Before we know it, summer will be here which means we must get ready to welcome in the long sunny days with open arms. From taking out the flowing dresses to getting your beach body ready, there are a few things you should do to embrace the most beautiful time of the year the right way.
But while you are doing all of this, you will need to pay close attention to one very important aspect of your health and that is hydration. Since the human body is 60% water by weight, it is necessary that you are always hydrated in order to maintain your overall health.
After all, the water you consume helps with regulating your body temperature which is very important since increased summer temperatures and outdoor activities result in increased water loss.
So, if you are looking for refreshing drinks to keep you cool and hydrated all summer long, here is a list of six easy homemade drinks you should try out this upcoming season.
Iced tea mixes
A popular go-to refreshing beverage you can beat the heatwave with this summer is iced tea. Not only will this drink help you cool your body down, but it will also provide you with a variety of health benefits due to the numerous nutrients it has.
All you need to do is brew a couple of quarts of your favorite loose tea leaves and keep a pitcher always ready in the fridge. If you want, you can even add additional ingredients such as lemon or ginger to enhance your tea’s taste and aroma and increase most of its health benefits.
Serve it either in a large glass cup or in your iced tea infuser and always have a refreshing drink nearby whenever you need to stay hydrated.
Iced coffee blends
If you are looking for a refreshing drink that keeps you energized at the same time, then iced coffee is the perfect choice for you. This type of coffee is your regular, everyday hot beverage boost that is cooled down with a few ice cubes. The best thing about it is that there are different varieties you can opt for in case you want to switch up from the traditional iced coffee blend.
For example, the iced mocha latte is considered one of the most popular summer coffee drinks. It is smooth, bold and with a slight taste of chocolate making it the most sought-after beverage during those sunny days. The iced coconut matcha latte is another popular choice that is also creamy and delightful for summer.
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Lemon fizz
The ultimate refreshing drink that almost every individual should have in their fridge is lemonade. This beverage is very simple and easy to make as it includes a pitcher filled with water, lemon and ice. If you want to enhance its taste, you can add other flavors such as cucumber, mint, or peach and turn it into the most revitalizing summer drink.
Besides helping your body cool down, the ingredients included in this lemon fizz provide you with numerous health benefits. For example, the lemon is highly rich in many minerals and vitamins which are essential for maintaining your overall health.
In addition, this summer beverage can also help you with your weight loss process due to the presence of antioxidants.
Strawberry limeade
An alternative to lemonade is strawberry limeade which is just as refreshing and energizing. It is sweet and sour at the same time making it the perfect summer drink for adults and children.
All you need is a cup of lime juice, cold water, fresh strawberries, some mint and ice cubes. Blend the fruit and the juice in a food processor and pour the mixture into a large pitcher. Add the cold water along with the ice cubes and the mint. Depending on how sweet the strawberries are, you can also add a little bit of sugar to sweeten the drink. Pour some of it in tall glasses and garnish each one with sliced strawberries or lime wedges if you like.
Pomegranate Beet Smoothie
Because summer temperatures increase sweating and water loss, it is important that you compensate for that by consuming fruits and vegetables that are going to keep you hydrated at all times. Some of the favorites among people are pomegranate, beet and spinach which, when combined together, are surprisingly refreshing.
What you need is one beet, a big handful of spinach, half a cup of pomegranate juice, some mint leaves and half an apple to balance out the tart flavor. Blend all ingredients in a food processor really well and pour the mixture into a glass cup. Add a few ice cubes and decorate with some mint leaves on top.
Drink it in the morning as an energizing boost and start off your day the right way.
Ginger soda
A delicious old-fashioned drink that is perfect to sip on in the summer afternoons is ginger soda or commonly known as ginger ale. This is a bubbly beverage that is flavored with fresh ginger roots and mixed with a sweetener to enhance its taste as well as its health benefits.
In order to get the most out of it, you should make your own by boiling half a cup of freshly peeled and sliced ginger in one cup of water with a little bit of sugar. Boil until the sugar is dissolved and then let it simmer for a few minutes. Strain through a fine sieve into your jug and let it cool for a while. Top up with soda water and decorate your drink with fresh mint leaves.
Photo by Kim Daniels from Unsplash
Final thoughts
Summertime is right around the corner which means you must get ready to embrace the warm, sunny days with a refreshing beverage. Staying hydrated during this time of the year is very important for your health, so you should opt for a drink that is both cooling and beneficial for your health. From the traditional lemonade to the fruitful smoothies, you have the option of choosing the one that is best for you and your preferences.
In case you need inspiration, make sure you borrow some of the ideas mentioned here and get summer-ready in no time.
