3 homemade drinks to try in this heat

The hot weather has many of us reaching for something cold to drink. While there are plenty of options to buy, making your own drinks at home is a simple way to enjoy your preferred flavours and control how much sugar goes into them.

If you are looking for ideas to try, these three recipes are worth adding to your list. They use ingredients readily available in local markets and supermarkets, and each can be prepared ahead and chilled, making them convenient to have on hand throughout the day.

Pineapple and ginger zobo

Zobo is a popular Nigerian drink made from dried hibiscus petals, commonly sold as zobo leaves. Its tangy flavour pairs well with pineapple and ginger, while cloves add a mild spice. Making it at home also allows you to adjust the sweetness to your preference. Ingredients

2 cups dried zobo leaves

1 medium pineapple

1 large piece of fresh ginger

3–4 cloves, optional

Water

Sugar or honey to taste, optional

Ice cubes, for serving

Method

Rinse the zobo leaves thoroughly under running water to remove dust and dirt.

Wash, peel and cut the pineapple, reserving some of the flesh for the drink. Peel and slice the ginger.

Place the zobo leaves in a pot with the pineapple peel, ginger, cloves and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 20–30 minutes.

Remove the pot from the heat and allow the mixture to cool.

Strain the liquid into a clean bowl or jug, removing the leaves, ginger and pineapple peel.

Add pineapple juice or blend and strain some of the reserved pineapple flesh, then stir it into the zobo. Sweeten to taste if desired.

Refrigerate until cold and serve over ice.

Lemon and limeade drink

For a citrus-based option, lemon and lime make a simple drink with a sharp, tangy flavour. A little sweetener balances the acidity, while cold water brings everything together. Fresh mint is optional if you have some at home.

Ingredients

2 lemons

2 limes

Water

2–3 tablespoons of sugar or honey, or to taste

A few fresh mint leaves, optional

Ice cubes, for serving

Method

Wash the lemons and limes thoroughly. Cut them in half and squeeze out the juice, removing any seeds.

Pour the juice into a jug and add the cold water.

Stir in the sugar or honey until it dissolves. Taste and adjust the sweetness or add more water if the flavour is too sharp.

Add the mint leaves, if using, and refrigerate until chilled.

Serve in glasses over ice, with a slice of lemon or lime for garnish if desired.

Pineapple and cucumber juice

Pineapple brings a sweet, tangy flavour, while cucumber adds a mild, fresh taste. Blended together, they make a straightforward homemade juice that requires only a few ingredients. The sweetness of the pineapple may be enough on its own, so taste the mixture before adding any extra sweetener. Ingredients

½ medium ripe pineapple

1 medium cucumber

1–2 cups of cold water, depending on the desired consistency

Juice of ½ lime, optional

Honey to taste, optional

Ice cubes, for serving

Method

Wash the pineapple and cucumber. Peel the pineapple, remove its tough core and cut the flesh into chunks. Peel the cucumber if preferred, then cut it into pieces.

Put the pineapple and cucumber into a blender. Add one cup of cold water and blend until smooth.

Add more water gradually if the juice is too thick.

Strain through a fine sieve if you prefer a smoother drink. Otherwise, serve it unstrained.

Stir in the lime juice and honey, if using. Taste and adjust as needed.

Refrigerate until chilled or serve immediately over ice.