In The Community
Jump on the aguas frescas bandwagon
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“Agua fresca” is a traditional Mexican drink and it’s the epitome of refreshing, so it can help you stay cool and happy during the summer. They’re delicious and there’s a great variety of them, so you won’t get bored. They can be made with fruits like watermelon, mango, pineapple, etc., or cereals, flowers, and seeds, mixed with water and sugar. Exploring the world of aguas frescas is a delight and they’re very easy to make at home, so start hunting for recipes and make your summer that much better. They’re perfect for summer picnics too!
Snack on frozen treats
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Ice cream and popsicles are summer staples, so you should have a stock of them. We recommend you go for “paletas,” which are popsicles available in a variety of flavors. They’re a Latino staple, especially among Mexicans, and they’re known for their fruity and creamy flavors. If you feel adventurous, you should try to find mango-chile paletas or make them at home. Trust us, mango and chile go super well together! At any rate, any kind of paleta will keep you cool while you indulge in a delicious snack.
Hydrate like a pro
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This is an obvious one, but let’s not act like we don’t forget or struggle to keep our water intake up every day. Staying hydrated is more essential than ever during the summer, especially if we’re spending a lot of time outside. So keep yourself fresh and healthy by having your insulated water bottle with you at all times. That will help you sip on it throughout the day, just make sure the water is nice and cool. You can jazz it up a bit and make it more delicious by adding slices of lemon or lime, cucumber, mint, etc. Just don’t rely too much on sugary drinks because they actually dehydrate you.
Keep your house as cool as possible
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The easiest way to keep your sanity during the summer is to make sure your home is well-ventilated. Keeping the A/C during the day can get expensive really quickly, so setting up fans around the house is a great way to keep your home comfortable in the daytime. As a little hack, you can set up bowls of ice in front of the fan to make the air cooler. Also, make sure you close the curtains during the hottest parts of the day. The more sun gets into your home, the hotter it will be.
Take refreshing showers
woman taking a showerPhoto by Laura Marques on UnsplashShowering more often during the summer is a great way to stay cool. We’re not saying you should shower every hour, but whenever you’re feeling like you can’t bear the heat, having a quick, cool, or lukewarm shower will lower your body temperature. Also, consider getting a peppermint or eucalyptus-scented body wash! They cause a refreshing sensation on the skin and you’ll feel it even after you’ve toweled off.
Reach out for your cooling mists
Photo by Kalos Skincare on UnsplashCooling mists are lifesavers and they can help you stay nice and fresh during the day. They’re very easy to make at home by mixing floral waters like rose water with some citrus essential oil or aloe vera gel. Spritz the cooling mist on your face and body whenever you need a hit and you’ll feel instantly better. Not to mention these cooling mists will keep your skin hydrated!
Wear hats!
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Even if hats aren’t usually your thing, you might want to adopt them just for the summer. Especially if you have plenty of activities planned under the sun. They will protect your face from sun damage and provide some much-needed shade. There are plenty of hat options to consider, but a good old sombrero is, by far, the best one because it offers a lot more shade than, say, a regular cap. Plus, it just looks so much better!
Host a backyard parrillada (BBQ)
Photo by Z Grills Australia on UnsplashNothing says summer like a sizzling parrillada (BBQ) in the backyard. Gather your family and friends, fire up the grill, and cook up some carne asada, chorizos, and pollo adobado. Don’t forget the side dishes like guacamole, salsa, chimichurri, cilantro lime rice, pasta salad, and elote (grilled corn). It’s a delicious way to bring everyone together and kick off the summer with good company, a full belly, and lots of laughs.
Head to the beach
Photo by Omar Lopez on UnsplashIf you’re lucky enough to live within driving distance of a beach, the first day of summer is the right excuse to head on over. Don’t forget the quintessential Latino beach foods, such as ceviche, empanadas, and deviled ham spread sandwiches. To stay cool and fresh, bring some limonada, aguas frescas, or mocktails. A cooler of beers is also essential for adults, just make sure there’s a designated driver. Of course, we don’t have to tell you to charge up your Bluetooth speaker and get your reggaeton, salsa, and bachata playlist ready.
Dance party under the stars
Photo by Javier Allegue Barros on UnsplashNot everyone loves the sunshine and heat. If you’re one of those people, but you still want to start your summer on the right foot, why not organize a dance party under the stars? Set up a little dance floor in your backyard or local park, create some ambiance with fairy lights, create a playlist with your favorite Latino hits, and invite your family and friends over. Whether you prefer reggaeton, merengue, cumbia, salsa, etc., let your mood lead the way.
Set up an outdoor movie night
Photo by Roberto Nickson on UnsplashIf you’re not in a dancing mood, another alternative would be to set up your own outdoor movie night. There are plenty of Latin American movies to choose from that will make for a great time. We recommend a good comedy, like “Champions,” or you can choose a few options and poll your guests in a group chat. Of course, there should be a lot of snacks. Consider nachos, chips and guacamole, or an assortment of salsas, popcorn, etc. It’s also a good idea to have your guests bring their favorite foods or drinks to share.
Intimate cooking class at home
Photo by Odiseo Castrejon on UnsplashIf food is your love language, having an intimate cooking class at home can be the perfect way to welcome the summer. Choose a Latino dish like arepas, empanadas, tacos, Mexican tortas, etc., and make a nice evening out of it. The great thing about these dishes is that you can have variety, so everyone can have a hand in cooking and loving the final result.
A hike and a picnic
Photo by photo nic on UnsplashThe first day of summer is a great opportunity to reconnect with nature, so going on a hike and ending it with a picnic can feel like heaven. Make sure to choose a trail that suits everyone's fitness level and pack the kind of picnic you won’t be able to stop thinking about. We’re talking Latino-inspired cheese platter with manchego cheese, guava, mango, etc., horchata or aguas frescas, arroz con leche, reina pepiada chicken salad, taco salad, and much more.
Plan a music jam session
Photo by Stas Ostrikov on UnsplashMusic is magical when it comes to creating the right ambiance, bringing people together, and just lifting everyone’s spirits. That’s why planning a jam session just feels right if you’re a musician or play instruments as a hobby and so do your friends or family members. It can be an outdoor get-together if you have the backyard space for it, but indoors still works. Get everyone together with their instruments and welcome the summer playing covers of your favorite Latino songs.
Go on a street food tour
Photo by Syed Ahmad on UnsplashGoing on a street food tour is not only a delicious way to welcome the summer and have a great time, but it’s also a way to help local small businesses. We recommend you focus on Latino-owned food vendors because they offer authentic food that won’t break the bank. This is also a great way to celebrate your Latino culture and also share it with friends through food.
Give your garden some love
Photo by Mary Jane Duford on UnsplashYou should be giving your garden some love year-round, but it’s particularly important during summer. Not only do you want your plants to look their best, but you also need to make sure they survive the heat. Plus, a summer garden looks lush and beautiful, so it’s something you’ll be proud to show off. Put whatever Latino gardening wisdom you have to good use and grow your own herbs and veggies to make your food even more delicious.
Volunteer in the community
Photo by Joel Muniz on UnsplashLast but not least, giving back is a great way to welcome the summer on the right foot. Summer is all about connecting to the people you love, but it’s also about being an active part of the community. Summer is quite a busy month in any community, so making donations or lending a hand on the first day of summer can make a positive difference and also set the tone for a fulfilling season.
Mexican Tacos Al Pastor
Photo by Jarritos Mexican Soda on UnsplashA crowd favorite, Tacos Al Pastor is a dish that's versatile, flavorful, and perfect for a communal setting. Thin strips of marinated pork are traditionally cooked on a vertical spit, then served on small tortillas with a blend of finely chopped onions, cilantro, and pineapple. For a backyard get-together, you can adapt this by grilling the pork. Set out a 'make-your-own-taco' station with all the toppings and let your guests have fun customizing their tacos. Get the recipe here.
Cuban Ropa Vieja
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Ropa Vieja, a classic Cuban dish, translates to 'old clothes' due to the shredded appearance of the meat, which mimics torn fabric. This hearty dish is a mixture of slow-cooked shredded beef stewed with bell peppers, onions, and tomatoes. It's a dish that can easily be scaled to feed a crowd, and is perfect for serving alongside rice and black beans, allowing your guests to serve themselves. You can find the recipe here.
Colombian Sancocho
Photo by Keesha's Kitchen on UnsplashSancocho is a traditional Colombian stew that is hearty, robust, and perfect for large gatherings. It is typically made with a combination of meats, potatoes, plantains, corn, yucca, and is flavored with herbs and spices. Served with a side of white rice and avocado slices, Sancocho offers a complete meal in one bowl and is easily scalable for larger groups. Follow the recipe here.
Venezuelan Arepas
Photo by Frederick Medina on UnsplashArepas are a staple of Venezuelan cuisine. These versatile cornmeal patties can be grilled, baked, or fried, and are typically split open and filled with a variety of fillings, from shredded beef and cheese to beans and avocados. For a summer gathering, you can set up an Arepa bar where guests can choose their fillings and make their own personalized Arepas, offering an interactive and delicious experience. Get the recipe here.
Salvadoran Pupusas
Photo by Daniel Lloyd Blunk-Fernández on UnsplashPupusas are a Salvadoran specialty that your guests are sure to enjoy. These thick, stuffed corn tortillas are traditionally filled with a blend of cheese, cooked pork, and refried beans, although you can experiment with other fillings as well. Pupusas are typically served with a tangy cabbage slaw called curtido and a tomato-based salsa, making for a flavorful and satisfying bite perfect for a casual summer get-together. You can find the recipe here.
Puerto Rican Arroz con Gandules
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Arroz con Gandules is a flavorful Puerto Rican dish perfect for any large gathering. This savory rice dish is cooked with pigeon peas, olives, capers, tomato sauce, and a mix of spices, with optional additions like pork or chicken. It's a one-pot dish that's easy to serve and is hearty enough to be a stand-alone meal, making it perfect for a summer get-together. Follow the recipe here.
Each of these dishes brings a unique flavor profile and cultural tradition to your summer gathering, creating a vibrant, diverse, and delicious spread for your guests to enjoy. From the tangy, sweet, and savory notes of Tacos Al Pastor to the hearty, robust flavors of Sancocho, there's something to suit everyone's palate!
