A barbecue in Portugal always calls for a cold drink on hand: but not all guests drink beer or sangria. Non-alcoholic drinks don’t have to be limited to sparkling water.
The key to non-alcoholic drinks that really taste good is a simple combination: acidity, a touch of natural sweetness and a fresh aroma of fruit or herbs.
The basic rule
Acidity (lemon, lime, fruit vinegar) balances the sweetness and adds freshness. The sweet must come from ripe fruit or a small amount of honey or syrup, never in excess. The final aroma: mint, rosemary, ginger: this is what transforms a simple drink into a drink with identity.
8 non-alcoholic drink ideas
- Homemade peach cold tea.
- Rosemary and honey lemonade.
- Watermelon and mint flavored water.
- Homemade ginger ale, with fresh ginger and sparkling water.
- Non-alcoholic white sangria, with seasonal fruit and a cold tea base.
- Hibiscus kombucha (for those who already have the habit of fermenting at home).
- Lemon and ginger iced tea.
- Water with frozen fruit, which serves as tasty ice as it melts.
How to serve and store
A large glass pitcher with plenty of ice will keep the drink cool throughout the barbecue. Frozen fruit (strawberry slices, lemon slices) works like ice that does not dilute the drink when melting: on the contrary, it reinforces the flavor.