Are we the only ones with multiple apps on our phone that remind us to drink water every hour, or are you too a part of the same club?
Especially during the summer, we need to increase our daily intake of water. Our bodies get dehydrated very quickly, and we often miss the signs. We mistake thirst as hunger and mindlessly munch on salty or sugary snacks. And even when we do realize that it’s water we’re craving, keeping up with the eight-glasses-a-day regime daily can be quite an uphill task. Between trying to stay cool and keeping up our intake of fluids, we often resort to beverages that have tons of hidden sugars. This could be due to a lack of knowledge of alternatives that are good for you, or simply because drinking plain water can be… well, boring.
We know how difficult it is to stay hydrated the healthy way, so we decided to share some of our favourite ways to stir up the perfect beverage. These refreshing summer drinks are cooling, hydrating, and will help you reach your daily liquid intake – without the guilt of ignoring the beeping reminder on your phone.
Here are our favourite easy + refreshing summer drinks:
1. Juices + Smoothies
These are the easiest to incorporate in your daily routine and one that will also make your mother happy. Grab whatever is in the refrigerator and play around with the combinations. You can either have it as is, or add some milk/yogurt to make yourself a smoothie that will double up as a quick breakfast for busy mornings. Try this super green juice, or give this easy berry smoothie a go.
2. Iced Tea
Tea is a great source of antioxidants, and green teas even contain polyphenols that help to prevent cavities! When going for iced tea, always choose a fresh brew made at home. Homemade iced tea is a great swap for the processed powders you get in the market that have copious amounts of sugar. To make cold brew iced tea, mix tea leaves with filtered water and let it brew in the refrigerator for eight hours before straining and using. For a quick fix, brew a hot cuppa and pour it over a glass of ice. Squeeze half a lemon, add some honey or stevia and a few mint leaves. You can play around with different flavoured teas + muddle other fruits into it (think orange, jamun, berries) for a new spin each time.
3. Coconut Water
Apart from being antioxidant-rich, coconut water is a natural coolant; is extremely hydrating; and is loaded with several important nutrients. Drinking a glass of coconut water goes a long way in replenishing electrolytes that your body looses by sweating. As with pretty much anything else, avoid the processed ones you get at any supermarket. If you’re lucky enough to live in India where there is abundance of street vendors selling fresh naariyal paani across the city, go out and get yourself one! The fact that they are so yummy and pocket friendly is an added bonus. PS. Did you know that coconut water is also an extremely effective hangover remedy? So the next time you wake up feeling like shit because you had too much to drink, swap that sugary energy drink for a glass of coconut water instead.
4. Infused Water
If the latest trends are any indication, flavoured water is all the rage these days. Adding fruits and herbs to water is not just an aesthetic (though we must say we think it makes an excellent addition to any summer tablescape). It makes drinking water more interesting, and coming up with new flavor combinations is fun. Detox or spa water is designed to refresh, invigorate and infuse the body with hydration. Keep a jug or water bottle in the refrigerator and sip on it all day. Infuse sparkling water with fruits and herbs if you crave the fizz, minus the sugar. Try classic cucumber + mint; watermelon + basil; or sliced citrus fruit. You’ll become a champion at the eight-glasses-a-day regime in no time.
To make a pitcher of spa water
You will need: 1 cucumber (sliced into rounds), a handful of mint leaves, juice of 2 lemons and a few lemon slices, a pinch of rock salt or Himalayan pink salt.
Directions: Combine all of the above in 1 liter of cool, filtered water. Refrigerate and sip on throughout the day.
*Recipe first published here.
5. Kokum Sherbet
If you go to any home in South India, you will be served a glass of chilled kokum sherbet irrespective of the weather outside. Kokum is not only super delicious, but also hosts a powerhouse of benefits. It’s good for the digestive system, and for cardiovascular health. Kokum also has anti-bacterial and antioxidant properties that help fight infections, while also purifying the blood. For someone who’s not familiar with kokum sherbet, this recipe is a great reference point. And like with any recipe, use your discretion on the amount of sugar you put in!
6. Buttermilk/Lassi
This simple yet refreshing drink is a must on hot summer days, and no wonder that it is a staple in homes across India. Yogurt is cooling and helps pacify your pitta during the summer months. For greater benefits, add a pinch of roasted cumin powder to it –it’s a cooling agent and adds flavour. If you are counting calories stick to traditional buttermilk, otherwise opt for a chilled glass of sweet lassi instead.
7. Aam Panna/Raw Mango Cooler
While alphonsos are wonderful to eat and we love them; the sweet, spicy and tangy explosion of flavours of a raw mango sprinkled with salt + red chilli powder lingers on your taste buds for a long time. It’s reminiscent of childhood days spent with sour teeth after eating one too many raw mangos sitting out in the garden. It’s no wonder then that we love to hydrate with a chilled glass of aam panna during the summer — old school, yet classic. Try this recipe.
8. Wood Apple/Bel Juice
The wood apple is a quintessentially Indian summer fruit that makes for an ideal beverage packed with nutritional benefits. Bel is great for the heart, reduces cholesterol, and is excellent for digestive issues like IBS, constipation, and bloating. It’s also packed with vitamin C and boosts the immune system. According to Ayurveda, it helps cool down your system during summer. Prepare it as a juice with a pinch of rock salt for an ideal summer thirst quencher.
To make wood apple cooler
You will need: 1 bel or wood apple, a pinch of rock salt or Himalayan salt, palm sugar to taste
Directions: Remove the pulp from the wood apple and squeeze out the juice. Add 1 cup water and let it soak for 20 minutes. Mash the pulp lightly to break it apart (you can even blend and strain). Add a pinch of salt, and palm sugar to taste. Pour into glasses and serve chilled.
*Recipe first published here.
9. Lemonade
When life gives you lemons, make yourself the perfect summer drink. Lemonade is extremely versatile in nature – you don’t have to limit yourself to the regular lemon version. They can be water or soda based, depending on what you’re craving; and can be zhuzhed up with other fruits, depending on what you have in the fridge. If you’re looking for variety, try this recipe with four different versions of the humble lemonade.
10. Slushies
Now, slushies have a reputation for being the kiddy drink at a famous fast food restaurant that is sure to give you an immediate sugar rush, but that doesn’t have to be the case. We’ve got slushies for grown ups, folks! Get ready for slushie 2.0. Almost everything mentioned above can be turned into a slushie if you’re willing to go that extra mile for a cool drink. Just throw it in the blender with a lot of ice and blend it till you get the consistency you are looking for. Pour it into a fancy margarita glass and enjoy. Spike it with some tequila for your summer soiree, we won’t tell! This granita recipe by Jamie Oliver speaks to our heart.
Staying hydrated is the key to staying healthy, and maintaining all bodily functions. It’s also essential for a regular digestive system, to flush out toxins from the body, and weight loss. Try to incorporate at least one or two of these drinks into your daily routine along with regular water, and you’ll be well on your way to optimum hydration. These drinks will help you maintain your fluid intake throughout the day without it getting super monotonous. All it takes are a few ingredients, and your imagination. Let this list be your starting point, and experiment with recipes to make healthy hydration fun. It’ll be good for your body, good for your skin, and good for you!
What is your go-to refreshing summer drink?
Let us know: leave a comment, or tag @sprigandvine.in on your photos on Facebook and Instagram with the hashtag #goodfoodpractices
