth – choose spices; when you want something refreshing – go for herbs and citrus. In this section, I’ve collected the recipes I use most often – and ones that really work every day – no pharmaceuticals, no artificial stuff, just natural ingredients.