There’s only one word to describe Singapore’s weather: hot. And we’re talking about the sweltering and humid kind of hot, with only the occasional downpour offering some much-needed respite.
Need a little something to get you through the next burning spell? We’ve got just the thing.
1. Bubble tea
Can you proudly say that you’re a Singaporean if you don’t know and love the national favourite – bubble tea? Interestingly, bubble tea is a phenomenon that has taken our little red dot by storm over the past 30 years! Grab a refreshing cup at many stores all over our sunny island, such as Koi, Gongcha (SAFRA members get 10% off!), Chicha San Chen, Hollin, The Alley, Playmade, Partea, LiHo, and many more.
BONUS: SAFRA members enjoy 10% off at Gongcha. Click here for more information.
2. Coconut water
Now, this is a drink that not only tastes good, but is also incredibly good for you! Filled to the brim with nutrients and antioxidants, coconut water is even said to help lower blood sugar for individuals with diabetes. Low in calories and carbohydrates, coconut water is also a good source of magnesium, potassium, calcium, and phosphorus.
3. Mocktail
Party it up at home by making your own mocktail! The choices are endless – use ingredients such as mango puree, lime juice, honey syrup, ginger beer, club soda, apple cider, grenadine, sparkling water, mint leaves, and more. In fact, why not add a little pizazz by turning your mocktail into a cocktail with a sprinkle of alcohol? On a particularly hot day, you can even look into making frozen margaritas.
4. Fruit juice
A simple drink that’s readily available, fruit juice packs a punch no matter the time of day. Boasting detoxifying properties, fruit juice is filled with vitamins, antioxidants, and fibre for healthy digestion. Make it yourself to ensure that you’ll be getting a glass full of natural sugar and no preservatives. It’s the best of all worlds!
5. Frozen popsicles
Take your fruit juice to another level by freezing it into popsicles! You can even put slices of fresh fruit into your popsicles for more zing.
6. Cooling fruits and vegetables
Instead of snacking on chips, why not snack on fruits and vegetables instead? To cool down, choose those with cooling properties, such as melon, watermelon, and cucumber. Leafy greens also have a high water content; throw them all together as a fruit salad, and voila! You’ve got the perfect antidote for a sweltering day. For fun, why not carve out a watermelon and make your very own watermelon soju bowl with the flesh on the sides? It’s the perfect party treat!
7. Sports drinks
This is for the exercise addicts out there! After sweating it out, refuel and recharge with a good hypotonic drink. Compared to isotonic drinks, which contain similar concentrations of salt and sugar in the human body, hypotonic drinks contain a lower concentration. This helps the body to efficiently replace fluids lost through sweating, which especially occurs on a hot day! Fun fact: coconut water is considered a hypotonic drink too.
8. Ice desserts
Nothing beats digging into an old-school dessert. Head to your nearest hawker centre for a satisfying cold dessert. Take your pick from ice kachang, chendol, ice jelly… the possibilities are endless! Grass jelly, in particular, also comes with various benefits, such as helping to reduce blood pressure or blood sugar.
9. Barley water
Don’t underestimate the power of barley water – besides its cooling properties, it’s touted to also help with blood sugar, lower cholesterol, boost digestion, and enhance the immune system. Made with just two ingredients – barley and water –, you can choose to add a little sugar or honey for taste.
10. Ice cream
(Left: Swensen’s Fried Chicken ice cream. Right: Good ol’ ice cream)
And of course, how can we do without ice cream? Indulge in a little gelato, a traditional ice cream sandwich or, if you’re feeling quirky, head to Swensen’s for some ‘fried chicken’ ice cream that looks pretty much like the real deal. Even better, complete your meal with 15% off ala carte pizzas for all SAFRA members.
BONUS: SAFRA members enjoy 15% discount on ala carte pizzas at Swensen’s. Click here for more information.
Beat the heat with any of these cool treats! Which would you try first?
