20 Simple Healthy and Refreshing Summer Drink to Beat the Heat

Summer isn't just about those cheesy romance movies. It's when the Earth's temperature spikes in some places, swapping out the blooming flowers of spring for some serious heat.

Summer tends to be warmer because of the Earth's tilted axis, which leans more towards the sun, causing us to receive more direct sunlight, so things get pretty toasty. That means you gotta watch out for dehydration, or you'll be feeling pretty crummy.

But hey, hot weather aside, some folks absolutely love summer. It's warmer than spring, perfect for vacations and beach days. Who doesn't love soaking up some rays?

Simple Healthy and Refreshing Summer Drinks

Since everyone's sipping cocktails, some with a little too much booze, why not whip up some healthy and refreshing summer drinks to keep your body feeling good?

Healthy drinks mean healthy ingredients. Grab some fresh fruit or coconut water – no sugary syrups or alcohol needed to amp up the flavor.

Check out these simple and healthy drink ideas to keep you refreshed all summer long.

1. Watermelon Basil Refresher

Watermelon is the ultimate summer fruit, so why not make it your go-to refresher in this scorching heat?

Ingredients:

• 2 cups watermelon chunks
• 1 tsp fresh basil leaves
• Lime juice
• 1 cup water

How to make:

Option #1:

• Blend the watermelon chunks with water.
• Place basil leaves in a glass.
• Pour the watermelon juice over the basil.
• Add a squeeze of lime juice.

Option #2:

• Combine watermelon, basil, and water in a blender.
• Add a squeeze of lime juice.
• Blend everything together.

You can add ice cubes for an extra refreshing kick or chill it in the fridge for a bit.

Benefits:

• Watermelon's high water content keeps you hydrated. It's packed with lycopene , a powerful antioxidant that can reduce the risk of cancer and heart disease.
• The basil in this drink helps reduce inflammation , which can be beneficial for managing arthritis and bowel diseases.

2. Cucumber Mint Cooler

Cucumbers aren't just for salads and veggie platters. Turn this humble veggie into a refreshing summer drink that's not only delicious but also good for your body in this sweltering heat.

Ingredients:

• Cucumber slices
• A few fresh mint leaves
• Lemon or lime juice
• Honey (optional)
• Water

How to make:

• Infuse the cucumber slices and mint leaves in water.
• Add a squeeze of citrus and a drizzle of honey for sweetness, if desired.
• Chill in the fridge or add ice cubes for an instant cool-down.

Benefits:

• Cucumbers have a higher water content than most veggies, helping you stay hydrated.
• They may also promote weight loss.
• The fresh mint leaves , with their menthol content, can help relax stomach muscles, leading to better digestion.

3. Strawberry Spinach Smoothie

The freshness of fruits and veggies can be your summer savior. A delicious blend of strawberries and nutrient-packed spinach is a fantastic option.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup strawberries
• 1 cup ppinach
• 1/2 banana
• 1/2 cup milk or yogurt
• 1 tbsp chia seeds (optional)

How to make:

• Blend all the ingredients in a blender.
• Pour into a glass.
• Sprinkle with 1 teaspoon of chia seeds, if desired.

Benefits:

• These sweet and tangy red berries, strawberries, are packed with vitamin C , which boosts your immune system and promotes healthy skin. It's the perfect choice if you're focused on overall health and want to strengthen your immune system and keep your skin glowing.
• Spinach is famous for its strength-boosting powers, just like Popeye in the 90s cartoon. It's also rich in iron , which is essential for carrying oxygen in your blood and preventing anemia.

4. Iced Green Tea with Peach

Who loves green tea? This famous Japanese tea has a unique flavor and aroma, especially when served warm and enjoyed in your downtime. But summer is even better when green tea is served chilled.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup brewed green tea
• 1/2 cup peach juice
• Slices of peach
• Honey or agave (optional)

How to make:

• Brew the green tea and let it cool for a few minutes.
• Combine the greentea and peach juice
• Add peach slices to the chilled tea.
• Sweeten with honey or agave, if desired.

Benefits:

• Besides its distinct aroma and flavor, green tea is packed with catechins and antioxidants. These can help prevent and protect against cell damage in your body and chronic diseases.
• Peaches are sweet fruits loaded with vitamins A and C. They can help maintain your vision, immune system, and skin health.

5. Pineapple Ginger Turmeric Tonic

Refreshing drinks don't have to be all about sweetness. A tangy kick can be just as invigorating. Combining tropical fruits with health-boosting spices will give you an extra boost of energy to conquer the summer heat.

Ingredients:

• 1 pineapple chunks
• 1 inch ginger slices
• 1 tbsp turmeric powder
• 1 tbsp lime juice
• Water

How to make:

• Blend the pineapple and ginger together.
• Add turmeric powder and lime juice.
• Top it off with fresh water.

Benefits:

• Pineapple, a tropical fruit with a sweet and tangy flavor, contains an enzyme called bromelain. Bromelain aids digestion and can help with muscle cramps due to its anti-inflammatory properties.
• Ginger is known for its ability to soothe nausea and promote smooth digestion.
• Turmeric is a spice famous for its characteristic yellow-orange color, which comes from curcumin. Curcumin is a powerful anti-inflammatory compound that has the potential to alleviate arthritis and other joint problems.

6. Coconut Water Electrolyte Refresher

Nature's own refreshing elixir, backed by numerous studies, is the humble coconut water. Its natural sweetness and hydrating properties can be a lifesaver in the heat.

Ingredients:

• 500 ml coconut water
• 1 tbsp lime or lemon juice
• A pinch of salt

How to make:

• Combine all the ingredients.
• Chill for a few minutes before enjoying.

Benefits:

• Coconut water is packed with essential electrolytes like magnesium, potassium, and sodium, which are crucial for hydration.
• Not only does it hydrate, but coconut water also plays a vital role in muscle function.

7. Berry Hibiscus Iced Tea

Floral teas aren't just for warm, relaxing bedtime rituals. You can try a chilled version with ice and enjoy it throughout your summer days. Hibiscus flower might be just the thing you need.

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup dried hibiscus flowers
• 1 cup mixed berries
• Honey or agave
• 4 cups water

How to make:

• Steep the hibiscus flowers and berries in hot water.
• Strain the mixture.
• Add honey or agave for sweetness.
• Chill for a few minutes.

Benefits:

• Hibiscus is a flower with plenty of benefits. It contains antioxidants and has a diuretic effect, which can help lower blood pressure.
• Berries, one of the most delicious fruits, are also packed with antioxidants that protect your cells.
• The combined antioxidant power of hibiscus and berries can optimize your overall health.

8. Mango Lassi

Mango is a beloved summer fruit. Its vibrant orange color and sweet flavor can refresh your body when enjoyed as a delicious, chilled drink.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup mango chunks
• 1/2 cup yogurt
• 1/4 cup milk or water
• pinch of cardamom powder

How to make:

• Blend all the ingredients until smooth.
• Pour into a glass and add ice cubes for an extra chill.

Benefits:

• Mangoes are packed with antioxidants and vitamin C, which boost your immune system and promote healthy skin.
• Yogurt is a probiotic drink containing beneficial bacteria that are great for your gut and digestion.

9. Iced Coffee with Almond Milk

The summer heat can leave you feeling sluggish and sleepy, so you might need a little pick-me-up to stay focused, like a cup of coffee.

You can still enjoy your coffee fix in the summer heat, just serve it up in a refreshing way that won't add to your internal temperature.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup brewed coffee
• 1/2 cup almond milk
• Sweetener (optional)

How to make:

• Brew your favorite coffee.
• Add almond milk to taste.
• Chill for a few minutes.
• Add your preferred sweetener, if desired, and ice cubes.

Benefits:

• Coffee is known for its ability to fight off drowsiness thanks to caffeine, which can improve alertness, focus, and overall performance.
• Almond milk, made from almonds, is lower in fat than cow's milk, making it a healthier choice for many people.

10. Iced Matcha Latte

Matcha is a type of green tea, but its flavor and aroma are quite different from the more "tea-like" green tea. Matcha has become a trendy favorite due to its unique and refreshing taste.

Ingredients:

• 1 tsp matcha powder
• 2 ounces hot water
• 6 ounces milk (your choice)
• Sweetener (your choice)

How to make:

• Whisk the matcha powder with hot water using a bamboo whisk (if you have one) until frothy.
• Add your preferred sweetener.
• Pour the mixture over ice in a glass.
• Top with your choice of milk.

Benefits:

• Matcha contains L-theanine, an amino acid that promotes focus and relaxation.
• It's also packed with catechins, which are powerful antioxidants that offer numerous health benefits.

11. Sparkling Grapefruit Rosemary Spritzer

The bubbly sensation on your tongue combined with the refreshing taste of grapefruit will make your day sparkle. The sweet, citrusy flavor with a hint of menthol will have you coming back for more.

Ingredients:

• Grapefruit juice
• Sparkling water
• 1 rosemary sprigs
• Honey (optional)

How to make:

• Combine grapefruit juice and sparkling water in a glass.
• Garnish with a sprig of rosemary.
• Add a touch of honey for sweetness, if desired.

Benefits:

• Grapefruit is a citrus fruit packed with antioxidants and vitamin C, offering numerous benefits like protecting your immune system from cell damage.
• Rosemary has a refreshing scent that can be used for relaxation. Some research suggests that rosemary may improve memory and concentration.

12. Lemon Lavender Lemonade

Spice up your lemonade with lavender, a popular aromatherapy ingredient. This unique twist on a classic drink will leave you feeling refreshed with a whole new flavor experience.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup lemon juice
• 1 tbsp lavender buds
• 3 cups water
• Honey or agave (optional)

How to make:

• Make lavender-infused honey (or agave) by steeping the lavender buds in hot water with your sweetener.
• Combine the lavender-infused sweetener with lemon juice and water.
• Chill and enjoy!

Benefits:

• Lemons are famous for their sour yet refreshing taste. But they're also packed with vitamin C, which helps boost your immune system and keeps your skin healthy and glowing.
• Lavender has long been used in aromatherapy to combat insomnia. Beyond relieving stress, lavender can also be added to your drinks to help reduce anxiety.

13. Beetroot Ginger Citrus Cooler

This vibrant drink boasts a deep red or purple hue, thanks to the beetroot. You'll experience a refreshing beverage with a natural color straight from the fruit itself. It's anything but ordinary.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup beetroot juice
• 1 inch slices of ginger
• 1/2 orange or lemon juice
• 1-2 cup water

How to make:

• Combine all the ingredients in a glass.
• Chill for a refreshing boost.
• Enjoy over ice.

Benefits:

• Beetroot contains nitrates, which can enhance athletic performance and blood flow.
• Ginger is renowned for its anti-inflammatory and digestive benefits, and it can also help with nausea.

14. Watermelon Feta Mint Salad Drink

Another watermelon recipe! Can you even have summer without watermelon? This time, we're giving watermelon a unique twist by combining it with cheese and mint. It's like a salad in a glass!

Ingredients:

• 2 cups watermelon cubes
• 1/4 cups feta cheese
• 1/4 cups mint leaves
• 1 tbsp Balsamic glaze
• 1 cup water

How to make:

• Blend most of the watermelon cubes, reserving some for topping.
• Add crumbled feta cheese, chopped mint leaves, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze to the blender.
• Blend until smooth.
• Pour into a glass and top with the reserved watermelon cubes.

Benefits:

• Watermelon is packed with water, making it a great source of hydration. It also contains lycopene, an antioxidant that can help reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
• Feta cheese is a salty cheese made from sheep's and goat's milk (or a combination of the two). It provides vitamins and calcium, which are essential for muscle and bone health.
• Mint, with its refreshing menthol flavor, adds a cooling effect to the drink and can aid digestion.

15. Iced Rooibos Tea with Orange and Cinnamon

This may be a mouthful of a name, but it's a healthy and beneficial drink for your body. The combination of ingredients creates a delightful and unique tea experience that's far more refreshing than your average cuppa.

Ingredients:

• 4 rooibos tea bags
• 1 orange slices
• 1 innamon sticks
• Honey (optional)

How to make:

• Steep the rooibos tea bags with orange slices and cinnamon sticks in hot water.
• Let it cool, then chill in the refrigerator.
• Add honey to taste, if desired.
• Serve over ice.

Benefits:

• Rooibos tea is naturally caffeine-free and rich in antioxidants. These antioxidants play a role in protecting your body's cells from damage.
• Oranges, packed with vitamin C and fiber, support your immune system and promote healthy digestion.

16. Carrot Ginger Turmeric Smoothie

Here's another veggie-packed smoothie option, perfect for when you've got a fridge full of vegetables. Fresh veggies can be just as delicious and refreshing in a smoothie as fruits.

Ingredients:

• 2 large carrots
• 1 inch ginger
• 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
• 1 cup orange juice
• 1 ripe banana
• Yogurt

How to make:

• Throw all the ingredients into a blender.
• Blend until smooth and creamy.

Benefits:

• Carrots are high in beta-carotene, which your body converts into vitamin A. Vitamin A is essential for maintaining good vision, immune function, and cell growth.
• Ginger and turmeric contain anti-inflammatory compounds that can help with arthritis and other inflammatory conditions.

17. Chia Fresca

This uniquely named drink perfectly captures the essence of its star ingredient, chia seeds. Chia seeds are often used as a topping for drinks and food, thanks to their well-known health benefits and the fun texture they add.

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp chia seeds
• 2 tbsp lime juice
• 1-2 tbsp honey or agave (optional)
• 2 cup water

How to make:

• Combine chia seeds with lime juice and your preferred sweetener in a glass.
• Let it sit for about 15 minutes, allowing the chia seeds to absorb the liquid and expand.
• Give it a good stir and enjoy!

Benefits:

• Chia seeds are a great source of fiber and omega-3 fatty acids, which are excellent for heart and digestive health. Despite their small size, the benefits of consuming chia seeds are huge.

18. Strawberry Lemonade with Basil

Strawberry juice with a hint of lemon and fresh basil transforms an ordinary drink into something extraordinary. The sweet and tart flavors of these fruits blend together for a unique taste sensation.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups strawberries
• 1 cups lemon juice
• 1 cup basil
• Honey or agave (optional)
• 5 cups cold water

How to make:

• Puree the strawberries until smooth.
• Combine the strawberry puree, lemon juice, basil leaves, sweetener (if desired), and water.
• Stir well and chill.
• Serve over ice and garnish with additional basil leaves if you like.

Benefits:

• Despite their red color, strawberries are packed with vitamin C, which plays a crucial role in immune function and protects cells from damage.
• Basil contains anti-inflammatory compounds that may help combat arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease.

19. Cucumber Aloe Vera Drink

Forget the idea that aloe vera is only for your hair and skin. You can experience the refreshing, jelly-like texture of aloe vera in your summer drinks. The combination of green cucumber and aloe vera will brighten up your day, no matter how hot it gets.

Ingredients:

• 1 cucumber
• 1/4 cup aloe vera juice
• 1/2 lime or lemon juice
• Honey (optional)
• 1 cup water

How to make:

• Blend the cucumber, aloe vera juice, and lime or lemon juice in a blender.
• Add a touch of honey for sweetness, if desired.
• Pour in water to your preferred consistency.
• Give it a good stir and enjoy!

Benefits:

• Cucumber is packed with water, making it a great way to stay hydrated and potentially aid in weight loss.
• Aloe vera is well-known for its soothing properties on the skin, and it's true! Aloe vera can help soothe skin irritation and aid digestion.

20. Tropical Green Smoothie

Tropical fruits are perfect for summer because they're refreshing and packed with water inside. Try combining a few of your favorites in one glass for a taste of paradise.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup pineapple chunks
• 1 cup mango chunks
• 1 cup spinach
• 1/2 cup coconut water
• 1/4 cup lime juice

How to make:

• Throw all the ingredients into a blender.
• Blend until smooth and creamy.

Benefits:

• Pineapple and mango are loaded with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that can boost your immune system, improve skin health, and offer a host of other benefits.
• Spinach is high in iron, which helps carry oxygen throughout your body and can prevent anemia.

The Healing Point

So, there you have it! Summer doesn't have to be a sweaty, miserable mess.

With these awesome drink recipes, you can chill out and actually enjoy the sunshine.

From fruity watermelon refreshers to tangy pineapple ginger tonics, there's something for everyone.

And the best part? These drinks aren't just tasty, they're packed with healthy stuff that's good for your body.

So ditch the sugary sodas and give these recipes a try. Your body will thank you!