Just in time for the balmy season, Food and Beverage expert Gio Racelis, CGSP has prepared refreshing and rejuvenating summer brews that utilize local ingredients.

As temperatures increase, the body loses more water. Since quenching thirst with beverages helps keep the body cool, hydration is of utmost importance to combat heat. While water is the most important drink, easy blends such as the Mojitrus and Tropical Heat are more exciting options.

Mojitrus is made of ginger, loaded with antioxidants that fight off chronic diseases, high blood pressure, heart and lung disease, as well as basil, which improves blood flow by allowing muscles and blood vessels to relax.

Tropical Heat is comprised of pineapple and mango, rich in antioxidants to fight inflammation, cancer and other chronic illnesses.

Racelis, formerly the Assistant Food and Beverage Manager of Discovery Suites Manila, handles food and beverage classes at this alma mater, the School of Hotel, Restaurant, and Institution Management (SHRIM) of the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde.

Mojitrus

Ingredients
5 g minced ginger
5 g basil leaves
2 lemon slices
3 sliced calamansi
1 can Sprite
1 tsp brown sugar

Procedure

Place minced ginger, lemon, calamansi, basil leaves and brown sugar in a mixing glass. Muddle them to get extract from herbs and citrus. Place them on a glass with ice. Top it up with sprite.

Tropical Heat

Ingredients
10 g pineapple
1 ripe mango
15 ml cream
15 ml simple syrup

Procedure

Place all ingredient onto a blender with ice. Transfer into a glass for serving.