Travel the Globe From Home: International Beverages to Fall in Love With

Who says you have to hop on a plane and pay outrageous airline prices to experience global destination? Here are some international beverages to fall in love with this Valentine’s Day, which you can enjoy from the comfort of your own couch.

Agua Fresca

These fresh fruit drinks are popular in Mexico, and are usually served from barrel-shaped glass containers. Watermelon, strawberry and cantaloupe are the more traditional varieties, but you can use any fresh fruit you like.

You will need:

• Fresh fruit of your choosing, three cups, chopped coarsely
• Water; 6 to 8 cups
• Sugar; 1/2 to 3/4 cup
• Lime juice; 1/4 cup

Directions:

1. Add the fruit and three cups of the water to a blender, pureeing till smooth.
2. Strain into a large pitcher through a sieve.
3. Add the remainder of the water, 1/2 cup sugar and the lime juice.
4. Stir well and add water and sugar as needed.
5. Serve chilled.

Jamaican Ginger Beer

A popular beverage in Jamaica, ginger beer is a zingy drink that pairs well with spicy jerk pork or chicken. It can be fermented, but you can also make a simpler, non-alcoholic version, found here.

To do that, you will need:

• Chopped gingerroot; 3/4 to 1 pound
• Water; 2 quarts
• Sugar; 2/3 to 3/4 cup
• Juice of lemons or limes; 2 to 3

Directions

1. Add the ginger, three cups of water and 2/3 cups of the sugar in a blender, pureeing well.
2. Let sit for a half hour at least, or overnight to extract the most flavor.
3. Strain the liquid through a sieve and pour into a large pitcher, adding enough water to make two quarts.
4. Stir in the lemon or lime juice and more sugar as needed to taste.
5. Chill before serving.
6. For a bubbly beverage, use club soda instead of the additional water to make two quarts.

Tej

This is an Ethiopian sweet wine, similar in taste and consistency to mead, made from fermented honey and hops called gesho. Served from a vase-like vessel (known as a berele), Tej is believed to be the wine used for toasts between King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba.

You will need:

• Water; 2 cups
• Honey; 1/3 cup
• White wine; 1 (750-ml) bottle

Directions:

1. Heat the water and honey over low heat in a small saucepan.
2. Stir until honey is dissolved, then remove from heat
3. Chill completely.
4. Pour the honey water and wine into a glass decanter, then mix together and serve slightly chilled.
5. It’s best to use a light, mildly sweet white wine like a Pinot Grigio or Riesling. You can also use non-alcoholic wine if you choose.

Fall in Love With International Drinks From Beverage Universe

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