If you're only drinking traditional Coca-Cola or Sprite at your barbecue, you're missing out. Come along as we introduce you to some of the most popular Latin American fizzy drinks you should be drinking this summer. You'll be surprised at their unique and unusual flavors; plus, your palate will appreciate a little change for the exótico.

Malta (Flicker Photo)MALTA: Known as the "children's beer" throughout the Caribbean, malta is a non-alcoholic brew, similar in color and carbonation to its harder counterpart. It's very sweet in taste with some brands containing up to 45 grams of sugar per serving, but be in the lookout for "Malta Light" with significantly fewer calories. It's also rich in vitamin B, making it a favorite among old-school mamás who would mix malta with a raw egg to make ponche, a concoction thought to fatten up skinny kids.






Jupiña (Flicker Photo)




JUPINA: A soda made with pineapple juice or jugo de piña (thus the name) is a drink brought to the states by Cuban immigrants. Its bright sweetness lends itself

Read More »from The Exotic World of Latin Sodas

At just five years old, Salma Hayek's daughter, Valentina Paloma Pinault, has more stamps in her passport than most adults and is growing up before our eyes. We take a look at the top shots of this international tot who is living the good life.

No one wants to sit down to a piping hot soup in the summer; here's an unusual and tasty option: have yourself a little strawberry soup! Not only are strawberries a greater source of vitamin C than oranges, they are also packed with antioxidants and nutrients like potassium, folate and fiber. Enjoy this recipe which takes this delicious berry to the next level.

(Serves 4)

Ingredients

4 cups fresh California strawberries, hulled and quartered

1 tablespoon honey

Zest of 1 medium orange or 1 lemon

4 chopped mint leaves

1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

2 to 3 tablespoons orange juice or lemon juice

1/2 cup water

1 cup low fat plain or vanilla Greek yogurt

1 cup evaporated skim milk or any low fat milk

4 mint sprigs (for garnish)

1 cup sliced strawberries (for garnish)

RECIPE: Party it Up with a Cool "Mojito Rojo"

Preparation

Combine strawberries with honey, zest, mint, vanilla, juice and water in a small sauce pan and simmer over

Read More »from Have Your Strawberry and Drink It, Too!

As Spanish speakers learn English in the US, and generations who have grown up American try to hang on to their Latin roots, there's a murky middle that gets created between both languages we call "Spanglish". These are words and phrases borrowed from English and given a Spanish ending in order to force them into the language.

While to some it's just a way to get a point across, purists grimace at these fusions. It seems that, like it or not, this hybrid language is here to stay. Here are some of the greatest offenders and their correct Spanish counterparts:

VIDEO: Celebs You Didn't Know Were Bilingual

ENGLISH	WRONG SPANISH	CORRECT SPANISH
to register	registrarse	inscribirse/matricularse
parts (automobile)	partes	piezas
apply (for a job)	aplicar	solicitar
qualified (for a

Read More »from Spanglish: Worst Uses of This Hybrid Language

Whether walking the red carpet or strolling down the street, Latina celebs have been at the forefront of fashion this summer. Here are some of our favorite looks so far.

By Charleen Gonzalez for Shine Latina

Get that sexy tan (iStockphoto)
A sexy tan at home

Having beautiful bronzed skin in the summer is easily attainable for any skin tone, even for some of us fair Latinas who tend to burn quickly. The best part: you don't have to spend any time under the sun's harmful UV rays. The easiest way to get a summer glow is to use a body self-tanner. I tested out many different brands, and the one self-tanner that didn't leave me orange, didn't have a bad smell and dried fairly quickly is LORAC's SelfTANtalizer Body Bronzing Gradual Self-Tanner. This self-tanner instantly adds a sun kissed look that can gradually be built up for a full-on tan. I recommend applying it after getting out of the shower; just wait about five minutes before putting your clothes on.

VIDEO: Watch my tutorial on how to get a great tan without the sun.

A beautifully bronzed face

Now we want the face to match our faux-bronzed skin, and to achieve this you can use a gradual facial self-tanner like LORAC's Read More »from Get a Great Tan Without Burning

By Liliana Moyano for Shine Latina

 

My dad had a friend who worked at a finca (or farm) near my house, and every now and then he'd come by with tons of beautiful vegetables. Sometimes the two of them would cook dinner and drink wine while trying to create new recipes. My sisters and I would just sit around the kitchen and ask questions about every ingredient. One night, they made some incredible stuffed mushrooms. They were so good; the kind of taste and texture combination that stays with you for the rest of your life. The recipe quickly became a family staple. So much so, that even today, I run into the famous mushrooms at all of my sisters' gatherings. My Latin friends love them and request them quite often. They can be paired with a good Malbec wine and enjoyed on a relaxed Friday night with family and friends.

"Baconize" Your Bloody Mary

Ahora, a cocinar! (Let's cook!)...
(3 servings)

Ingredients

9 white mushrooms, stemmed
1/3 cup shredded mozzarella

Read More »from Mi Familia's Recipe for Stuffed Mushrooms

By Liliana Moyano for Shine Latina

During my first year of college, I had the most amazing experience studying abroad in Spain. My four sisters and I (we are only one year apart from each other) stayed in Madrid for a month and took summer courses at the local University of Maria Cristina. One of our first meals was an authentic Gazpacho de Tomate (Tomato Gazpacho soup). I thought it was something like la sopa de la abuela (grandma's soup) and went for it with a big spoon. To my surprise it was a cold tomato soup that tasted like plain salsa but without the chips. I was a little confused and asked the server to heat it up for me thinking they had served it cold by mistake. Later on, he explained that Gazpacho is a typical Spanish summer dish, and it is purposely served cold.

While in Spain, I never acquired the taste for it, and was even reluctant to ever have Gazpacho again, until I saw it in a restaurant menu as "Gazpacho de Aguacate" (Avocado Gazpacho). I ordered it and it

Read More »from Aguazpacho to Indulge Your Inner Español... ¡Olé!