When the temperatures rise, we long for refreshing drinks to cool us down. But if you like to reach for lemonades and other thirst-quenchers in plastic bottles in summer, you can now opt for more environmentally friendly and healthier alternatives. Discover delicious summer drinks that are not only tasty, but also celebrate sustainability.

 

Smoothies Made from Leftover Fruit

 

Fruit is not only refreshing but is also full of vitamins and nutrients. However, when we cut and prepare fruit, we often have leftovers that we would throw away. Why not turn them into something delicious? With a handful of leftover fruit, some yoghurt or juice and a blender, you can make a delicious drink in no time at all that will not only quench your thirst but also do your body good. A perfect way to reduce food waste and enjoy something delicious at the same time is to make smoothies with fruit peels, for example. We at Dole have the perfect recipe for you. Our orange and kiwi peel smoothie is an exotic eye-catcher that utilises the whole kiwi.

 

Iced Tea with Fruit Bowl

 

Iced tea is a popular summer drink that is easy to prepare. But instead of using ready-made iced tea blends, you can make your own iced tea with fresh fruit. Simply use the tea of your choice and leave it to cool. Then add fresh fruit such as citrus fruits, berries or melon to give the tea a natural sweetness. Instead of throwing away the fruit peel, you can also use it to give the iced tea an additional flavour. A refreshing and long-lasting treat for hot summer days. Be sure to try our refreshing pineapple skin iced tea. A completely new delicacy is created from supposed leftovers.

 

Fermented Pineapple Drink

 

Another sustainable idea for the summer is our Mexican pineapple drink Tepache. This refreshing drink is made by fermenting pineapple peel. With a little patience, you can prepare a fruity treat with a deliciously sweet and sour flavour. The special thing about Tepache is that it is not only delicious, but also good for our intestinal flora thanks to the lactic acid bacteria it contains. So why not invest a little time and reward yourself with a homemade Tepache? Your palate and your tummy will thank you!

 

Homemade Pistachio Milk

 

Milk alternatives are now widely available, but many of them come in Tetra Paks or plastic bottles. A sustainable idea is to make your own plant-based drinks. Pistachio milk, for example, is not only delicious but also easy to prepare. Take untreated, unsalted pistachios and leave them to soak in water overnight. The next day, drain the water and rinse the pistachios thoroughly. Then put them in a blender with around 750 ml of water and blend them into a velvety drink. You can add a little salt for extra flavour or sweeten the pistachio milk with dates, maple syrup, vanilla or cinnamon. Then filter your homemade pistachio milk through a fine sieve and store it in the fridge. The result is a creamy and delicious milk alternative that not only quenches your thirst, but also reduces your ecological footprint. Find out all about the pistachio milk trend here.

 

Did You Know? Dole Puts Sustainability in the Spotlight

 

While you take care of your hydration during the summer, we are trying to improve water management. By 2030, Dole aims to reduce water use by a total of 10% across all Dole-owned farms and increase the number of farms (owned and third-party) certified to Alliance for Water Stewardship (AWS) standards by 50%.  

 

It couldn't be more refreshing!

 

Your Dole team