Here we are in the middle of another West Coast summer. Perfect weather. Not too dry which is helping us to avoid forest fires, and just hot enough that we will soon be welcoming back the rainy season. I am always amazed when people complain about the rain out here; we silly humans decided to settle in a rainforest, what did we expect?
Thirst finds us at this time of year. Intermingled with the consumption of the sweet elixir of life, good old H2O, sometimes we have a hankering for something a little stronger. Keeping in mind the need for hydration, here are some ideas of things to keep us refreshed and quenched:
Alcohol-free
We all know that alcohol has a diuretic effect and can cause dehydration. The choice of an alcohol-free option is best for keeping one cool and refreshed. Locally, we have great choices between Spark Kombucha and the Squamish Water Kefir Co. Both will leave you less parched and gut happy.
Muddle it
Fresh fruits, berries and herbs abound. Pound some up with your favourite spirit, add lots of ice and a little bit of soda to make a refreshing mojito style cocktail.
Caliente por favor
Although counterintuitive, many smarty-pants neuroscientists concur that hot beverages on a hot day actually cool you down. So drink that coffee or tea, add spice to your drinks or try making a drink with a spicy spirit (our chili chocolate Aphro at Gillespie’s is beautiful with pineapple, soda and lime on a hot day).
Pass the salt
Salt retains fluids, so it is recommended to maintain a healthy intake of salt during the summer as it helps to keep you hydrated. In the height of summer was the only time my mom would send us with a small portion of potato chips to summer camp. Here is a great cocktail recipe for anyone wanting to stay hydrated and add a little good salt to their day.
Paloma (little known to be the most tequila drunk drink in Mexico)
Rim a tall glass with salt (pink Himalayan – which is available wholesale here in town – recommended here)
Fill with ice
Add 2 ounces reposado tequila (I like El Jimador)
Top with equal parts grapefruit juice and grapefruit soda
Finish with the juice of half a lime
Enjoy
Freeze!
Popsicles are so refreshing! Kitchen Quickies has all kinds of really cool moulds. These can be made with all kinds of juices, fruits and veggies. Add a little of your favourite spirits to make an adult version. Gin and tonic popsicles anyone? Yogurt can also be added to make a fuller bodied version.
Hold the ice
I read an article recently in Bon Appetit magazine that talked about the circumstances in which it was okay to add ice to your wine. While I love their publication, who took over the reins on that one. That is a hard “No.” Wine is built with structure and mouth-feel in mind. To add ice is to destroy it. Water it down and ruin the winemaker’s intention. If you want ice in something, drink sangria.
Beer
Sometimes an ice-cold pilsner or lager works like a charm. Add some lime cordial for a “lager and lime” for a really refreshing treat. The best beer to refresh you, however, is a Radler. This is a mix of beer and grapefruit juice. Nothing is better on a hot day! If you are looking for a local option, Parallel 49 makes a great one called Tricycle and Stiegl out of Austria has a great one as well. Both are available at local independent liquor stores.
Gin and Tonic
When we lived in Africa, my parents and I enjoyed our evening ritual of gin and tonic on the rooftop. We were living in the hottest town in Africa (Kayes, Mali) and my mom was peak menopause. According to her, this was most certainly medicinal!
While bottled tonic tends to not have the active ingredient of quinine, found in tonic water through the addition of cinchona bark, we carry a beautiful tonic syrup by Bowman bottling. Just add soda (and gin of course). Add sliced cucumber or mango to make it extra refreshing.
Happy summer my friends. The rain will be back before you know it!
