Summer Time Is Lemonade And Aqua Fresca Time!
As the warm days of summer begin to come upon us we begin to think of refreshing coolers, fruit punches and lemonade. Most of us in the U.S remember the fun of running our own lemonade stand along the roadside during the heat of summer. Squeezing bags of fresh lemons, mixing in sugar, and chilling our concoction with ice cubes was half the fun. A summer treat popular throughout Latin America are the many varieties of Agua Fresca fresh fruit and herb coolers. These deliciously light and non-filling beverages are fruit and herb infused waters that quench thirst without being overly filling, too sweet, and containing extra calories. Try them at your next picnic or pool party!
Whatever fresh fruit punch, lemonade, or Agua you decide to enjoy this summer using the right tools for job will make it easier and more fun. To squeeze the freshest and sweetest juice from lemons, limes, oranges, grapefruit and pomagranates you need a Mexican manual juice press. The traditional mercado style lever powered juice squeezer extracts juice efficiently without gouging and disturbing the rind which is where bitter oils reside that can sour your juice. These large, heavy duty and rustic juicers will hold fruit sizes up to grapefruits and poms as well and several lemon quarters, limes, etc. To make batches of fresh lemonade that everyone will love these Mexican favorites are indispensable!
The best way to serve all types of Aguas, lemonade, tea, punch, and other summer favorites is out of a heavy glass beverage barrelas seen in mercados and restaurants throughout Latin America. These decorative and old fashioned wide mouthed barrels can hold up to 20 liters of liquid and have plenty of room to dip out the contents with a large ladle. The Agua Fresca experience is not complete with the proper glass serving barrel!
Shaved ice for snow cones and slushes tastes wonderful during the hot days of summer and making your own shaved ice at home is easy and convenient. With a small hand held block ice shaver you can whip up snow cones and other shaved ice treats in minutes without a the clean-up and hassle of a powered ice chipper or hand cranked ice shaver. Shaved ice is a Hispanic and Latin favorite (Italians have a lot of great recipes for shaved ice treats too!).
Enjoy this summer the traditional Latin way and treat your freinds and family to real refreshment! Saludos!