One of my favorite things to do is grab a snack and play a game, especially in the evening after a busy day. Snacking and gaming refresh me both mentally and physically. That’s why I have compiled five summery snacks and drinks that pair well with games!
1. Kirby & Pink Lemonade
What is sweet and pink? Kirby, but also pink lemonade! You can make this from scratch or by using store-bought mix (I use 2 tablespoons of mix for every 1 ½ cup of water). From scratch, you can use freshly squeezed lemons and strawberries or raspberries to give it a pink color. When served chilled or with ice, pink lemonade is a wonderful summer refreshment, particularly after working or walking in the sun! This pairs well with Kirby and the Forgotten Land, which features many tropical and summery landscapes.
2. Monster Hunter Rise, Green Tea, & Dango
I’m lucky enough to live within walking distance of an excellent grocery store which carries dango and green tea. While I purchased mine from the store, you can also make dango from scratch. This is a more involved process requiring glutinous rice flour, hot water, matcha powder, and food coloring.
Dango is one of the staples in Monster Hunter Rise, with your player character gulping it down greedily before every mission. Dango is sticky flavored rice with a gooey texture and a mildly sweet flavor. It also pairs well with chilled green tea. It’s particularly wonderful if you are looking for a light dessert on a hot day. With the recent release of Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak DLC, now might be a great time to try dango!
3. Pokemon & “Oran Berry” Muffins
Ever since I first played Pokemon Diamond as a child, I wanted to try poffins. In the poffin minigame, you stir the dough to create a fluffy cake, tossing in berries to change the flavor and effect. I decided to try a blueberry (I mean, “oran berry”) muffin recipe. The resulting muffins are moist and dense because of yoghurt, but also mildly sweet and appetizing because of the blueberries.
You can alter the recipe slightly to change the consistency, making the muffins fluffier or denser depending on your preference. Here are the ingredients: 1 ½ cups flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, ½ teaspoon baking soda, a dash of salt, ½ cup unsalted butter, ¼ cup brown sugar, 1 egg, ¾ cup Greek yoghurt, 1 ½ cup fresh blueberries. Stir the wet and dry ingredients together, and then bake at 400 degrees for about 18-20 minutes. Enjoy!
4. Garden Story & Summer Grape Salad
Summer fruit salads are refreshing and sweet, especially grape salad. You can make this using seedless red or green grapes, slivered almonds, Greek yoghurt, and a splash of vanilla extract. If you want an extra dash of sweetness, you can sprinkle granulated sugar on top. I also prepared a simple jar of blueberry-infused water to accompany my salad. Just crush some fresh blueberries and add them to chilled water. The soft fruity flavor is refreshing, and it also has some health benefits. I paired these recipes with Garden Story, where an intrepid young grape named Concord explores and defends the Grove. Just don’t think too much about the implications of eating grapes while playing as a grape!
5. A Short Hike & Trail Mix
A Short Hike is filled with summer activities such as mountain climbing, visiting the beach, and camping. When the weather outside is too hot, consider turning this game on and making trail mix. It’s an immersive combination that captures both the taste and experience of hiking. My trail mix consists of salted cashews, raisins, M&Ms, and almonds. You can add these ingredients in different quantities depending on your personal preference. You can also substitute raisins with cranberries and experiment with different types of nuts like pecans or walnuts.
Feeling Peckish?
Hopefully one of these combinations caught your eye! Gaming can be even more enjoyable and immersive when paired with the right tastes. If you’re looking for a summer activity, then plan a flavorful escape by preparing a snack and playing a game.