Raisin-based Summer Drinks: Recipes for Refreshing Drinks Made with Raisins

Summer is the perfect time to enjoy refreshing drinks, and what better way to elevate your drink game than by adding raisins to the mix?

Raisins are a versatile ingredient that can add a touch of sweetness and depth of flavor to your drinks. Here are some delicious and easy-to-make raisin-based drink recipes that will help you beat the heat this summer.

Raisin Iced Tea

Ingredients:

• 1 cup raisins
• 6 cups water
• 3 black tea bags
• 1/4 cup honey
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Fresh mint leaves

Instructions:

1. In a large saucepan, combine the raisins and water. Bring to a boil over high heat.

2. Reduce the heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes until the raisins are plump and soft.

3. Remove from heat and add the tea bags. Steep for 5-7 minutes.

4. Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a pitcher.

5. Stir in honey and lemon juice.

6. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until chilled.

7. Serve over ice with fresh mint leaves.

Raisin Lemonade

Ingredients:

• 1 cup raisins
• 6 cups water
• 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1/4 cup honey
• Lemon slices for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a large saucepan, combine the raisins and water. Bring to a boil over high heat.

2. Reduce the heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes until the raisins are plump and soft.

3. Remove from heat and let it cool for a few minutes.

4. Blend the mixture until smooth.

5. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve into a pitcher.

6. Stir in lemon juice and honey.

7. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until chilled.

8. Serve over ice with lemon slices.

Raisin Lassi

Ingredients:

• 1 cup raisins
• 1 cup plain yogurt
• 1 cup milk
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/4 tsp ground cardamom
• Crushed ice

Instructions:

1. In a blender, combine the raisins, yogurt, milk, honey, and cardamom. Blend until smooth.

2. Add crushed ice and blend again until smooth.

3. Serve chilled in a tall glass.

Raisin Smoothie

Ingredients:

• 1 cup raisins
• 1 banana, sliced
• 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
• Ice cubes

Instructions:

1. In a blender, combine the raisins, banana, almond milk, vanilla extract, and cinnamon. Blend until smooth.
2. Add ice cubes and blend again until smooth.
3. Serve chilled in a tall glass.

Enjoy these refreshing raisin-based drinks all summer long. Not only do they taste great, but they also provide some added nutritional benefits like fiber and antioxidants. So, raise a glass to a delicious and healthy summer!