Summer the hottest period of the year where we get to have loads of fun in sun which involves long and bright sunny days with temperatures rising up high. Summer season the hot time of year when we most look forward for holidays, holidays away from the town, get together, outdoor activities with family and friends while a scorching summer sometimes becomes heavy on our body and makes us feel tired and dehydrated as well. Hence to stay hydrated at all times and in every condition it’s wise to be sippin on some cool summer drinks.

Summer drinks are refreshing, thirst quenching, energizing and contain many beneficial nutrients which are important for our body from juices to cool drinks to traditional drinks from India. Usually home made drinks prove to be the healthier choice as they don’t contain artificial sweetener or additives like the processed drinks. Let’s see some most refreshing drinks that you can sip on in this summer.

Lemonade

A universal loved summer drink which tastes really nice and is easy to make as well. It’s brimmed with vitamin C, tastes great, and provides us energy for our day.

To make

Blend lemon juice, cool water, sugar/honey and some ice cubes. Some mint leaves are always a good addition to this drink.

Advantages

Prevents dehydration, a rich source of vitamin C, provides energy and is also good for digestion. You can also make its varied combinations using some fruit purée such as strawberry, watermelon or ginger.

Water melon juice

Being 90% water, watermelon juice is King of summer drinks and is extremely cooling with natural sweetness. Water melon juice benefits are

• Adequate hydration
• Low in calories
• Rich in anti-oxidants
• Cooling nature.
• Blend some fresh water melon pulp with a handful of mint leaves and some ice cubes.

Mango Shake

It is the king of the fruits kingdom and the king of summer. A cool creamy mango shake is sure to keep you refreshed and fulfilled with some heavenly flavour.

Ingredients needed

Ripe mangoes, plant based milk or milk, sugar/honey, some ice cubes. The taste of the shake has always been loved by all age groups.

Coconut Water

Perhaps the most healthful drink in the summer that is packed with electrolytes which make up for the water lost in sweating,

Advantages of coconut water are:

• Controls the body fluid and also improves digestion.
• It’s a very low calorie drink.
• It contains some quantity of potassium in it.

Fresh coconut water obtained directly from the fruit always has the benefit of keeping the body hydrated in an energetic summer afternoon, especially after or before any strenuous physical activity.

Iced Tea

A truly refreshing drink which is the alternative to sugar packed drinks which can be made from any type of tea you desire like green tea, black tea, green tea or even herbal tea. Some amazing drink combinations are lemon iced tea, mint iced tea, strawberry iced tea, peach iced tea and hibiscus iced tea. Adding some ice cubes and slices of fruits to this drink make it highly appealing.

Buttermilk

The age old refreshing drink from every Indian kitchen which isn’t just a light beverage but is a really healthy choice as it also benefits us with digestion.

• Advantages of buttermilk are
• Helps keep body cool
• Good for digestion
• Pro biotic to the gut
• Helps to balance the body fluids

Roasted cumin powder and some mint leaves and some coriander to this buttermilk is just irresistible and makes it highly healthy.

Smoothies

A fast, easy to make healthy and filling drink which can be made with multiple combinations like fruit, yogurt, milk and seeds and nuts. The combinations of smoothies could be strawberry, berries, banana, pineapple, etc. Smoothies can provide lots of vitamin and minerals and also the necessary energy.

Sugarcane juice

This traditional drink of summer can be tasted from almost all over the world and is loved for its natural sweet flavour. This is a great drink as it also provides with numerous health benefits, such as:

• Instant energy provider.
• Combats fatigue.
• Helps in maintaining body fluid.
• You could also add some lemon juice or mint leaves to the drink.

Mint Mojito

A really cool summer mock tail and the easiest drink to cool your body during the blazing hot days. The ingredients needed are some fresh mint leaves, some lemon juice, some soda/sparkling water, sugar syrup and some ice cubes. The zingy taste of mint mojito would surely be the perfect thirst quencher for everyone.

Fruit Infused Water

An easy way of keeping the body cool by adding some of your favorite fruits to the plain water. Some unique drink combinations you could try:

• Orange and strawberry infused water.
• Cucumber and lime infused water.
• Lemon and mint infused water.
• Water melon and basil infused water.

You can keep a jug of fruit infused water in the house throughout the day and sip on this amazing drink.

Indian summer Drinks

Traditional Indian drinks are the most beneficial especially during harsh summers, Some traditional Indian Summer drinks are:

Aam Panna

A drink made from unripe mangoes which has great benefits to ward off heat stroke and provides a sweet and tangy taste.

Jaljeera

it is an amazing digestive drink which is made from ingredients like cumin, mint, black salt, and many other spices. It gives relief to acidity and works as a really good appetite builder.

Lassi

Made from yogurt (curd) it is a very popular and healthy drink in India which has three variants: sweet, salty and fruit flavored.

Hydration Tips

• Make sure you drink enough water every single day.
• Lower your intake of soft, sugar drinks.
• Eat fruits that have high water content such as, watermelon, cucumbers etc.
• Always keep a water bottle with you.
• Prepare home made drinks if possible.

Drinking the required amount of water is very essential to maintain the energy levels and also fight off any diseases related to severe heat.

Final conclusion

Cooling drinks serve as both refreshments and a means to replenish our body with nutrients and water during sunny and hot days. Be it traditional Indian drink like Lassi or sweet sour Aam Panna or classic lemonade, there is definitely something in the store to refresh everyone. The home made drinks are the most healthy option as they lack artificial ingredients and contain no sugar. Whether you crave the creamy texture of a smoothie, the tangy burst of a juice, or the refreshing sweetness of the fruits themselves, drinks play a vital part in making summers fulfilling delicious.