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Nonalcoholic

Sumac and Saffron Refresher

Unlike a strongly acidic lemonade or limeade, this sumac syrup is tart but mild. The saffron and cardamom are pounded to release their color and flavors into the hot syrup.

Sorrel (Hibiscus) Tea

This tea is brilliantly red and sweet-tart, with a delicious bite from ginger and aromas of clove and citrus

New Age Church Punch

Hibiscus punch with ground ginger, roasted pineapple, and fresh lime. Rum optional.

How to Make Aguas Frescas With Any Kind of Fruit (or Vegetable)

You don't need a recipe to make these refreshing Mexican coolers.

Agua de Limón con Chía

Chia seeds look like poppy seeds, but when soaked in liquid for a while, they bloom and develop an awesome gummy texture. This limeade is made using the whole lime, which gives it a slight bitterness, but trust me: it’s so good you won’t want to make it any other way.

Lágrimas de la Virgen (Beet Cooler With Fruits)

The literal translation of the name of this drink is “the Virgin’s tears,” as the red color of the beets resembles tears of blood said to have been shed by the Virgin Mary. This beverage originated in the state of Guanajuato, maybe as long ago as the end of the sixteenth century. I found a few different variations, but this one seemed to be the most common, and it’s quite special. Although this beverage is customarily prepared during Lent for the festivities of Friday of Sorrows (the Friday before Good Friday), it’s a wonderful drink during fall, when beets and apples abound. This recipe makes a large batch to share at your next gathering.

Guava, Grapefruit, and Rosemary Agua Fresca

This refreshing nonalcoholic drink recipe is flexible and easy to make. Adjust the sweetness levels to your taste and swap in whatever ripe fruit you have on hand.

Aguas Frescas (Mexican Fruit Coolers)

Aguas frescas, water-based fruit drinks, are a cool way to make your fresh fruit go further—especially in the summertime when you might have a larger watermelon than you know what to do with, or peaches that are starting to shrivel.

Avocado and Lemon Water (Agua de Aguacate y Limón Amarillo)

Agua de limón, or Key lime water, is probably the most common agua fresca. This recipe is a fun spin on the traditional, using lemons instead of Key limes and adding avocado to acknowledge the very classic combination of citrus and avocado, but out of their normal context. 

Cashew Horchata (Horchata de Nuez de la India)

This version of horchata mixes both the nut version and the rice version in what is a creamy, rich, and very satisfying drink.

Cacao Water (Agua de Cacao)

Although very simple to make, its flavor complexity is unbelievable, especially for how light it is. Although whole cacao beans are ideal—you can find them at a local spice store or specialty chocolate shop—cacao nibs work too.

Homemade Oat Milk

Making oat milk from scratch means creamier, richer, dairy-free milk for mixing into coffee. With this basic formula you can drink it plain, or flavor it however you like.

Rose Cocoa

This dairy-free cocoa uses fragrant coconut milk as its base. Dried rose petals bring an extra dose of floral aroma and flavor—not to mention romance.

Watermelon, Lime, and White Pepper Yogurt Drink

This refreshing blended drink is inspired by ayran, doogh, and lassi. Yogurt makes it tangy and creamy; white pepper gives a touch of earthy heat.

Watermelon Chia Smoothie

Watermelon contains natural sugars and plenty of liquid, which make this smoothie light and refreshing. The fresh mint gives it that je ne sais quoi that you might not be able to pinpoint right away, but which makes the flavor a total standout. 

Secret Mango Creamsicle Smoothie

This smoothie is a fresh take on a Creamsicle—the secret ingredient is persimmon, which provides sweetness and creaminess while letting the mango flavor shine through.

Blueberry Muffin Smoothie

This smoothie mimics the flavors of everyone’s favorite muffin.

Apple Pie Smoothie

This smoothie sates my apple pie cravings in the most healthful way possible.

Pineapple, Blackberry, and Basil Smoothie

This bright and festive drink goes down great on a hot summer day when you're lounging outside or working in the garden.

Morning Sunrise Smoothie

This carrot-pineapple smoothie is like a liquid sunset in a glass.