Mindful Moments: your sober summer staples

With summer around the corner, it is the time where iced drinks are all the craze. However, these drinks do not always have to be an alcoholic beverage, as summer can also be about wholesome sober activities. According to Student Beans’ 2024 Freshers Report, two in three students are open to doing university sober, showing that the appeal for sober drinking is on the rise. A refreshing iced drink in a cute cafe is a perfect alternative to consuming alcohol. Yet with so many summer drinks to choose from, it is difficult to know what to order. So, I have made it easier for you by trying out some of the best sober summer drinks, with the hope of finding your perfect go to drink this summer.

At Caffè Nero, there are many different syrups to put in the iced latte: vanilla, pistachio or caramel. This can make the drink a little more exciting and taste like a lovely sweet treat

A perfect start is a simple iced coffee. At Caffè Nero, which you can find in the FAB and the Sports and Wellness Hub, an iced latte is a personal favourite of mine. This has many benefits such as cooling you down, as well as providing a steady energy boost considering it is an excellent source of caffeine. An iced coffee can also be gentler on the stomach as it is less acidic than a hot coffee. At Caffè Nero, there are many different syrups to put in the iced latte: vanilla, pistachio, or caramel. This can make the drink a little more exciting and taste like a lovely sweet treat. Also, if you do not want too much of a caffeine boost if it is later on in the day, you can ask for just one espresso shot or even a decaffeinated coffee instead. Another iced coffee that has become a favourite of mine is the GAIL’s iced muscovado latte. This is a perfect sweet treat, especially to sit in at the new aesthetic spot in Leamington Spa.

If you are not a huge coffee lover, an amazing alternative is an iced matcha. As someone who was never a matcha fan, when Caffè Nero came out with their new matcha collection, I was certainly thrown off at first. However, after trying an iced vanilla matcha latte, my opinion has been swayed. With the vanilla flavouring, the matcha flavour is not too strong, which is perfect for someone new to matcha like me. Matcha can be a great alternative to coffee given that it is high in antioxidants, can boost brain function, and can promote heart health. Also, the sage green colour of the matcha can contribute to a beautiful aesthetic in the summer months.

If you are looking for something different but tasty, give the iced vanilla matcha latte a go

Smoothies are another popular summery drink. Whether it’s a green smoothie or a tropical smoothie, it has multiple health benefits. Smoothies tend to be packed with nutrient-rich ingredients such as fruit and vegetables. Furthermore, they promote digestive health as fruit and vegetables contain high levels of fibre. Curiousitea has particularly delicious smoothies, made with 100% fruit and completely vegan. These range from ‘Blue Lagoon’ to ‘Tropical Temptation’ and are very affordable to sit in with over the summer term.

Although there are lots of gorgeous summer drinks to be had, I have to say that the iced vanilla matcha latte is my sober drink of the summer. By having less caffeine than a coffee but still providing a great energy boost, it is the perfect sweet treat. Being accessible in both the FAB and the sports and wellness hub is a huge benefit, making it a great post workout or mid-study sweet drink. So, if you are looking for something different but tasty, give the iced vanilla matcha latte a go.