When the Weather Warms Up, Try These Cooling Drinks to Sip and Share

As the days grow longer and retreat season moves into summer, there’s something especially joyful about pausing with a cool drink in hand — whether on the veranda after meditation, under the shade of trees between activities, or shared with friends during an afternoon break.

These refreshing beverages come from different parts of the world, each with its own tradition of hospitality, nourishment, and simple celebration.

Fresh Lime Soda

A refreshing drink from India
From Simply Vegetarian, by Nancy Mair

In India, fresh lime soda is a beloved way to cool down on hot days — often served as a simple gesture of hospitality. At retreat centers, it makes a wonderful drink to share with guests after an outdoor walk, between sessions, or during a sunny afternoon break on the porch.

Preparation time: 10 minutes

Mix in a pitcher:

  • 3/4 cup fresh squeezed lime juice

  • 3/4–1 cup honey syrup or to taste*

  • 4 cups club soda or sparkling mineral water

Serve chilled or over ice. Garnish with a slice of lime or a sprig of mint.

*To help honey mix with cold drinks, make honey syrup by mixing:

  • 1/2 cup light honey (we use white clover honey)

  • 1/2 cup boiling water

Strawberry- Watermelon- Ginger Juice

This is a cooling and refreshing drink on a hot day. Both watermelon and strawberries are great sources of vitamin C. The sweet flavor of watermelon is well balanced with the slightly bitter, our and sweet taste of strawberries. The ginger adds a little zest and helps digestion. You can also enjoy watermelon juice by itself.

From The Healing Kitchen by Diksha McCord

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 medium watermelon
  • 1-pint strawberries
  • 1-1/2 inches fresh ginger root

Juice ingredients in a juicer. Enjoy!

North African Iced Mint Tea

A favorite on a warm summer evening
From Simply Vegetarian, by Nancy Mair

In North Africa, mint tea is traditionally served as a symbol of welcome, friendship, and generosity. Often offered to guests in the cool of the evening, it’s a beautiful drink to share at retreat centers as the day winds down — perfect after meditation, dinner, or an outdoor gathering under the summer sky.

Preparation time: 15 minutes; Chilling time: 1–2 hours

Makes: 1 quart

Let steep for 5 minutes:

  • 4 cups boiling water

  • 6 peppermint tea bags

Remove the tea bags and add:

  • 6 tablespoons honey

  • 1 tablespoon plus 2 teaspoons fresh lime juice (1–2 limes)

Refrigerate for 1–2 hours. Serve over ice and garnish with:

  • Slice of lime or lemon

(To cool more quickly we use only 3 cups boiling water and add 1 cup of cold water before adding ice.)