Beat the Heat this Summer with Our Balsamic Vinegars

If you think balsamics are just for salads, you couldn’t be more wrong. In fact, with two months of summer left ahead of us, we’ve thought of some ways to incorporate your favourite balsamics into your favourite summer treats, whether that be cocktails, ice cream, or smoothies. Because our vinegars are so thick with concentrated grape must, you don't need much to take these chilly goodies to the next level. With these delightful combinations, those dog days stand no chance.

With all the heat and humidity soon to come, we all know how important it is to stay hydrated. What better way to do that than with a cool glass of sparkling water and some balsamic vinegar? Yes, you read that right, balsamic vinegar. We don’t usually think of adding balsamics to our drinks but try adding a spoonful or two of balsamic vinegar to your favourite drink, top with ice, and that’s it!

If you'd like some inspiration, try Grapefruit White Balsamic to some gin and tonic, garnish with ice and a lime wedge, and voila! Now you’re ready for the next Zoom meeting or that next Netflix binge. If grapefruit isn’t your favourite, you can try the Apricot, Strawberry or Green Apple; it’s hard to go wrong when the balsamics are this good.

Alcohol not your thing? We got you. Sparkling water and other carbonated drinks, like sodas, work well too. Upgrade your lemonades with our Strawberry or Raspberry Balsamics. Now you can party as hard you want; no designated driver needed.

It's almost too easy.  All you need to do is add some ice to a steam-less glass, fill with sparkling water.  Add a good drizzle of your favourite balsamic, top with a garnish and that's it!

 

Another cocktail example from our friends at Mati, "Let's Taco bout it":

Cilantro infused Altos tequila, Cointrea, lime juice, Aurelius Food Co. Grapefruit White Balsamic, Hibiscus bitter, Black lava salt.  You'll have to go visit the pros at Mati for this one, unless you have the skills to make it at home :)

Next time you’re about to pull out the chocolate syrup to add to your sundae, try swapping it for our balsamics. The balsamics add a tart flavour and a sweetness without the unnecessary sugars you find in syrups or caramels.

If you’re not sure where to start, try Bordeaux Cherry with some chocolate ice cream or finish your banana split with our Chocolate Orange balsamic. Cut up some fresh fruit, add a scoop of vanilla, throw in your favourite toppings, and drizzle with Black Walnut Balsamic.

Alternatively, these balsamics can be used for making ice cream, not just for topping it. It’s a fun summer activity to do with your family or friends. Here’s one from Fine Cooking for a scrumptious Strawberry Balsamic Ice Cream (substitute the balsamic with the 25 Star Balsamic):

Here is another AMAZING recipe from Bare Root Girl,  https://barerootgirl.com/nourish/2015/07/02/maple-vanilla-ice-cream-with-grilled-peaches-balsamic/ (photo credit Bare Root Girl).

 

Smoothies are a fun and fast way to get your daily fruit servings in one go, however, not every fruit has year-round availability. With our balsamics, you don’t have to worry about that. 

Start the morning right with a classic smoothie; slice a banana, add some frozen blueberries, a cup of vanilla soy milk, a spoonful of peanut butter, and some cinnamon into a blender. For something more tropical, slice a banana, pineapple chunks, orange juice, vanilla frozen yogurt, and drizzle in some mango balsamic. If your smoothie is too chunky, add more milk or juice. If you're using frozen fruit, refrain from adding ice because that can water down your smoothie; the frozen fruit will be enough to keep it cool.

If you’d like something more filling, take these smoothies one step further and pour them into a shallow and wide bowl. Slice your favourite fruits and arrange them in a straight line over the smoothie. Add coconut flakes, chia seeds, sunflower seeds, cocoa nibs or semi-sweet chocolate chips (or whatever you’ve got in the pantry) for a more fulfilling breakfast.

With 21 flavours of balsamic flavours here at Aurelius, there are endless possibilities with what you can do. Embrace the heat with these sweet treats made even better by our high-quality products. Whether you’re looking to stay healthy or satisfy that sweet teeth, we've got a balsamic for that. Before you invite your friends over for a reunion, order your balsamics at  www.aureliusfoodco.com and wow the crowd with your newfound indulgences.