Summer is here and that means the sun, the sand, and of course, thirst! There’s nothing more refreshing than a cold summer beverage. But with temperatures soaring during this season, what can you drink to beat the heat? And while there are so many fruity options out there to quench your thirst in summer, pairing them with some equally chilled beverages is an even better idea.
Here are my favorite five refreshing summer drinks you should try this summer.
Cucumber Water
Cucumber water is an easy and refreshing summer drink. It is one of those drinks that taste great even when made with regular cucumbers. You don’t have to wait for the coming of summer to make this refreshing drink. You can make it at any time of the year. However, summers are the best season to make this drink because it is served chilled which makes it even more refreshing.
To make cucumber water, cut off the stem and peel the cucumber. Cut the cucumber into small pieces and soak it in water for about an hour. You can also add some fresh mint leaves or lemon for flavor, or you can also add some sugar if you want something a little sweeter. Enjoy!
Pineapple Smoothie
Pineapple smoothie is definitely a refreshing drink to enjoy in the summer. Not only does it taste great, but it’s also loaded with nutrients and vitamins. Some of the health benefits of pineapple smoothies include: providing a healthy dose of Vitamin C and potassium, boosting energy levels, aiding weight loss, reducing inflammation, and helping to fight off diseases. Plus, it’s a great way to get some extra fruit in your diet.
To make a pineapple smoothie, you will need:
- 1 cup of low-fat milk
- 1 cup of fruit juice
- 1/2 cup of ice
- 1 pineapple, peeled and chopped
Blend all ingredients together in a blender until smooth. If you want the smoothie to be more refreshing, add less milk or skip it altogether and add more ice.
Strawberry Aqua Fresca
Aqua fresca is a refreshing and slightly sweet drink made from water, fruit juice, sugar, and sparkling mineral water. This drink is popular in Mexico and Central America and can be made from all kinds of fruits and berries. I personally love strawberries and can’t imagine summer without them, so the recipe below is focused on preparing strawberry aqua fresco.
To make refreshing strawberry aqua fresca, you will need:
- 500 g fresh strawberries
- 400 ml of sparkling water – 200 ml of sparkling water and 200 of still water
- 1 tablespoon of sugar or any sweetener
- 3 tablespoons lime juice
- ice cubes
Mash the strawberries with sugar, add the lime juice, and put it in a glass. Then pour water over it and add ice cubes. You can add a few mint leaves to the top for decoration.
Refreshing Iced Tea
We all know that tea is a healthy drink that some of us prefer to enjoy for breakfast or in the cold months. However, if you want to enjoy the taste of tea even in the hot summer months, try iced tea! Not only is it refreshing, but it also has a lot of health benefits, and it is a great way to stay hydrated and beat the heat.
Making iced tea at home is really easy and doesn’t take much time. To make your own refreshing iced tea, you will need:
- Tea (black, green, white, or rooibos)
- Water
- Ice cubes
- Sugar or sweetener of your choice
- Lemon juice, if desired
- Cinnamon, if desired
- Milk, if desired
- Lemon slices, if desired
Bring the water to a boil and pour hot water directly on the tea bags. Let the tea brew for 3-4 minutes. Then pour the tea into a carafe or other bottle, add sugar or sweeteners and stir. Finally, add the lemon juice or whole lemon slices. Let the tea cool at room temperature for 30 minutes, then cool it in the fridge or serve it with ice. You can also add milk, cinnamon, or anything else you like.
Ginger Lemonade
When the weather outside is nice and you want to enjoy some fresh air, lemonade is a perfect choice. Whether you are sitting on your porch reading a book or just hanging out with friends, lemonade seems to be the go-to beverage of summertime. But it’s not just any kind of lemonade – get it right and you’ve got yourself a ginger lemonade!
There are many reasons why a ginger lemonade is perfect in summertime: its refreshing taste will have you coming back for more after every sip; it has vitamins A, B, C, D, and E and minerals such as iron, magnesium, phosphorus, and zinc.; and it’s easy to make at home.
To make a ginger lemonade at home, you will need:
- 3 cups of water
- 2 cups of white sugar (or any sweetener)
- 12 to 14 slices of fresh ginger root
- 3 cups of lemon juice
First, heat the sugar and water in a small saucepan over medium heat. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring often. Once it starts to boil, reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 10 minutes. Add the ginger and lemon juice, and let the mixture cool. Pour the mixture into a pitcher, and refrigerate for at least an hour or overnight. Serve cold.
Conclusion
When the temperatures rise and summertime comes, many of us look forward to drinking lots of fresh, ice-cold beverages. It’s not just because we like the cool breeze that hits our face when we open a window for air! It’s because refreshing drinks make us feel more energetic and refreshed. Whether you prefer cucumber water, fruit smoothies, or iced teas, all these drinks will make your summer more pleasant and supply your body with the necessary vitamins and minerals.
