Cool down with these summertime drink recipes

Washington really pulled a 180 last week on the weather.

Like a light switch, we went from cold, rainy days to sunshine and 90 degrees.

Since summer made such a sudden appearance, I am here to remind everyone to stay cool, and not just by blasting a fan on high.

(This is a good time to remind my dear readers to send in your favorite summertime recipes: I want to see tomatoes, berries, eggplants, barbecue, drinks and more from y’all.)

One of my mystery readers sent in these two drink recipes — a mint-lemon sun tea and an orange-lemon cooler — which was perfect timing, given the 90-degree weather outside as I write this.

“The mint tea bag gives a light crisp flavor while the lemon and sugar give it a ‘fresh’ flavor, so you’re not just drinking boring old sun-tea,” the mystery reader wrote. And the cooler “will take that thirsty feeling off quicker than plain water,” they added.

Next time we have a heat wave, you’ll be prepared with these refreshments.

Mint/Lemon Sun Tea

Orange pekoe tea bag (regular or decaf)

Mint tea bag

Cold water

1-1½ teaspoons sugar

1-1½ teaspoons lemon juice

In a clear glass quart lidded container, fill within an inch of the top with cold water. Drop in an orange pekoe tea bag and a mint tea bag. Put the lid on, trapping the strings so that the tea bags don’t sink to the bottom, and place the container in direct sun for at least three to four hours.

When the liquid turns golden brown, bring the container inside and remove the tea bags. Add in sugar and lemon juice. Stir well, add ice, pour into a glass and enjoy.

Orange-Lemon Cooler

3-4 ounces chilled orange juice

1 ounce lemon juice

2-3 ounces cold water

Mix all the ingredients together. Add in bourbon, if desired.