Summer Splash: 4 Delicious Poolside Drinks

With so much on our minds these days, today on Zeena Uncovered, we are taking an official "mental health day" to slow down and cool off. Raising well-rounded children isn't easy, especially when the world as we know it is changing every second. The significance of the Black Lives Matter Movement is unfolding before our eyes and as we witness this historical moment, we also invite you to be a part of it. If you haven't read our last post, A Letter from Zeena, please take few minutes to check out the valuable resources we've shared on where to donate and how to self-educate on the topic of ending racial prejudice as we know it.

And yes, education is only the beginning. There is always more we can do to uplift our brothers and sisters, no matter which ethnicity they claim. As a weekly surprise, we like to deliver gift baskets and treats to our neighbors. If you've never done this before, it's a great way to break the ice and help build a sense of community in your neighborhood. While fresh baked cookies and gourmet coffees are a winner in the colder months, summer begs for something a little extra...and in our home, we love sharing smoothies with the people on our block!

With summer swiftly approaching, the days are getting longer and hotter, so now is the perfect time to start testing out some brand-new recipes to sweeten up those sunny afternoons. Not a day goes by without us mixing up something exciting! From strawberry daiquiris to homemade boba tea...as long as it's cold and refreshing, we're up for anything! Here are our favorite go-to recipes for you to try and share to beat the summer heat:

Homemade Thai Iced Tea with Boba

It's easier than you think to make your own bubble tea!

Chances are, if you've never had "Bubble Tea", you're probably wondering, "are those blueberries floating around the bottom of my cup?" (They're not, actually!) What makes Boba so special are the sweet and chewy tapioca pearls used to give this drink an unexpected twist (think Jello-O or gumdrops in terms of texture).

Supplies:

• Black Tapioca Pearls
• Thai Iced Tea Mix
• Reusable angled tip straws
• Half & Half or milk (we’ve tried both and love using lactose free fat milk as a great substitute!)
• 2-3 tablespoons of brown sugar
• Ice

Directions for Thai Tea:

Following directions on the package, add 4 tablespoons of Thai Tea mix for every cup of boiling water. Add desired amount of sugar. If you prefer your tea a little less sweet, we suggest adding 1-2 tablespoons brown sugar depending on the amount you're making. After tea comes to a boil, let it sit for 15-20 minutes and then use a strainer to remove any extra powder. Place in the refrigerator.

Directions for Boba:

Add 2 cups of water for every ¼ cup of Boba. Boil for 12-15 minutes. Remove Boba from the pot with a strainer or slotted spoon and place in a separate bowl with cold water. Strain the cold water and add a cup of the hot water from the pot and sprinkle with brown sugar. Let the tapioca pearls sit for 15-30 minutes in the brown sugar water mixture until sweet. Next, place a heaping spoonful of Boba pearls at the bottom of each cup and add 1 cup Thai Tea, plus ½ cup Half & Half or milk. Cool it down with ice and enjoy!

 

Kids Banana-Mango Smoothie Boba

Just add Boba! Once you start mixing Boba into your smoothies...it's hard to stop! Try our kid-approved Banana Mango Smoothie.

• 1 cup vanilla yogurt
• 1 ripe mango
• 1 banana
• 1/2 cup of milk
• Ice

Cut mango into cubes. Blend all ingredients and add a few drops of food dye to make this drink colorful and fun!

 

Strawberry Daiquiris

 

 

We've been making strawberry daiquiris since social distancing first began and we're proud to admit we're hooked! Here is another recipe that uses simple syrup in stead of lemon-lime soda:

• 1lb strawberries (16oz)
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Juice of 1 lime
• 1/4 cup simple syrup
• 3 cups of ice

Blend all ingredients together until the ice is slushie and drinkable. Top with a sliced strawberry or wedge of lime and serve with a straw. Makes 4 servings.