Some like it hot, but Latinos like it oh-so-cold. For generations, Latinos all over the world have concocted thirst-quenching treats and spine-chilling sweets to get us through even the hottest and ickiest summer days. Even cooler: We don't even need to leave our air conditioned homes to get 'em.
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Check out a roundup of the ten most refreshing DIY Latino summer treats ever known to man, woman or child. I promise, the ice cream man ain't got nothing on these summer delights.
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Piraguas/ Raspados/Minuta
No matter what you call ‘em, shaved ice doused in sugary fruit juice is the only way to get through a sweltering summer day.
Make your own icy treats with this recipe!
Limber de Coco
What’s better than coquito at Christmas? A frozen-solid version that you can scrape out of a cup on a hot summer day. Made from pretty much the same ingredients that go into a Christmas holiday coquito, the only thing missing from limber de coco is the Bacardi.
Make your own limber with this recipe, and add rum if you dare.
Sliced mango on a stick
Because no matter how you slice it, everything tastes better on a stick. It’s science.
Make your own mango paleta.
Mexican Elote
Hey, veggies are veggies, even when they’re sold on a street corner and slathered in mayo and chili powder. Amiright?
Make your own elote with our recipe.
Quenepas
You have to suck pretty hard to get all the flesh off this slimy, but somehow yummy, ball–er, fruit. No wonder it’s also know as mamón in some Latin American countries.
But beware: you can accidentally swallow ‘em if you suck too hard!
Horchata
Depending on where you’re from, horchata is made from rice, seeds, or even nuts like almonds, peanuts and cashews. However you make it, it’s sure not to last–because that joint is delish.
Aguas frescas
There’s nothing more refreshing on a hot, sweaty day than a tall ice-cold glass of fruity, flowery, sugary agua fresca. Ahhh.
Make your own agua de Jamaica.
Brazilian delicia de abacaxi
Three words: Frozen pineapple pudding. ‘Nuff said.
Make your own delicia de abacax, and bring it to your next potluck.
Malta
An acquired tasted for many, this non-alcoholic malted soft drink is actually unfermented beer.
Chicha morada
Made from purple corn, pineapple, cinnamon and azúcar, this sweet Peruvian drink outdates the even the Inca empire. Talk about aging well.
Make your own chicha morada.
