Summer is in the air! …and on the glittering blue lakes. And on the glowing bright blooms in the fields. And on the market-stalls presenting gorgeous sweet berries. And in my head – thinking about Summer sun and long evenings on the Patio…

I can already hear our grill in the garden shed, as he is screaming for fresh air and the first major bbq-session of this season ;–)

Can’t wait for it! Tomorrow he will be “set free” :–) One thing that’s definitely going to land on the grill is water melon. Surly some of you have heard of or tried that way to eat water melon already. Some might not and wonder, what a crazy person I am to do something that ridiculous ;–) But I just love it. Especially with some goat’s cheese crumbled on top, right when the melon-slices come off the grill. Gorgeous, I tell you! If you don’t dare put them on the grill (but you will miss out on a delicacy!) you could just mix chunks of water melon with goat’s cheese anyway, as this is a real dream-team. Dress with a little olive oil and balsamic vinegar: perfect Summer snack.

Water melon is one of my favourite Summer-foods anyway and I could eat it ALL THE TIME. Which I actually do when I am in Brazil. That and drink coconut water. At my last visit I simply combined those two and was amazed at the result. BEST SUMMER DRINK EVER. Totally refreshing and reviving and simply good. And as Summer finally seems to say hello over here in Austria too, I thought I had to share that drink with you.

Luckily coconut water is widely available in Europe as well these days (mostly in cartons), so you shouldn’t have any trouble finding it in various supermarkets. I do recommend to buy organic water, as you will get better quality and therefore taste. Also unnecessary add-ins (such as conservatives, aromas,…) aren’t likely to be found in organic coconut waters – but read the labelling to be sure. Via internet (here for example) and sometimes in supermarkets you can even buy fresh green coconuts and enjoy the water right out of the coconut itself :–)

If you have never had the pleasure before, you should know that coconut water only tastes mildly like coconut flesh. Coconut water of good quality should taste sweetish (not too sweet: would probably mean added sugars) and in no case acidic (not even slightly). It has a very unique flavour and I loved it from the first sip. My husband on the other hand doesn’t like it, even though he grew up with it. Something I will never understand… ;–)

One thing you have to know though: only drink it COOLED. For taste reasons. In a warm state it simply won’t give your taste buds the right and deserved experience. So, first in the fridge, then in your mouth :–)

Actually, before you enjoy it, pour the coconut water in a big jug and add some junks of water melon. If you like mint or lemon balm, go ahead and add a few springs too. There is no exact recipe needed for this drink. Now let it sit in the fridge.

After a few minutes waiting, you are rewarded with a super refreshing healthy drink, that will easily revive you on a hot Summer’s day and will leave you energised to enjoy the glittering lake as you take a swim. Or the glowing bright blooms in the fields as you spread out a blanket for your picnic. Or radiant Summer colors at the markets as you stroll by. Or the long days out in the garden, with your loved ones, barbecuing away until midnight…