Cool Drink Wars

There is a battle going on in Ditmas Park, to our benefit, of the different drink establishments. Which can come up with the tastiest and most refreshing drink to quench our summer thirst? I will give you a breakdown according to how I bumped into them, all on the same hot summer's day, and not according to preference, since I have not had an opportunity to try them all. But I'm working on it.

Downtown Natural Market on Church Avenue and East 18^th Street has some interesting drinking options at the juice bar that are both refreshing and affordable. The wonderful flavors they have at the ready to just grab and go are: Mango Lassi $2 /Watermelon Juice $1 /Ginger Tea $1 /Hibiscus Tea $1. Checking these out would probably be a good idea if you are on your way to Prospect Park and have forgotten to bring a drink or need a cool one for the walk up to the park.

Mimi Hummus on Cortelyou Road is serving up Mint or Lavender Lemonade for $3.30. When you walk in, the smell of fresh lemons is so refreshing in itself, it certainly made me want to sit down and relax.

Cinco De Mayo on Cortelyou Road, though the management has not advertised it, has Agua De Jamaica which is a much sweeter version of Hibiscus Tea, made from sorrel flowers which hails originally from Jamaica and is quite delicious. There is also Horchata which is a rice drink made with milk, sugar and cinnamon.

Qathra on Cortelyou Road has Watermelon Mint Juice, which needs no explaination for $4.00.

Connecticut Muffin has come up with a Frozen Mint Lemonade that is tart and not overly sweet, a small is $2.75 and a large is $3.25

I say try them all and see which is your absolute favorite. There is something for everyone here in Ditmas Park.