Easy, Refreshing Summer Drinks | Rite Aid

Not all refreshing summer drinks are laden with calories and added sugar—you can hydrate the natural way and still have fun!

The dog days of summer are bound to have you reaching for a cold one, but water can be, well, a little boring, and high-sugar drinks can pack a hefty caloric punch. The answer? Creative, low-calorie, refreshing summer drinks that will keep your taste buds tantalized.

Homemade Mocktails

Lemonade Mint Julep

Whip up a refreshing lemonade mint julep the whole family can enjoy by following this easy, three-ingredient recipe.

What you'll need:

• Two packets of Crystal Light Natural Lemonade

• Two quarts of boiling water

• One cup of fresh mint leaves       

Instructions:

Combine the lemonade and mint leaves in a pitcher and then pour the boiling water over the mixture. Let cool in your fridge for about an hour and then strain before drinking. Pour over ice and sip away!

Cranberry-Lime Rickey

A fizzy cranberry-lime rickey is the perfect drink for hot summer days.

What you'll need:

• 1/2 cup of cranberry juice
• Juice of half a lime
• Seltzer water
• Lime wedge

Instructions:

Fill a tall glass with ice, then pour in half a cup of cranberry juice and the juice of half a lime and stir well. Finally, fill the glass with seltzer water, garnish with a lime wedge, and enjoy!

DIY Sun Tea

One of the most time-honored southern traditions for cooling off is brewing a batch of sun tea—but you don't need to rely on refined sugar to sweeten up your favorite iced tea. Use the brewing power of the sun and natural sweeteners for a low-calorie spin on a summer tradition. First, choose your favorite kind of tea; while black tea is the norm, sun tea can be made with any type of tea. You can brew it up with a classic black tea like PG Tips or try something new, such as Dreamhouse's Blueberry Acai-Infused Green Tea.

Just fill a pitcher with water and add one tea bag for every eight ounces. Place in the sun for two to three hours to brew, and then remove the tea bags and sweeten with a touch of honey, agave, or stevia. Let your tea cool in the refrigerator or drop in a few ice cubes and enjoy.

Fruit-Infused Water

Looking for an easy way to take tap water to the next level? Fruit-infused waters are the perfect way to jazz up your boring bottle of H₂O so it becomes something you want to drink—not just something you have to drink. Adding some fresh-squeezed fruit juice to still or sparkling water can add a ton of flavor without the sugar that's typically added to prepackaged juice drinks.

Try using the Proctor Silex Durable Juicer to create a zesty combination of orange, lime, and grapefruit juice. Then add a few tablespoons of your citrus mixture to your glass of water for a thirst-quenching treat with just a hint of natural sweetness. You could add sliced fruit or veggies, too, such as strawberries or cucumbers, or try mango puree for a tropical taste. Experiment with different seasonal fruit and vegetables for refreshing summer drinks that are anything but boring.

Staying hydrated is one of the most important ways to enjoy a safe summer, but that doesn't mean you have to stick to boring water. Try out these recipes and then take the plunge and create your own summer drinks. Cheers!

By Jae Curtis

These articles are not a substitute for medical advice, and are not intended to treat or cure any disease. Advances in medicine may cause this information to become outdated, invalid, or subject to debate. Professional opinions and interpretations of scientific literature may vary. Consult your healthcare professional before making changes to your diet, exercise, or medication regime.