The sun is shining & summer is truly well under way! What better way to celebrate the holidays than to kick back and relax with a delicious cocktail (or mocktail)? We've been lucky enough to sample some truly scrumptious tipples on our travels and thought what better way to celebrate the summer than sharing some of our favourite drinks recipes?! Here are some of our favourite drinks recipes from around the world...
Photo by Paul Otieno (@Paushinski) for Yummy Magazine Africa
Dawa
Dawa (Swahili for ‘medicine’) is a popular Kenyan cocktail. It is simple, easy to make and pretty potent! In Tanzania, the cocktail is also popular but is made a little differently. The spirit used to make a Dawa in Tanzania is a local white rum called Konyagi.
Ingredients
- 2 shots of vodka
- Honey (or agave syrup if vegan)
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 fresh lime
- Ice cubes
Method
- Cut the lime into quarters and place them inside a lowball glass. Add the tablespoon of sugar and muddle the mixture with a stick until the sugar is moist with the juice of the lime.
- Add at least 6 ice cubes to the glass.
- Pour two tots of vodka over the ice. Dip the stirring stick in honey, then lightly stir it into the drink. Enjoy!
Photo via Spice Cravings
Jal Jeera Mojito
This cocktail recipe pairs the minty and spicy Indian beverage, Jal Jeera, with a classic mojito. There is nothing more refreshing than this on a hot summer day. Refreshing, chilled, minty and spicy! Inspired by this recipe from Spice Cravings.
Ingredients
- 2 shots vodka
- 80ml club soda
- 1/2 teaspoon lime juice
- 1 wedge of lime
- 1 teaspoon Jal Jeera spice mix (can be pre-bought or make your own with this recipe)
- 1/4 teaspoon tamarind chutney
- Ice cubes
- Salt (to garnish)
- Mint leaves (to garnish)
Method
- Salt the rim of your glass by dipping it into lime juice, then salt
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Place mint leaves and 1 lime wedge into a high-ball glass. Use a muddler to crush the mint and lime to release their oils
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Add the Jal Jeera powder mix, and pour club soda into the glass. Stir until dissolved
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Add the lime juice and tamarind chutney
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Add the vodka, add ice and stir well
- Garnish with a few more mint leaves
Image via Telande World
Asaana
Alcohol-free, this delicious drink is popular in Ghana and is made from fermented corn and caramelised sugar. Typically served at most big events such as weddings, birthday parties and naming ceremonies. It is also thought to have a lot of health benefits!
Ingredients
- 1 cup corn
- 4 cups sugar
- Water
- Evaporated milk - optional (can use evaporated coconut milk if vegan)
Method
- Firstly, ferment your corn. To do this, crush the corn in a food processor, pour water over it and leave it alone for 3-4 days. Drain the corn when the fermenting is done
- Add fermented corn to a large saucepan, add water and boil for 30-40 minutes. When foam forms on top, it is ready. Strain the water and set aside
- Pour sugar into a saucepan on medium heat, stir continuously until it is dark brown in colour
- Add the strained water to the sugar syrup and stir until combined
- Refrigerate your drink and serve over ice. For something extra sweet, serve with a drizzle of evaporated milk
Image via Africa-Cuisine
Jus de Bissap
Another delicious alcohol-free recipe, this floral delight is Senegal's national drink! Try mixing it with ginger ale, lemonade or tonic water for a refreshing treat or even add it to cocktails.
Ingredients
- 2 to 3 cups of dried hibiscus flowers
- 1 to 2 cups of sugar (depending on taste)
- 2 litres water
- Optional flavourings; 1 sprig of mint, ½ teaspoon vanilla extract or ½ teaspoon grated fresh ginger
Method
- Carefully rinse the dried flowers in cool water
- In a large saucepan, heat 2 litres of cold water. Once the water begins to boil, add the dried hibiscus. Immediately remove from heat and let the flowers steep for ten minutes.
- Pour the water from the pot into a jug using a strainer to separate the flowers from the water.
- Stir in the sugar. Add any other flavourings, if desired.
- Add ice and chill completely. Serve over ice.