The sweltering Texas heat is beginning, y’all. And boy is it hot. Though Dallas is not humid like Houston, June hasn’t even begun and I find myself blasting the AC wherever I go. To make matters worse, I am awkwardly sweaty (I call it a sexy “glow”) so whenever I am outside there is sweat pouring down my face, non-stop. I had to find a solution for not only the excessive heat but something to cure my insatiable thirst for something refreshing.
I am making these 2 drinks for my Awesome Rawsome event this weekend and thought I’d give it a spin before serving them Saturday. Oh yes, about that — FoodBuzz selected my proposal this month for 24,24,24! So stay tuned for an exciting menu of Raw Foods hence the title “Awesome Rawsome”. I’ll keep this short and sweet, the drinks are awesome — I’ve finished half the batch of Strawberry Lemonade because it’s probably the best drink EVER. Don’t believe me? Give it a try! And seeing that Memorial Day is this weekend, why not whip up a big batch for guests? Maybe if you’re feeling a little sassy, kick it up a notch with some gin or vodka (because who are we kidding, everyone gets a little saucy during Summer holidays). Have a great weekend folks!
Ingredients for Strawberry-Mint Iced Tea: (makes 6 servings)
- 1 pint fresh strawberries, sliced
- 8 fresh mint leaves
- 1/2 cup honey water (1/4 honey 1/4 water) <— you can also use agave
- 4 mint-flavored tea bags
In a medium saucepan, bring 6 cups water to a boil. Allow water to cool down to a warm temperature (around 110 degrees). Add 3/4 pint strawberries and mint. Allow to steep for 10 minutes then add honey water and tea bags.
Strain mixture through a fine seive and mash strawberries to extract more juice. Cool to room temperature and refrigerate until serving.
Pour over ice. Garnish with remaining sliced strawberries.
If you do not feel it’s sweet enough, feel free to add more honey/agave. The reason I did not steep the tea leaves in boiling water is because with Raw Foods, they have a rule where they do not cook anything above 118F. However, if you could care less, feel free to simmer the strawberries and mint at a low heat for about 6 minutes, add the honey water and tea bags and simmer for an additional minute.
Ingredients for Watermelon Lemonade: (makes 4 servings)
- 1 1/2 lbs sliced watermelon, (preferably seedless), rind removed
- zest of 1 lemon
- 1 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1 1/2 cups cold water
- 1 lemon, thinly sliced, for garnish
In the bowl of a food processor, place watermelon and process until very smooth. Strain through a coarse sieve set over a bowl, stirring to push through any pulp.
Pour juice into a large pitcher. Add lemon zest. In a bowl, whisk lemon juice and honey until honey dissolves; stir into watermelon juice.
Stir in water; cover and refrigersate until very cold. Serve over ice and garnish with lemon slices.
LOVE your photography sweets!!! Making me thirsty!!
Thank you Sara
Hope you are staying hydrated this summer!!
congrats on your foodbuzz …thats great…this sounds refreshing ~!
Thank you so much Claudia!!
Ahhh! I love watermelon! I make something similar and sometimes even use ginger.
Wow that sounds really good!! I love ginger, I will have to try that next time
I just got back from a sweaty yoga class, this looks so refreshing.
OOO I love yoga!! You should definitely whip up a batch to soothe your thirst
These are just so refreshing! Love the watermelon juice. The weather here also very heaty… well, I guess we sweat almost everyday here! haha…. I can tell you that I sweat even worst. Anyway, hope you’ll have a wonderful day!
Cheers, Kristy
Hahaha Kristy at one point I told my mom I wanted the sweat gland removed from my face and my back, but since dating Collin he sweats 10 times more than I do so suddenly my sweating problem no longer is an issue
Thank you for the kind words as always love!
Beautiful pictures and beautiful drinks from a very beautiful bride to be!!
Aw geez Mary Moh you sure do know how to make a girl giddy
Thanks for the kind words!!
These look like two wonderfully refreshing drinks, love it!
Thank you so much!
That watermelonade looks so pretty and pink and refreshing…
(Yeah, I know… my definition of “hot” is probably pretty different from what it is down in Texas)
I’m definitely putting that on my list of things to make this summer, especially since it’s looking like it’s gonna be a hot one this year!
PS – Congrats on 24, 24, 24!
Hahaha I have a feeling it’s going to be a hot summer this year too!! Keep cool and hydrated
And thank you for your kind words and congrats, you’re awesome!
One word: GORGEOUS!
Thank you so much Viviane!!
You made my day!
“Sexy glow”, I love that!
Best summer drinks ever!
Hahahaha! Thanks lululu
Ooh those watermelon photos are calling my name! I must try this
Thanks Erin!! Watermelon is one of my favorite fruits
Wow, both look insanely refreshing. Would have needed it this week.
Thank you so much Evelyne
You should give it a try!
ahhh, those look so freshing and would do well in Florida’s sweltering heat, too. beautiful photographs!
Thank you so much Brie!! Oh man I bet it is freaking HOT in Florida fa sho, I have yet to visit there — I hear the beaches are beautiful!!
beautiful photos and great recipes!
Thank yall so much!
Love them both!
Thank you Shirley, you are too kind!
Oh…I really need this. The weather here is super hot…getting headache and tired
Aw Anncoo I was having the same spells last week, stay refreshed with these drinks!! Or anything icy
Hope you feel better!
Austin is nice and hot already too! This looks like a perfect beverage for summer. Wish I had a glass in my hand right now.
Thanks Lisa — Omg I love Austin SO MUCH I miss Lake Travis and Barton Springs….I need to make a visit down there soon!
Hi – I cook mostly by measurements rather than weights… approximately how many cups would translate to 1 1/2 pounds watermelon? Thanks so much, Maureen
Hi Maureen!
1 lb = 16 oz = 2 cups
so 1 1/2 lbs would translate to 3 cups! Hope you enjoy the recipe
so soooo refreshing!!! Watermelon is my favorite, love the color and taste. Your drink is fabulous!
Nadia watermelon is my favorite too!!! I can literally eat an entire watermelon to myself in a couple days
Thanks for your sweet words darling!
I need some of that watermelon lemonade NOW!
It is so beautiful, and I love the fact that it’s sweetened with honey. Thanks for the recipe and the beautiful photographs. I want to reach right into my computer for a drink! One of my kids (and his family) is moving to Texas this summer- I’ll have to pass along this refreshing recipe, ’cause I’m pretty sure they’re going to need it!
Betty thank you so much for your beautiful words! Your kid will definitely need plenty of icy drinks to cool him off for the Texas summers, it’s barely June and we are expected to reach triple digits this weekend — have mercy!! Pleasure to meet you
as i was scrolling down one picture from the other, my cravings level went up and up until it was dangerously-red- and i-want-a-glass- of- this-righ-now- kind- of- feeling! and it’s only 6:39 here in the morning haha!
your photos are uber fab joy!
LOL!!! Thank you Malou hahaha I laughed out loud reading your comment, thanks
Wow, beautiful pictures. And the drinks look delicious! I’m so wishing I had a food processor right now.
Thanks Amanda!! You can also use a handheld blender, I actually got one from Sam’s Club for 35 bucks!
Great to discover another fellow Dallasite! So this heat is revving up your creative juices it looks like! Love both drinks and will keep them in mind to make all summer long!
AH! How cool
It is so nice to meet you — what part of Dallas are you from? Thank you for your kind words 
I don’t know which I like better – your refreshing summertime drinks or your drop-dead photography. Outstanding on all counts!
Oh wow thank you so much! That was such a nice comment
Hope you have a great weekend!
YUMMMM!
mmmmmmmmmmm!
So many beautiful images with this post and this tea should be marketed!
What a great cool and refreshing drink for a hot summer day! Nice photos!
Thank you Kevin!!
These beverages scream summer! Can’t wait to try them in my own kitchen. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you Kati!! I hope you enjoy them
These look delicious! I made honeydew melon sippers but I’m sure yours were better. I’m craving a watermelon lemonade right now.
OMG that really sounds amazing — I am such a fan of honeydew!!! Thank you for the kind words and I will have to get that recipe from you
These look so nice! I’ll be giving them a go when the weather improves over here.
Oh no! Sad to hear you are having poopy weather
Thank you for the kind words though and hope the sun will shine your way soon…
I usually prefer the watermelon (mmmm a fave!) fresh and with anything else, but this is a really interesting recipe I can’t resist!
Such a summery feeling!
Hee hee thanks Sneige! It kinda has a tart and refreshing punch to it — you should try it out some time
!
The lemonade sounds wonderful, and the photos are amazing:)
You are making a girl blush over here
! Thanks for your kind words
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Wow, these are fantastic recipes, your Strawberry-Mint Iced Tea and Watermelon Lemonade is what I like the most. Thanks for this wonderful recipes, perfect. Great shots by the way.
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As a Houstonian, I can already tell that watermelon lemonade will be my new favorite drink! I’m like you-I sweat constantly and am always looking for a new refreshing treat. I think it would be good with a bit of vodka for a nice summer cocktail, too.
That Watermelon Lemonade looks delicious!! I will have to try that soon!
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