Summer Drinks
In summer, we need to drink more fluids—and not just alcohol. Some people are great at drinking water, but I am not one of them. I always carry a bottle of water with me, a habit I picked up in Israel, and on hot days I do drink it. Even so, I have never really liked the taste of plain water.
Adding a slice of lemon or orange and a little fresh mint to my water makes it much more appealing and encourages me to drink more.
Younger people seem much better at drinking enough water than I am. My mother also found it difficult to drink plain water when she was alive.
Although the weather is changing this weekend, hot days will return, so here are some ideas for staying hydrated in a more interesting way.
Refreshing Mocktails & Soft Drinks
Strawberry Lemonade: Blend ripe, fresh strawberries with tangy homemade lemonade, then top with sparkling water and a sprig of fresh mint.
Watermelon Lime Juice: A vibrant, sugar-free juice made by blending fresh watermelon with lime. Top with ginger juice and sparkling water for an elevated, fizzy finish.
Mint & Mango Iced Tea: Brew green tea and blend with fresh mango chunks, mint, and a squeeze of lime served over ice.
Apple & Elderflower Sparkle: A bright, fruity favourite made with 1-2 measures of apple juice, 1 measure of elderflower cordial, and topped with sparkling water.
Naughty but nice!
Last week, I was in the car with someone in her 30s when I mentioned a coke float. She had never heard of it, so I explained that when I was a teenager, it was one of my favourite treats: vanilla ice cream with Coca-Cola poured over it, made for me by my grandmother.
I no longer drink regular Coca-Cola unless it is the caffeine-free, sugar-free kind, and I cannot eat dairy ice cream. I now adore a lemonade float using sugar-free 7UP and Swedish Glace ice cream. It tastes like vanilla and lemon pie.
- Pour the 7UP into a large glass.
- Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- If you like, top it with whipped cream or vegan whipped cream.
- Add a few slices of lemon, put in the straws, and enjoy.
There are many ways to stay hydrated and keep cool in summer. You can make iced coffee with decaffeinated coffee or iced tea with decaffeinated tea for a healthier option that is less likely to affect your sleep. Whatever your favourite drink, stay safe, stay hydrated, and enjoy the summer.