Stay Hydrated and Healthy: Summer Drink Recipes You’ll Love

While the sun beats down and the temperatures soar, ensuring we stay hydrated becomes all the more crucial. But why choose sugary sodas and heavily processed drinks to quench your thirst when you can enjoy refreshing and healthy beverages that will fill that gap in your throat and nourish your body? 

This summer is the right time to make a change and drink the power of natural, nutrient-rich beverages that are equally good for your health and taste buds. This blog will introduce you to some of the most tummy-tickling and hydrating summer drink recipes. 

From fruity infusions to herbal coolers, these drinks are packed with vitamins, antioxidants, and natural goodness to keep you energised, fresh, and ready for mounds and more heat. Thus, bring your blender out and start blending some of the most life-recharging drinks you will love – let’s make this summer the most epic and revitalising one!

Tips to Stay Hydrated

Drinking lots of water helps you stay active and healthy when it’s very hot outside. A lack of water in the body can create symptoms like feeling tired and intense thirst, which could cause health issues. For this reason, you should always ensure you drink water and eat a varied diet.

• Drink at least 2 to 3 litres (8 to 10 glasses) of water daily to stay hydrated.
• Fruits and veggies with lots of water, such as cucumber, watermelon, tomatoes and cantaloupes, add body fluid to your diet and assist with hydration.
• Enjoy natural drinks like pure fruit juices, tender coconut, buttermilk, and lassi. Do not buy synthetic soft drinks or carbonated drinks.
• Ensure you get enough sodium, potassium, and chloride to help control your blood pressure and fluid intake.

The Health Benefits of Summer Drinks

Summer drinks are supposed to hydrate and cool the body during hot weather. Made from fruits, herbs, and natural ingredients, they provide nutrients, antioxidants, and hydration. 

Such drinks are perfect for energising people, fighting the heat, and enhancing general well-being. Read on to learn why you should drink summer drinks!

1. Hydration and Cooling

Manages Dehydration: Summer drinks, particularly those with a considerable water content, such as coconut or melon juice, can be paramount in restoring water. These drinks are made to restore lost body fluids because too much sweating causes fluid loss in hot weather. 

Reduces Body Heat: Healthy summer drinks can regulate body temperature from excess heating, which may cause discomfort or heat stroke. They help you remain cool and feel the summer sun without being weak. 

2. Digestive Health

Aids Digestion: Drinks with summer infusions of mint or ginger offer excellent digestive benefits. They are perfect for digestion, especially after a heavy, calorie-dense meal in the hot period.  

Promotes Gut Health: Buttermilk and lassi, which are made using curd, are full of commonly found probiotics that benefit gut health. Probiotics are good bacteria that regulate the gut microbiome and digestion. 

Aashirvaad Atta, in collaboration with a group of distinguished nutritionists, has launched Digestive Quotient, a revolutionary idea. This unique test measures digestive health and provides a percentage of 100.

Do this short and easy 2-minute test to get valuable insights into your digestive well-being and learn how to improve it.

3. Immunity Boost

Antioxidant Power: Antioxidants help flush away harmful free radicals in the body, boosting immunity. This is why these drinks would be a good option for keeping shape and against periodic assaults by infections in the summertime.

Provides Nutrients: Natural ingredients in summer drinks, such as fresh fruits and vegetables, contain the vitamins and minerals required for immunity. These include Vitamin C and zinc, which enhance the body’s defence mechanisms. 

4. Energy and Overall Well-being

Provides Energy: Natural sugar in summer drinks may provide a lasting energy delivery without the eventual crash that sugar sodas or processed drinks would give. They are the perfect option for being energetic during the day.

Reduces Fatigue: Numerous summer drinks, particularly berries and citrus fruits, contain antioxidants that lower fatigue. These antioxidants may protect the body from oxidative damage and increase energy levels. 

Detoxification: These drinks, including cucumber water and lemon mint detox water, are natural detoxifiers that detoxify the body. They create a healthier body through better digestion and reduced bloating. Detoxifying summer drinks will revitalise the body so that you feel refreshed.

5. Maintains Electrolyte Balance^[3]

Maintains Hydration: Ensuring you drink water properly lets you maintain the right amount of electrolytes such as sodium, potassium and chloride in your system. Their function is to guard the cells, ensuring enough liquid is in the body.

Improves Muscle Functionality: Signals that nerve cells use to control muscle contractions are made possible by electrolytes. If your muscles are not balanced, they may cramp or lose their strength.

Balances pH: Electrolytes control the pH in your blood to allow significant body functions to work. The balance stops changes that could disturb your metabolism.

Maintains Good Health: Staying hydrated and balancing electrolytes can stop dizziness, tiredness or confusion. If the disorder becomes serious, it can cause serious consequences if left untreated.

Summer Drinks Recipes

#1 Recipe 1: Kairi Panna (Raw Mango Drink)

Serving Size: 4 servings

Preparation Time: 15-20 minutes (plus time for cooling)

Ingredients:

• 2 medium-sized raw mangoes (kairi)
• 1/4 tsp roasted cumin powder
• 1/2 tsp pink salt
• 2-3 tbsp sugar or jaggery (adjust to taste)
• 1/4 tsp black pepper powder
• 4 cups of water (or as desired)
• A few mint leaves (optional for garnish)

Method:

• Boil the raw mangoes in a pot of water for 10-12 minutes to soften them, or roast them on the flame for a smoky touch. Once they are cooked, give them time to cool down.
• Remove the pulp from the mangoes. Discard the seeds and skin.
• In a blender, mix the mango pulp with roasted cumin powder, salt, sugar (or jaggery) and black pepper powder.
• Pour 2 cups of water into the blender and blend everything into a smooth paste.
• Add the rest of the water to the paste and put it back in the Food Processor to make it smooth and liquid. Adjust the sugar and salt to taste.
• Pour the Kairi Panna into glasses and decorate with some mints for additional freshness (optional).
• Serve cold as a refreshing cooling drink in the summer.

#2 Recipe 2: Watermelon Cucumber Cooler

Serving Size: 4 servings

Preparation Time: 10-15 minutes

Ingredients:

• 2 cups of watermelon (peeled and chopped)
• 1 medium cucumber (peeled and chopped)
• 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
• 1-2 teaspoons honey or sugar (optional, to taste)
• 2 cups chilled water
• Ice cubes (optional)
• Fresh mint leaves or cucumber slices for garnish

Method:

• Peel and dice the watermelon and cucumber into small pieces and pick the seeds out of the watermelon.
• Combine watermelon, cucumber and the freshly squeezed lime juice in a blender.
• Add honey or sugar, and blend the mixture until smooth.
• Pour out the juice, removing the excess pulp if desired.
• Add chilled water to the juice and mix well.
• Pour the mixture into glasses, and add ice cubes if desired.
• Add a mint leaf or slice of cucumber to garnish for a nice touch.
• Serve immediately to enjoy a cool and hydrating beverage for the summer.

#3 Recipe 3: Mint Lemonade

Serving Size: 4 servings

Preparation Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 cup fresh mint leaves
• 4-5 lemons (juiced)
• 4 cups chilled water
• 3-4 tablespoons sugar or honey (adjust to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt (optional)
• 1/4 teaspoon roasted cumin powder (optional)
• Ice cubes (optional)
• Mint sprigs or lemon slices for garnish

Method:

• Wash the fresh mint leaves thoroughly, and put them in a blender.
• Add lemon juice, sugar/honey, a pinch, and roasted cumin powder to the blender.
• Add 1 cup of chilled water and blend all ingredients until smooth.
• Strain the mixture to get rid of any mint leaves or pulp.
• Add 3 cups of cold water to the juice and stir properly.
• Adjust the level of sweetness to suit taste by adding more sugar or honey.
• Pour the Mint Lemonade into the glasses; add the ice cubes if desired.
• Decorate with mint sprigs or lemon slices and enjoy right away as a refreshing summer drink.

#4 Recipe 4: Barley Water

Serving Size: 4 servings

Preparation Time: 20-25 minutes (plus cooling time)

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup barley (whole or pearled)
• 4 cups water
• 1-2 tablespoons sugar or honey (optional)
• 1-2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (optional)
• A pinch of salt (optional)

Method:

• Wash the barley in cold water.
• In a big pot, pour the barley and 4 cups of water and let it boil.
• Once boiling, lower the heat and simmer the barley for approximately 20 minutes or until the water is slightly cloudy.
• Remove the pot from the heat source and rest it for a few minutes.
• Strain the barley water into a pitcher or bowl and then discard the barley.
• If you wish, add sugar or honey to make it sweet and a pinch of salt to give it flavour.
• Stir in fresh lemon juice for a refreshing finish if you like.
• Serve the barley water on ice cubes for a refreshing cooler drink.

#5 Recipe 5: Coconut Water with Chia Seeds

Serving Size: 4 servings

Preparation Time: 5 minutes

Ingredients:

• 4 cups fresh coconut water
• 2 tablespoons chia seeds
• 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
• 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice (optional)
• Ice cubes (optional)
• Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)

Method:

• In a small bowl, add 1/4 cup water and chia seeds and let them soak for 5 minutes. The mixture should form a gel-like consistency.
• Add the coconut water to a large pitcher and add in the soaked chia seeds; stir everything together.
• Add honey to sweeten the drink, amount depending on your taste.
• For an extra flavour, add a tablespoon of fresh lime juice.
• Stir well to combine and ensure the chia seeds are evenly mixed in the coconut water.
• Serve it with ice cubes and garnish with fresh mint leaves for a chilling effect.
• Have an exciting, hydrating, and energising Coconut Water with Chia Seeds!

#6 Recipe 6: Mango Lassi

Serving Size: 4 servings

Preparation Time: 5-10 minutes

Ingredients:

• 2 ripe mangoes (peeled and chopped)
• 1 cup plain yoghurt
• 1/2 cup milk (or water for a lighter version)
• 1-2 tablespoons honey or sugar (optional, adjust to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder (optional)
• Ice cubes (optional)

Method:

• Peel and chop the ripe mangoes and remove the seeds.
• Put the mango pieces, yoghurt, milk (or any kind of water), and honey or sugar into a blender.
• Add cardamom powder, if desired, for additional flavour.
• Mix everything until it becomes smooth and creamy.
• If you want a cold drink, add several ice cubes to the blender and blend again.
• Adjust the taste and sweetness, if necessary, by adding more honey or sugar.
• Pour the Mango Lassi into glasses with an optional garnish of fresh mint leaves.
• Serve immediately for a creamy, delicious, and refreshing drink in the summer.

#7 Recipe 7: Mojito 

Serving Size: 4 servings

Preparation Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves
• 2 tablespoons sugar (adjust to taste)
• 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
• 2 cups soda water or sparkling water
• Ice cubes
• Lime wedges and mint sprigs for garnish

Method:

• In a strong glass or cocktail shaker, smash the fresh mint leaves and sugar together to release the mint’s aromas.
• Add the lime juice to the mixture of mint and sugar and muddle again.
• Add ice cubes to the glass and pour the soda or sparkling water.
• Combine all the ingredients by stirring gently.
• Add lime wedges and a sprig of fresh mint.
• Serve forthwith for a cool, refreshing and fizzy drink.
• Optional: fresh mint leaves for garnish

#8 Recipe 8: Salted Chaas (Plain Indian Buttermilk)

Serving Size: 4 glasses

Preparation Time: 1 minute

Ingredients

• 2 cups fresh curd (dahi), whisked
• 1 tsp cumin seeds (jeera) powder
• ½ tsp ginger-green chilli paste
• ½ tsp black salt (sanchal)
• Salt to taste
• 4 cups chilled water
  

For the Tempering:

• 1 tsp oil
• ¼ tsp cumin seeds (jeera)
• A pinch of asafoetida (hing)
• 2 tbsp finely chopped coriander (dhania)
  

Method

• Place the whisked curd, cumin seeds powder, ginger-green chilli paste, black salt, and salt in a large bowl. Mix well.
• After that, add chilled water and beat until the mixture becomes smooth and frothy. Set aside.
• Heat the oil in a small pan. Add the cumin seeds and stir until they crackle.
• Give a small pinch of asafoetida and add it to the chaas immediately.
• Be sure to combine the tempering evenly.
• Put the drinks in glasses, top them with chopped coriander and serve them cold.

#9 Recipe 9: Vegetable Infused Water 

Serving Size: 4 servings
Preparation Time: 5 minutes (plus chilling time)

Ingredients:

• 1 large cucumber, thinly sliced
• 1 medium carrot, thinly sliced
• 1 celery stalk, sliced
• 1 lemon, thinly sliced
• A few fresh mint leaves
• 1.5 litres of cold water
• Ice cubes (optional)

Method:

• Take the chopped cucumber, carrot, celery, and lemon and add them to your large pitcher.
• Use mint leaves if you prefer extra freshness in your drink.
• Add cold water to the vegetables and fruit.
• Mix the ingredients softly and put them in the fridge for at least 2 hours (you may also leave them overnight).
• You can also chill your drink by adding ice cubes.
• Add fresh water to the pitcher at least once before swapping out the vegetables.
• Make this healthy and hydrating drink the go-to throughout your entire day!

The Last Say

Staying hydrated during the summer sun is crucial for optimal health and wellness. Correct hydration plays a vital role in numerous body functions, such as keeping the body temperature normal, supporting digestion, and maintaining energy. 

Natural drinks, made with fresh fruits, herbs, and spices, not only quench thirst but also provide vitamins, antioxidants, and electrolytes. Choosing these healthy drinks may help manage heat-related illnesses and enhance vitality. 

By opting for natural beverages packed with nutrients, you rehydrate and feed your system, leaving you refreshed and healthy throughout summer.

Frequently Asked Questions