On a hot summer day, the thing we turn to most to cool ourselves down is a refreshing, sweet drink. Sometimes, if we’re desperate, we will simply decide to drink iced water to quench our thirst. But wouldn’t you want something more exciting to drink on scorching hot days? This article will introduce you to the five best Asian cold and summery drinks that you can enjoy on any hot day (or even on a normal day).
Overview
3 - Cà Phê Sữa Đá (Vietnamese Iced Coffee)
1- Trà đá (Iced Tea)
Trà đá is essentially iced tea, usually green tea. It is available in practically every restaurant and bar in Vietnam, and if it is not served free it will cost very little. While iced tea can refer to any tea that has been cooled or chilled, Vietnamese ice tea is unique in the sense that it is not generally sweetened with sugar or syrup, and is more diluted with a bitter taste to it, which isn’t actually a bad thing. This is what makes trà đá more refreshing and it can wake you up with its quick caffeine punch.
2 - Mugicha (Barley Tea)
Mugicha is a tea made from roasted barley, originated from Japan and is popular across all of Southeast Asia. It has a toasted flavour and bitter undertones, and is something you would most likely crave in the hot, sauna that Japan is in the summer. Barley tea is typically served iced or cold, and depending on preference some like to add sweeteners like sugar and honey to it.
3 - Cà Phê Sữa Đá (Vietnamese Iced Coffee)
Vietnamese iced coffee is a traditional and one of the most popular ways to drink coffee in Vietnam. It is made by dark roasted Vietnamese coffee to a drip filter that strains and releases the coffee into a cup. A couple tablespoons of sweetened condensed milk is added to the coffee, along with ice of course, and it is served. Cà phê sữa đá energizing drink that is both perfect on a hot summer’s day and if you need to wake yourself up with a caffeine boost.
4 - Bubble Tea
Bubble tea is a drink that is wildly popular internationally; people can’t get enough of it. Bubble tea originated from Taiwan, and while it can refer to fruit and milk teas with both chewable and popping bubbles, the most classic version of bubble tea is the one you see above. It is made with a milk tea base, which is just brewed black tea and milk added, and the classic black tapioca pearls. When the tea is shaken with ice, it creates the foamy layer of bubbles on top. Bubble tea is a very sweet drink and quite filling in itself, but it is delicious and perfect for any day, but especially on a hot, summery one.
5 - Sikhye (Sweet Rice Drink)
Sikhye is a drink from Korea, and it is a traditional rice drink, often served as a dessert. It is one of the most popular drinks in Korea, and its unique barley and sweet flavour is liked by many who try it. Sikhye is often consumed in Korea on special occasions such as New Year’s Day. The sweet tea is brewed from malt water and cooked rice, and most often served cold, making it ideal to drink on a hot day.