This year, Ramadan falls in an extremely hot summer and we need plenty of juices and refreshing drinks in our daily menu to quench our thirst and stay hydrated. In addition to the traditional Ramadan drinks, try these fresh juice recipes and serve them to your family at the iftar or sohour meals along with delicious Ramadan food. Watermelon juice Apart from being a thirst and heat reducer, watermelon is rich in anti-oxidants and a good source of potassium. It is also good for cardiovascular diseases, colon cancer and diabetes. Serves: 4 cups Ingredients: 2 cups diced seedless watermelon 1 tbsp sugar or more to taste (optional) 2 cups water Ice cubes Method: Blend watermelon, water and sugar in a blender until smooth. Serve watermelon juice in glasses topped with ice cubes. Strawberry juice Makes 4 cups Ingredients: 2 cups fresh strawberries, reserving 4 for garnish 3 tsp lemon juice 2-4 tbsp sugar, depending on the sweetness of the strawberry 1/4 cup water 4 ice cubes (optional) Method: Wash strawberries thoroughly in water and drain. Remove leaves and chop roughly. Blend strawberries along with other ingredients except ice cubes. Slice the reserved strawberries from the tail to the hull, leaving the hull intact. Pour the juice into the glasses. Add ice cubes while serving. Hang one strawberry on the edge of the glass and serve chilled. Lemon juice with fresh mint A big jar of chilled lemon juice is always greeted with warm smiles in hot summer months. Here is a slight twist to this traditional drink with the addition of fresh, green mint leaves. Makes: 4 tall glasses Ingredients: 3 fresh medium-sized lemon 4 cups water 3-4 tbsp sugar or honey as per taste 8-10 fresh mint leaves A pinch of salt 6 ice cubes Method: Wash and clean mint leaves very well. Cut lemon into two halves. Deseed lemon and blend properly with other ingredients in a blender, except for the ice cubes. Strain it. Add ice cubes to strained juice and blend for 1-2 minutes. Serve immediately. Strawberry - Watermelon Juice Beat the heat of the long days of Ramadan with this sensational smoothie made with freshly cut watermelon and strawberries. Serves: 2 tall glasses Ingredients: 2 cups watermelon cubes, deseeded 6 strawberries, halved 4 ice cubes (optional) Method: Blend watermelon, strawberries and ice cubes in a blender until smooth. Serve immediately.
