Warm days are when freshly squeezed juices, refreshing lemonades, and flavored waters make a comeback. This indispensable element of every party or gathering with loved ones is often treated somewhat carelessly. Meanwhile, these beverages can be served just as elegantly as exquisite wines and original spirits, fitting seamlessly into the entire table arrangement. How to serve juices with class and appeal?
Juices and lemonades
Spring and summer are the times when we are more likely to reach for fruit juices or lemonades. Full of flavor and vitamins, refreshing during the hottest weather, and perfectly hydrating, they become an essential part of everyday life. It's worth paying attention to how they are served.
Especially during parties and gatherings with friends, it's important to ensure that these colorful and tasty beverages are served appropriately. For this purpose, it's worth getting water and juice glasses, such as those from the Elegance series by KROSNO. The transparent glass perfectly complements fruit pieces, vibrant colors, or simple decorations like a slice of lemon or a sprig of rosemary.
This way of serving drinks is also an important trend for "outdoor" weddings and receptions in classic wedding halls. It's worth remembering when organizing other family events that call for a special setting.
Elegant large glasses
Juice glasses, though similar at first glance, differ from popular wine glasses. They usually have a much larger capacity – up to 600 ml. This is because additions – decorative fruits or ice cubes – take up a lot of space, leaving little for the liquid. Such vessels, like those from the Harmony collection by KROSNO, are distinguished not only by their slender shape but also by a large bowl.
A long stem is also important. Besides serving aesthetics, functionality is key – just as with wine, the shape of the glass matters. The elongated stem, which should be held, protects the liquid from overheating and the ice from melting too quickly, both directly affecting the taste of the drink.
When using drink glasses to arrange a table, it's worth placing slices of citrus, strawberries, fig pieces, or herbs in them beforehand. A moment before pouring the drink on hot days, large ice cubes or frozen berries or raspberries can be added to the bowl. Whether it's juice, lemonade, or water, they will certainly look splendid.
Original juice glasses
Juice glasses can also resemble beer goblets. What distinguishes this type of glass from other juice glasses is the elongated shape of the bowl. This allows for drinking through a straw. A piece of pineapple or lemon, or even a candied cherry, can be placed on the rim to give the whole a summery feel. Such an original set will be especially useful during garden gatherings or in a summer gazebo. A large vessel, before pouring juice or lemonade into it, can be filled with crushed ice, for example, ensuring perfect refreshment.
All water glasses can also be decorated with a crust. Simply dip the rim in lemon juice, then in sugar, xylitol, or erythritol, to give the elegant arrangement a more summery, "casual" character.
It's also worth paying attention to other types of glasses that can be successfully used for serving juices, such as champagne glasses or even... martini glasses. They usually have a capacity of only about 150 - 200 ml, so they differ significantly from the previously mentioned vessels. However, they can be a great solution for an elegant breakfast or dinner. When serving freshly squeezed, preferably clear juice, to which other additions are unnecessary, such small glasses will be perfect. An attractive way of serving a seemingly ordinary drink will draw attention to the color of the liquid and allow for savoring its taste, adding flavor and style to the entire meal.
Recipes for refreshing drinks
Making juice yourself takes just a moment if you have a juicer or a centrifugal juicer. With various additions, including sparkling water, they can easily be turned into refreshing lemonades. It's worth learning and using a few recipes for original, perfect non-alcoholic drinks for spring and summer parties on the next occasion!
When serving a larger portion of juice or lemonade – both during gatherings on the terrace or in the garden, and during elegant home parties – it's more convenient to serve them in a carafe or pitcher. A vessel with an interesting shape, complemented with ice, fruit, and herbs, will also serve as a beautiful table decoration.
1. Green Refreshment Cocktail - recipe
To prepare Green Refreshment, you will need:
- 2 cucumbers,
- 2 pears,
- 2 limes,
- 2 handfuls of mint leaves,
- 2 cm piece of ginger,
- mint sprigs for decorating each glass.
Wash and peel the cucumbers, ginger, and fruit if necessary. Put them together with the mint leaves into the juicer and extract the juice. After pouring into a glass, place a sprig of herbs in it.
2. Summer Tan Cocktail - recipe
To prepare Summer Tan, you will need:
- 0.5 fresh pineapple,
- 2 apples,
- 4 carrots,
- Candied cherry for decorating each glass,
- Paper umbrella for decoration.
Wash and peel the fruit and carrots if necessary. Transfer them to the juicer and extract the juice. Before serving, decorate each vessel by placing a candied cherry on the rim. For an original effect, you can also stick a paper umbrella into it.
3. Apple Pie Cocktail - recipe
To prepare Apple Pie, you will need:
- 6 apples
- 2 cm piece of ginger,
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon,
- 1 teaspoon cardamom,
- 2 teaspoons honey, preferably buckwheat,
- juice of 1.5 lemons.
Place 4 washed, cored apples into the juicer along with the ginger and extract the juice. Mix it in a pitcher or carafe with spices, honey, and the juice of 1 lemon. Peel the remaining 2 apples and cut them into medium cubes. Drizzle them with the remaining lemon juice and mix with the other ingredients. Serve the drink chilled in elegant glasses.
4. Watermelon Kiss Lemonade - recipe
To prepare Watermelon Kiss, you will need:
- 3 lemons,
- 2 limes,
- a large piece of fresh watermelon,
- a handful of mint
- 3 tablespoons xylitol or erythritol,
- 1 liter of sparkling water,
- 10 ice cubes.
Squeeze juice from lemons and limes. Peel the watermelon, remove seeds. Blend and strain through a sieve until a clear liquid is obtained. In a pitcher, mix fruit juices, mint, sweetener, and sparkling water. Before serving, fill tall glasses with crushed ice from a blender.
5. Pink Lemonade - recipe
To prepare Pink Lemonade, you will need:
- 4 lemons,
- 2 limes,
- 3 grapefruits,
- 50 ml grapefruit syrup,
- a handful of lemon balm leaves,
- 3 tablespoons xylitol or erythritol,
- 1 liter of sparkling water,
- 10 ice cubes.
Squeeze juice from 3 lemons, 2 limes, and 2 grapefruits. Slice the remaining fruit and transfer to a carafe. Pour in the citrus drink, add syrup, herbs, sweetener, and sparkling water. Mix thoroughly. Before serving, fill glasses with crushed ice from a blender.