Cool Food for Your Hot Summer Party

With the temperatures going up, it’s time to party down. Here are some delicious ways you can keep your chill and tantalize your guests’ taste buds.

Appetizers

The phrase “cool as a cucumber” has some actual backing to it. Cucumbers are extremely hydrating and are known in Chinese medicine as a cooling food. Since they are so versatile they are perfect for a summer party. They go great with hummus, can be used in a kebab, are essential in tea sandwiches, or be paired with shrimp to make delicious canapes.

Fresh fruit is a must. Besides being colorful and flavorful they are hydrating and help the body stay cool from the inside out. Watermelon, apples, peaches, and pineapples are all excellent choices. You can make colorful skewers, fruit salad, or serve a fruit salsa with cinnamon chips. For savory treats try deviled eggs, chicken salads, or a charcuterie tray.

Drinks

Nothing says summer more than a cool glass of lemonade. You can go traditional with the flavor and keep it purist, or you can mix it up with notes of mint, lime, strawberry, or raspberry and peach. Iced tea is another palatable refresher to serve at summer shindigs.

If you plan to be outdoors you will want to keep plenty of cold water on hand as well and perhaps some drinks with added electrolytes if it is a particularly hot day, or you and your guests will be exerting yourselves. Another fun idea is to have a smoothie bar where guests can create their own personalized drink from frozen fruits.

Desserts

For those who like the sweeter things in life, there are plenty of delicious cold deserts you can offer. Frozen fruit popsicles are colorful and refreshing, and frozen Greek yogurt makes for a rich and smooth treat. You could put a new twist on an old favorite and make frozen s’mores, ice cream sandwiches, or serve a delectable OREO ice cream cake.

No bake cakes, strawberry panna cotta, peaches with cream, and fresh fruit with caramel or fruit dip are all excellent choices as well. If you are serving lighter finger snacks reminiscent of an English tea service then petit fours, macaroons, and small chocolate confections like truffles or chocolate dipped strawberries are delightful. Another idea is to have a cracker plate with homemade sweet toppings like jams, jellies, and nut spreads. No matter if your dessert is a delicate petit four or a delicious OREO ice cream cake, you guests will enjoy having a cool treat on a warm day.