Picture this: beads of perspiration trickle down your neck, and the sun beats down mercilessly. The unrelenting heat is a constant reminder of the season, and all you crave is a refreshing drink that can cool you down. You are looking for nutritious and refreshing summer drinks to keep you cool but instead, all you have in the fridge are sugary sodas that leave you more thirsty and, quite frankly, a bit bloated.
You reach for the same old soda, but why settle for something so uninspired and unhealthy when the world is bursting with options? Instead, try a watermelon basil cooler, a tangy limeade with a twist of ginger, or a thirst-quenching cucumber and mint-infused water. So take a break from the norm and indulge in something truly refreshing. Not only do these drinks keep you hydrated, but they’re also packed with vitamins and minerals, making them the perfect summer thirst busters.
Time for another challenge: this summer, skip the sugary drinks and opt for a healthy summer beverage. Here are 4 recipes guaranteed to quench your thirst and keep you cool.
Rosewater lemonade
This tridoshic beverage is hydrating and cooling, not to mention delicious. It’s easy to make and you can keep a batch in the cooler to drink throughout the day. Rosewater has anti-inflammatory properties and it’s cooling and hydrating, while lemons cleanse the blood and help digestion. At the same time, rosewater works calming on the mind and spirit, which is especially beneficial for the heated Pitta dosha. Reasons enough to make a big batch to cool down and cool off.
Ingredients:
- ¼ lemon, juiced
- 1 tsp raw sugar
- ½ tsp rosewater (organic)
- 500ml light sparkling water
In a pitcher, mix all the ingredients together. Let it chill and serve it with a slice of lime.
Mango Lassi
If you are more in the mood for a smoothie, lassi is the way to go. Dubbed the original milkshake, this beverage is easily the most popular summer drink in the Indian region. Lassi is very easy to make and very versatile. Depending on whether you have a sweet tooth or you fancy a more savory drink, lassi is a great base for all your cravings.
Besides being a great refreshment on a hot summer day, lassi is also a great source of vitamin D and lactic acid which makes it a great supporter of your immune system. Lassi is also rich in probiotics which makes it beneficial for your digestive health and rich in calcium, which supports bone health.
My favourite recipe is rosewater lassi but I’m no stranger to a sweet mango lassi in the summer.
Ingredients for mango lassi
- ½ cup plain yogurt
- 2 cups water
- 1 tbsp coconut blossom sugar
- 1 cup fresh ripe mango, cubed (you can also use frozen mango)
- ¼ tsp cardamom or a few strands of saffron (optional)
Add all ingredients to a blender and blend for 1 minute. Serve chilled and enjoy!
Tip: Be mindful when drinking lassi as it can be aggravating for Pitta and Kapha. Be aware of how it makes you feel. If you feel uncomfortable after drinking, go for one of the other drinks on this list instead.
Watermelon anything
When you think of summer, what is the first fruit that comes to mind? That’s right, watermelon. Nothing more refreshing than watermelon on a hot day.
Watermelon works restorative on those days when heat just is too much to bare, cooling down the body and calming the soul. At the same time, it works great in getting rid of that excess water we tend to retain in summer. Not to mention, watermelon acts as a tonic for the liver and lowers blood sugar so it’s especially helpful if you are trying to lose weight.
For this, I have not 1 but 2 recipes.
The first one is pretty straightforward. If you have a juicer, put your watermelon through the juicer and enjoy.
The second one is a watermelon basil smoothie by Joyful Belly.
Ingredients:
- 1 tbsp fresh basil
- 2 cups of watermelon
Blend both ingredients in a blender and enjoy chilled.
Tip: If you have a predominant Vata constitution, drink in moderation as watermelon can be aggravating for Vata.
Ginger Basil Limeade
Lemons can be heating so you want to stay clear of them if you have a Pitta imbalance. That’s when limes come in. Similar sourness but a bit tangier. Perfect to combine with the sweetness of basil and the sharpness of ginger.
This drink is especially good as an appetizer to stoke up the digestive fire, agni. Ginger is also anti-inflammatory and acts as a detoxifying agent, helping to flush out toxins.
Ingredients:
- 1 lime, juiced
- 1 thumb-sized ginger piece, cut into pieces
- Handful of basil
- 2 tsp raw sugar
- 1L light sparkling water (or still water)
In a blender, mix the lime juice, basil, ginger, sugar, and 1 cup of sparkling or still water and blend for about 1 minute. Add this to a pitcher with the rest of the water and enjoy chilled.
Tip: This drink is tridoshic so free to enjoy for all doshas.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is intended for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your qualified healthcare provider with any questions or concerns you may have regarding a medical condition.
pictures: pexels
