Spicy Infusions, Drinks & Lollies!! Spices might not necessarily be something you associate with a refreshing summer drink but many people around the world have different ideas (even the flavouring of the world’s most famous soft drink, Coca Cola depends on a concoction of cinnamon, vanilla, nutmeg and coriander amongst many other ingredients)! In Mexican markets you always see colourful stalls selling jugs of agua fresca or ‘fresh water’ which is iced water mixed with various flavourings. One of the most popular is agua de flor de Jamaica (flavoured with hibiscus flowers) and agua tamarindo (flavoured with tamarind). They tend to be fairly sweet but are incredibly refreshing on a hot summer’s day. In India people love spiced and salted lassis (iced yoghurt drinks) which cool and rehydrate at the same time, and masala sodas made with sugar, soda water, spices and a squeeze of lime. Here are a few simple ideas for creating refreshing summer drinks at home using the contents of your spice cupboard - cheaper and a lot healthier than buying ready-made ones!
Jal jeera - a delicious Indian drink made with cumin, lime and soda water. Mix a pinch of toasted ground cumin, a pinch of ground black pepper, a pinch of salt, a pinch of sugar and a squeeze of lime in a glass. Add a few ice cubes, fill to the top with soda water and you'll be immediately transported to a beach in Goa! It sounds a bit weird but it's delicious and incredibly refreshing.
Tamarind soda - it looks a bit like coke but has a nice fruity, tangy flavour. Mix 2tbsp tamarind powder with 3tbsp sugar, pour over a splash of water to make a paste then add 1ltr soda water and plenty of ice.
Jamaican me thirsty - a twist on agua de Jamaica that’s an exciting blend of hibiscus, cassia and bay leaves. Take the free sample attached, pour over 300ml of boiling water and add 1 tsp of sugar. Let it cool then strain and serve with ice and a squeeze of lime (and a splash of rum if you prefer!)
Happy Spicing! 
