Cooling down, are you ready?

Smart eating and drinking during hot weather

What we eat and drink has a direct impact on how our body deals with heat. On warmer days, food can help us stay hydrated and cool us down. Vegetables and fruits like cucumber, watermelon and celery are full of moisture and electrolytes. Cooling herbs such as mint or lemon balm can reduce the heat. And drinks such as hibiscus tea or coconut water are refreshing without putting strain on the body.

Yet we often reach for what we know: a beer, an ice cream – when our body is really asking for something else. Change starts with awareness, and it requires temptation.

That is why we developed our first Cooling Down exercise: climate drinks that refresh and inspire, with ingredients like cucumber, yoghurt, hibiscus, roses and mint. Especially for the summer, a time to cool down. Are you ready for a taste?

Cooling Down Hibiscus Drink

Hibiscus tea has cooling properties and helps regulate body temperature. Serve this tea nice and cold for a refreshing effect.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 8 (approx. 2 litres)

Ingredients:

• 2 litres of water, divided
• 150–200 g sugar (depending on preferred sweetness)
• 25 g dried hibiscus flowers
• ½ cinnamon stick (optional)
• A few thin slices of fresh ginger (optional)
• Lime juice, to taste (optional)
• Orange or lime slices, for garnish

Method:

1. Make the syrup base: In a medium saucepan, bring 1 litre of water and the sugar to a boil. Add cinnamon and ginger if using. Stir until the sugar dissolves.
2. Steep the hibiscus: Remove from heat and stir in the hibiscus flowers. Cover and let steep for 20 minutes.
3. Strain: Strain the liquid into a pitcher, discarding the solids.
4. Dilute and chill: Add the remaining litre of water (or a mix of ice and water to cool quickly). For a sparkling version, use soda water.
5. Serve: Add a splash of lime juice if desired. Serve over ice with a slice of citrus.

Cooling Down Rose syrup drink

Rose syrup is known for its cooling effect. Add milk for extra hydration and a soft, refreshing taste.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Cooling Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
Yield: approx. 700 ml

Ingredients:

• 60 g fresh, edible, unsprayed rose petals
• 500 ml of water
• 400 g white sugar
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• ½ tbsp rose water (optional, for extra fragrance)

Method:

1. Prepare the petals: If using fresh petals, soak them in cool water for 10 minutes to remove any insects, then rinse.
2. Simmer gently: In a saucepan, combine the petals, water, and sugar. Simmer gently for 10 minutes—do not boil, to preserve the essential oils.
3. Finish the syrup: Remove from the heat and stir in the lemon juice.
4. Cool and strain: Let the syrup cool to room temperature (about 1 hour), then strain into a jar or bottle.
5. Adjust the aroma: Taste the syrup. If a stronger scent is desired, stir in the rose water.
6. Store: Keep refrigerated and use within one month.

Cooling Down cucumber mint drink

Cucumber hydrates and mint provide a natural cooling sensation with menthol. Together they make a delicious, refreshing drink for hot days.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4 (approx. 1 litre)

Ingredients:

• 450 g cucumbers (about two large), chopped, peeled
• 120 ml fresh lime juice (from approx. 500 g limes)
• 25 g fresh mint leaves (about a large handful), stems removed
• 100 g sugar
• Approx. 300 ml cold water
• Ice, fresh mint, and lime slices, for serving

Method:

1. Blend: Add the cucumbers, lime juice, mint, sugar, and enough water to fill ¾ of your blender. Blend until smooth.
2. Strain: Pour the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a bowl or jug, pressing with a spatula to extract all the liquid.
3. Serve: Fill a pitcher with ice, then pour in the juice. Garnish with mint and lime.