Take a chill pill

The summers have arrived, and over the last few weeks the sun has beat down upon us with its full might and is no mood to retreat. Keeping yourself hydrated is the key, and moreover when you plan to catch up over drinks as alcohol furthers dehydration.

So is drinking during summers imprudent? Certainly not if you are drinking within limits, drinking plenty of water and eating well! A cold glass of beer on a hot sunny day sound likes the perfect tipple and we agree.  Here are a few more to quench your thirst:

Spritzers
Half of your favourite wine, coupled with ice topped with soda in a burgundy glass is a perfect drink for a sunny afternoon. It helps you stay refreshed and hydrated whilst diluting the alcohol content in the wine.

Iced Roses
Rose wines are fantastic in their looks and they elevate the mood by bringing in the perception of a holiday on the beach in Southeast France. The iced version is even better, perfect as you laze around the pool on a hot Sunday noon.

Mojito, Caipirinha, and Caipiroska
The first with the goodness of mint and lime and the latter two with the refreshing scent of lime oils surely keep one wanting for more. Go easy as the sweetness and the icy chill masks the alcohol. Do ensure to have a glass of water between drinks!

Iced Cider
Popularly from England, a cider is a fizzy alcoholic beverage that is slightly sweet and made from apples and pears.  These days, ciders are global, and made from a gamut of fruits from blueberry to cranberry. In India, we have apple ciders being made and served at microbreweries, or we have the only bottled one — a chikoo cider called the Fruzzante made in the land of Chikoos, Dahanu, Maharashtra.

Margaritas/Daiquiris over ice
You originally have straight up versions of the above. But for the summers, a tall drink over ice and a soda to top is recommended. Even better is when you get the seasonal fruits in them —mango, pineapples, watermelons, muskmelons and more…

Beer Cocktails:
Half beer and half lemonade is the recipe for the popular cocktail called the Shandy. And many brewpubs have their own signature creations with beers. Try them and it will help you stay longer at an evening out.

DIY at home:
Kokum, kalakhatta, nimbu, khus (Vetiver), and instant orange drinks at home could be spiked with your favourite white spirit of neutral rum or vodka. Or, you could choose a more flavoursome tequila or gin. The idea here is plenty of ice and water and a little alcohol to lift your mood.

Ajit is a wine expert and the founder of The Happy High