Summer Drink Ideas

Although I love smoothies in the summertime, sometimes I'm more in the mood for something just as refreshing but a little less filling. So, I decided to do some experimenting to create my own summer drink line-up, each drink all-natural and with its own health benefits. No fancy equipment necessary for any of them, really just a blending device! Hope these fun drinks help you guys get through this summer heat. Enjoy!

The Matcha Island Slushie

 As some may have realized from my previous posts, I'm all aboard the matcha train right now. Matcha is a great because it's not only full of antioxidants and immune system boosters, but it also gives you a sustained amount of caffeine (compared to the crash that coffee can sometimes give.) Even for those who have never tried matcha before, this slushie makes for a tropically refreshing afternoon pick-me-up that I know will be my "go to" all summer long.

Ingredients

• 1 cup coconut milk
• 1 tbs matcha powder (I used UMatcha) 
• 1/4 cup pineapple juice and/or fresh pineapple
• about 3/4 cup ice

Directions

1. Blend together the matcha and the coconut milk in a blender for a few seconds. 
2. Add in the fresh pineapple and/or pineapple juice and blend in the blender until the mixture is as smooth as possible. 
3. Add some ice and blend, starting with 3/4 of a cup and adding more if necessary.

The Cacao-nut Iced Latte

For those of you curious on how to make a homemade mocha, this recipe is really all you need. The hint of coconut flavor mixed with the cacao, cardamom, and cinnamon creates a drink that tastes like the perfect summery treat (without containing any refined sugar)! Hope this coffee drink serves you well as you curl up on a porch reading a book this summer.

Recipe

Blend the following ingredients into a blender:

• 1 cup black coffee (iced or put in the fridge overnight)
• 1/8 cup coconut milk
• 1 tbs cacao powder
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• dash of cardamom powder
• dash of maple

Pour into a glass filled halfway with ice and sip away! Can also be done as a frappuccino by adding about 3/4 cup of ice. 

The Beet the Heat Soda

I've never really been much of a soda person, but recently I've been really into the soda spin-offs with espresso and tea that have been popping up at several local coffee shops. So, since nothing can top a cold soda in the heat of mid-July, why not add some health benefits to these refreshing drinks? This summer soda contains apple cider vinegar which is great for clearing your skin and aiding your digestion among many other benefits. Paired with the beet juice, sparkling water, and coconut milk it makes for a slightly sweet yet creamy soda that is the perfect poolside drink.

Recipe

Fill a glass up halfway with ice then add:

• 1 tbs apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 cup beet juice (or use 1/4 beet and 1/4 apple for a sweeter taste)
• 1/2 cup sparkling water
• 1/4-1/2 cup of coconut milk
• Dash of honey (optional)

The Icy Melon Slushie

Let's be honest, nothing gives off more summer vibes than a fresh watermelon does. Thus, when you turn this summertime classic into a slushie, you get something truly magical. This simple drink is the perfect hydrater after a day out in the heat.  

Recipe

• 1 1/4 cup fresh, seedless watermelon (I used about a fourth of a small watermelon)
• 3/4 cup coconut water
• about 3/4 - 1 cup ice

Directions

1. Pour the coconut water and the cut watermelon into a blender and blend until the texture is as smooth as possible.
2. Add some ice and blend, starting with 3/4 of a cup and adding more if necessary.

The Lemon Aid (Activated Charcoal Lemonade)

Although the color of activated charcoal is amazing, the benefits of this powder extend far beyond just the cool color. Some of these benefits include cleansing your digestive system and whitening your teeth! Just be sure to drink plenty of water after drinking it in order for it to truly cleanse your system. I hope you enjoy this natural and fun take on this summer classic!

Recipe

Blend the following ingredients together in a blender:

• 1.5 tbs honey or agave
• 3 tbs lemon juice (from about 1.5-2 small lemons)
• 3/4 cup cold water
• 1/4 cup warm water (in order to better dissolve the honey or agave)
• 1 tsp activated charcoal

& pour over a cup halfway filled with ice!

Happy June and happy sipping!

---