6 Refreshing Drinks from Around the World You Can Make in 10 Minutes

Some of the best drinks I have ever had were made in under ten minutes with a blender, a pot or just a jug and some ice. Whether the weather is warm or you just want something special in your glass, these six drinks from around the world are simple, forgiving and full of flavour. Every one of them has a full recipe on GetToKnow, so you can go from reading to sipping in no time.

1. Mango Lassi from India

Lassi is the classic Indian cooler: thick, tangy yogurt blended with fruit. In a mango lassi, ripe mango gives natural sweetness and a hint of cardamom adds a lovely floral note. Use thick, full-fat yogurt for body, and chill your glasses first. If you cannot find fresh mangoes, frozen chunks work beautifully and give an even thicker result without any watering-down from ice. Get the full method in our Mango Lassi recipe.

2. Brazilian Lemonade from Brazil

Despite the name, Brazilian lemonade is made with limes. Whole limes are pulsed briefly with sugar and cold water, then finished with a swirl of sweetened condensed milk. The secret is to pulse for only a few seconds, since blending too long pulls bitterness out of the peel. The result is creamy, tangy and unlike any lemonade you have tried. See our Brazilian Lemonade recipe for the details.

3. Thai Iced Tea from Thailand

Thai iced tea, or cha yen, glows a bright orange and tastes sweet, creamy and gently spiced. Brew the tea strong so it stands up to the ice, sweeten it while it is hot and pour it over a tall glass of ice before finishing with a swirl of milk. It is a wonderful partner to spicy food, which is why it appears on so many Thai restaurant menus. Try our Thai Iced Tea recipe.

4. Moroccan Mint Tea from Morocco

In Morocco, a pot of mint tea is a sign of welcome. Green tea is steeped with a generous handful of fresh mint and plenty of sugar, then poured from a height into small glasses so it forms a light foam. Serve it hot after a meal, or chill it and pour it over ice for a refreshing summer drink. Our Moroccan Mint Tea recipe walks you through the traditional technique.

5. Cafe Style Cold Coffee

A good cold coffee is thick, frothy and cheaper than anything from a cafe. The trick is to dissolve the coffee with a little sugar and hot water first, then blend it with cold milk and ice for a full minute so it turns pale and foamy. A scoop of vanilla ice cream makes it into a dessert. Find the full method in our Cafe Style Cold Coffee recipe.

6. Masala Chai from India

Not every great drink is cold. A steaming cup of spiced chai is hard to beat on any day, and it takes about ten minutes to make. Simmer ginger, cardamom and tea in water, add milk and let it bubble gently. Read our beginner’s guide, How to Make Masala Chai at Home, or jump straight to the Masala Chai recipe.

Tips for better drinks, every time

• Chill everything: cold glasses, cold milk and cold yogurt keep drinks thick and stop ice from watering them down.
• Taste before you serve: cold drinks taste less sweet than room-temperature ones, so aim a touch sweeter than you think you want.
• Make ahead: brewed teas and coffee concentrates keep for a day or two in the refrigerator, so you can brew a batch and assemble glasses on demand.
• Strain when needed: a quick pass through a fine sieve gives a smooth texture to blended drinks that include peel or fibre.
• Go easy on ice: add it at the end and blend briefly, so the drink stays thick rather than thin.

Pairing drinks with food

A creamy, sweet drink such as Thai iced tea cools down spicy dishes, so serve it with a fiery noodle dish like our Chicken Pad Thai. A tangy lime drink pairs well with rich, fried snacks, while mint tea is a lovely way to end a mezze meal. If you are planning a brunch, take a look at our ideas for weekend brunch around the world and match one of these drinks to each dish.

Pick one drink to try this week. With just a few ingredients and ten minutes, you can bring the flavours of Mumbai, Bangkok or Marrakech right into your own kitchen.