Summer is officially upon us! Between the heat and cravings, there are a few essentials in our summer diets. These include a plethora of seasonal fruits and veggies, as well as beverages and desserts. A lot of these delicacies can be adapted into “adult only” fare but if you’re a young millennial such as myself, you can still enjoy them without the addition of alcohol.
I mean sure there are a ton of advertisements for alcoholic beverages this time of year, but there are plenty of delicious food and drink options that are great at any age. Here’s 17 of my favorite food and drink options for Summer ‘17.
1. Frozen drinks
To beat the heat, there isn’t much better than lounging poolside with a frozen beverage. It can either be in the form of a smoothie, with popular flavors including strawberry banana and mango pineapple, or a virgin cocktail (mocktail). A couple of my personal favorites include virgin mudslides and Miami Vice, a cross between a pina colada and strawberry Daiquiri.
2. Ice cream
It doesn’t matter what time of day it is, or the weather. Hard or soft ice cream is a summer essential, unless you’re allergic to dairy. In that case, there are dairy free options available, as well as low fat and low sugar. Many ice cream shops serve a vast variety of flavors, all of which are homemade.
3. Italian ice
If ice cream isn’t your thing, or you want to change things up, italian ice, or “water ice” as it’s referred to around Philadelphia, is a light, refreshing substitute to ice cream, which can sometimes be made heavy from butter fat. However, if you want the best of both worlds, order a gelati. It’s water ice layered with soft serve or frozen custard.
4. Burgers, hot dogs, and other grilled meats
Summer is the perfect season to have close friends and family over for a backyard barbecue. A few staples include burgers, hot dogs, chicken, and ribs, which pair perfectly with potato salad and mac n cheese.
5. Corn on the cob
To go alongside barbecuing, your favorite meats also go great with fresh-picked, sweet corn on the cob. Top it off with butter, salt and pepper and you got yourself one mouthwatering and delicious veggie. Or, slice the corn off the cob and mix it into salad.
6. Salad
Nothing screams summer like a bowl of mixed greens (or spring mix), tomatoes, onions, hard boiled egg...or literally whatever your heart desires. Salad doesn’t have to be made with lettuce; it can also be made with seafood, eggs, potatoes, pasta, &/or fruit, and served as an entree or a side dish.
7. Fresh produce...
Depending on where you live, different fruits and vegetables may be available at local farmer’s markets. In South Jersey (where I’m from), blueberries are so popular, there are many different ways to eat them. From pancakes to cobbler to milkshakes to wine, not much beats blueberries from Hammonton, the Blueberry Capital of the World.
8. ...And seafood
Again varying by region, and dietary restrictions, summer beach trips in Jersey are often accompanied by oysters, shrimp, and scallops. Maryland is popular for crab, more specifically crab cakes, and Old Bay seasoning. New England is known for its clams and lobster as you get closer to the Canadian border in Maine.
9. Fried Oreos
A popular treat on the boardwalk is fried Oreos, or fried anything really. Literally any candy bar or dessert you can think of gets coated in batter, deep fried, and topped off with powdered sugar. To up the flavor (and sadly, the calorie count), add whipped cream and chocolate syrup.
10. S’mores
Let’s gather round the campfire and sing our campfire song, and roast some marshmallows for s’mores. When it gets dark and chilly, sit around a fire pit and melt the marshmallow between two graham cracker pieces and a piece of chocolate. Switch it up with a Reese’s cup for added flavor, unless you’re allergic.
11. Iced tea
Long Island or not, iced tea with a squeezed lemon wedge is refreshing and caffeinated. Flavored iced teas such as raspberry and mango are equally as delicious, even Arnold Palmers. AKA iced tea mixed with...
12. ...Lemonade
The tart flavor of lemonade pairs perfectly with iced tea, or is great on its own as well. Bonus points when flavored with fresh strawberries and/or served frozen, with the Beyonce album playing in the background. #IAintSorry.
13. Funnel cake
Aside from fried Oreos, funnel cake is a popular treat served on the boardwalk and at carnivals. The sweet treat can be served with different toppings, such as s’mores and fresh fruit. Or plain old powdered sugar is perfectly fine.
14. French fries
Fresh-cut french fries make everything better. Pair them with a side of cheese, or top them off with chili, cheese and bacon. But if you want something a little sweeter, top them with cinnamon and sugar like you would a funnel cake. French fries can be enjoyed on their own or as a side at your barbecue.
15. Iced coffee
The best way to get your caffeine fix on a hot summer’s day is by swapping hot coffee with iced. Sure it’s time consuming to DIY but they cost the same at your favorite coffee shop. Iced coffee can be sweetened the same way as hot, but because it’s iced the sweetener may not dissolve as well. Another take on iced coffee’s cold brew; however it costs more and is higher in caffeine than regular. Either one is a great pick-me-up without all the additives in an energy drink.
16. Steak
Grilled steak is amazing any time of the year, but summer is especially great for grilling. There are many different cuts to choose from, all of which give their own uniquely delicious flavor. Filet mignon is the most tender cut; however it is also the most expensive. Pair your steak with potatoes, salad, fresh asparagus, &/or crabmeat or lobster tail.
17. Chips and salsa/guac
Last but certainly not least, tortilla chips and numerous types of dip serve as a quick and easy appetizer. Some great options include salsa, queso, and my personal favorite, guacamole. You can either buy them premade or make them from scratch. Some grocery stores sell storemade guacamole which spares you the hassle of preparing it yourself.
Whatever your taste buds crave this summer, try to use the freshest ingredients possible and enjoy the unhealthier options in moderation. Sure they may seem harmless, but they may wreak havoc on your body later.