Cold Drink

This rendition of India's popular yogurt shake makes a cooling counterpoint to any spicy dish.

A refreshing herbal iced tea with a nice crimson color. For a frosted look, freeze the glasses ahead of time, and dip the rims into sugar before pouring the tea.

Sweet and fruity, this is the quintessential beach or poolside drink.

Take this lemonade along on a picnic in a large Mason jar or a plastic container, stowed in the cooler with the other drinks.

Luis Miguel López Alanís of Morelia, Mexico, writes: "Although I grew up in Mexico, it was in Chicago of all places that I learned to cook Mexican food. During the two years I lived there, I missed my country's food so much that I wrote to my mother in Zitácuaro and asked her to send me recipes so I could cook for myself. "Now I work as a tour guide in Michoacán, my home state, where I lead tours on Morelia's colonial history and architecture, and show tourists the Paricutín Volcano and monarch butterfly sanctuaries. And sometimes I do restaurant and market tours. Whenever business slows down, I enjoy cooking for my family. " Mexico is known for its aguas frescas, delicious cold "waters" made simply from fruits or vegetables, water, and sugar. They're the perfect refreshment on a hot day.

This luscious, low-fat drink couldn't be easier to make. It has a thick, creamy texture produced by pureeing the frozen berries. No ice cubes necessary.

A lovely drink for a picnic.