Monocle's Robert Bound on Beating the Heat: From Espresso to Fans

In a Monocle opinion piece, contributing editor Robert Bound offers a personal take on staying cool during hot weather, questioning the effectiveness of common remedies. He argues that ice cream, while enjoyable, does not actually lower body temperature, and instead recommends iced coffee or cold brown tea as more effective coolants. Bound also discusses the potential drawbacks of alcoholic drinks, suggesting that a chilled martini made with freezer-stored vodka might be better enjoyed in the shade. He highlights Japanese convenience store products like Lion Brand cooling sheets and frozen eye masks as practical aids, though he notes the latter are best used in private. For a more elegant approach, he endorses the concertina fan as an eco-conscious and stylish alternative to battery-powered hand fans. Bound concludes by suggesting that offices might benefit from proper air conditioning by brands like Daikin, Midea, or Mitsubishi. The piece is part of Monocle's health coverage and reflects Bound's personal opinions.