Unfortunately, we Malaysians are burdened with price hikes in our basic necessities such as food and drinks. The new year has officially begun and the prices of cold beverages and desserts have already spiked at some eateries because of the increase in the price of ice cubes. As we embrace the hot weather (a sign that the Chinese New Year celebrations are coming up), one cannot deny that it’s always refreshing to have an ice cold drink. But instead of tightening your budgets further to spend more on ice, why not do without it? Here are 10 drinks that taste equally good, even without ice cubes.
1. Fruit juices – Store your fruits in the refrigerator the night before if you’re planning to juice them. This way, your juice will be cold once extracted and if it’s still not cold enough to your liking, pop it in the freezer for 15 minutes.
2. Smoothies – Fruits like blueberries, strawberries, bananas, mangoes, pineapples and kiwis can be frozen in zip-loc baggies beforehand and will store in the freezer for up to three weeks. When needed, just pop the whole bag of fruits into the blender, then add your cold milk or yoghurt for an ice cold and healthy smoothie. Here are some smoothie recipes you can try!
3. Coconut water – Put the whole coconut in the refrigerator and when it is needed, cut open a hole at the top of the fruit, insert a straw and enjoy the authentic taste of the coconut water without getting it watered down by ice.
4. Milkshakes – Milkshakes are typically made with cold milk, ice cream and additional flavourings such as fresh fruit, honey, chocolate syrup and many more. For a perfect banana milkshake, add two scoops of vanilla ice cream, one cup of cold milk, a drizzle of honey and a whole banana into a blender. Blend on high until your milkshake is smooth and creamy.
5. Mint Tea – Make a big pot of mint tea with some hot water and a mint tea bag. If you prefer, add half a teaspoon of sugar into it to sweeten the tea. You can enjoy it hot and if you want your tea to be served cold, wait for the pot to cool down and when it’s warm, put the whole pot into the refrigerator to save it for later.
6. Wine – If you’re feeling classy and you’re thinking about enjoying that bottle of aged wine you’ve stored for years, pop it in the refrigerator the night before. 15 minutes upon opening the bottle of wine, put the bottle in the freezer to enjoy it at its best.
7. Barley water – This herbal drink is a hit amongst people of all ages. Barley water is a good source of dietary fibre and helps to improve overall skin complexion. Many people like their barley water served warm, but if you prefer, just put it in the refrigerator for a nice sweet treat.
8. Honey lemon – A honey lemon drink contains many throat-soothing properties and is extra refreshing, especially on a hot day. Mix one bottle of water with three tablespoons of honey, then squeeze some lemon juice into it for that added zing. Store it in the refrigerator to be enjoyed later.
9. Soy milk – This nutritious drink helps with your weight loss and provides your body with the energy to keep you going. You can get store-bought soy milk in any grocery stores, or get freshly made soy milk from street vendors nearby. You can even make your own at home!
10. Beer – Beer works at any time of the day as a pick me up. Don’t get the wrong idea though, we’re not telling you to have beer everyday. But once in a while, a refrigerated can of beer or a pint of draught beer makes an unquestionable and pleasurable treat.
