Recipes: cold flavorful drinks

Serves 1.

Note: From "New York Sweets: A Sugarhound's Guide to the Best Bakeries, Ice Cream Parlors, Candy Shops, and Other Emporia of Delicious Delights," by Susan Pear Meisel (Rizzoli International, $29.95).

• 3/8 c. (3 oz.) whole milk

• About 3/4 c. (6 oz.) very cold seltzer

• 3 tbsp. (1 1/2 oz.) chocolate syrup

• Straight pretzel rod for garnish

Directions

Nutrition information per serving:

Calories221Fat4 gSodium88 mgSaturated fat2 g

Carbohydrates43 gCalcium120 mg

Protein4 gCholesterol9 mgDietary fiber2 g

Diabetic exchanges per serving: ½ milk, 2½ other carb, 1 fat.

Note: From "Mediterranean Cooking," by the Culinary Institute of America and by Lynne Gigliotti (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, $34.99).

• 1 bunch rosemary, well washed

• Zest of 2 lemons

• Juice of 2 lemons

• 1 c. sugar

Directions

Put the rosemary, lemon zest, lemon juice and sugar in a heatproof container. In a small saucepan, bring the water to a boil and then pour it over the rosemary. Stir and let infuse for 2 hours. Strain and serve cold.

Nutrition information per serving:

Calories163Fat0 gSodium3 mgSaturated fat0 g

Carbohydrates43 gCalcium10 mg

Diabetic exchanges per serving: 3 other carb.

Makes 2 cups.

Note: The syrup recipe and most of the serving suggestions are from "Make Your Own Soda: Syrup Recipes for All-Natural Pops, Floats, Cocktails and More," by Anton Nocito (Clarkson Potter, $14.99).

• 2 quarts fresh sour cherries, pitted

• 2 c. sugar

Directions

In a medium saucepan set over medium heat, combine the cherries, sugar and lemon juice and bring to a boil. Simmer for 30 minutes. Strain the syrup through a fine-mesh strainer and discard the fruit solids. Store the syrup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to seven days. Pour over ice cream or stir into milk.

Cherry soda: Fill a tall glass with ice. Add 3 tablespoons syrup and add a few dashes citric acid solution or acid phosphate. Top with seltzer and mix gently.

Cherry cream soda: Fill a tall glass with ice. Add in 3 tablespoons syrup, pour in seltzer until the glass is almost full. Stir. Top with 3 tablespoons milk and serve.

Cherry lassi: Add 3 tablespoons yogurt to a pint glass. Stir until smooth. Add 3 tablespoons cherry syrup and stir until syrup and yogurt are incorporated. Fill three-quarters full with water, stir and top with ice.

Cherry ice cream soda: Fill a tall glass with ice. Add 3 tablespoons syrup. Add enough seltzer until the glass is two-thirds full, stirring briskly. Add 1 scoop vanilla ice cream, then top with more seltzer, taking care that it doesn't run over.

Serves 5.

Note: Find tamarind paste at Asian markets. From "Mediterranean Cooking," by the Culinary Institute of America and by Lynne Gigliotti.

• 5 c. water

• 1 c. tamarind paste (see Note)

Directions

In a small saucepan, bring the water to a simmer over medium heat. Add the tamarind and sugar and stir for about 5 minutes, then let soak for 2 hours. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve and serve cold.

Nutrition information per serving:

Calories266Fat0 gSodium21 mgSaturated fat0 g

Carbohydrates69 gCalcium37 mg

Diabetic exchanges per serving: 4½ other carb.

Serves 5.

Note: From "Mediterranean Cooking," by the Culinary Institute of America and by Lynne Gigliotti (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, $34.99).

• 1 cucumber, peeled and seeded

• Juice of 1 lime

• Sugar, to taste

• 1 lime, sliced, for garnish

Directions

In the jar of a blender, process the cucumber and lime juice, then strain through a fine-mesh sieve for an hour. Add the juice to the water, along with a little sugar to taste. Serve garnished with a lime slice.

Nutrition information per serving:

Carbohydrates2 gSaturated fat0 gCalcium14 mg

Protein0 gCholesterol0 mgDietary fiber0 g

Diabetic exchanges per serving: free food.

Serves 1

Note: From "Share: The Cookbook That Celebrates Our Common Humanity" (Kyle Books, $35).

• 2 sprigs fresh mint

Directions

For a refreshing start to the day, place the lemon and mint into a heatproof glass and cover with boiling water. Allow to steep for 2 minutes before drinking.

Nutrition information per serving:

Calories3Fat0 gSodium2 mg

Protein0 gCholesterol0 mgDietary fiber0 g