Summer brings many unpleasant experiences like dehydration, heat stroke, indigestion, headaches & prickly heat.

Beating the hot summer calls for some Refreshing drinks, to maintain electrolyte balance & proper functioning of cells.

Stir up these family-friendly mocktails for a healthy way to cool down.

Easy, Healthy & refreshing, they're just what you want in your glass when the weather heats up.

1. OUTRAGEOUS MANGO SMOOTHIE:

A drink prepared using the king of fruits ‘Mango'. It is prepared using yellow & orange fruits along with vegetable that provides antioxidants. It contains no added sugar, but natural sweetness. This easy-to-prepare smoothie can be your go-to snack for the summer season.

INGREDIENTS:

• Mango 100 g (peeled & diced)
• Carrots- 50 g (peeled & quartered)
• Yellow banana 50 (frozen)
• Milk 1/4th cup (toned)
• Cinnamon powder- a pinch
• Honey 1 tsp
• Water- 1/2 cup

METHOD:

 Step 1   Add carrot & water to a blender & blend until completely pureed.

 Step 2   Add this juice along with rest of the ingredients & blend until creamy & smooth.

 Step 3   Pour the mix into the container carefully.

 Step 4   Place the container in the fridge and allow it to cool for 5 minutes. Relish it later!

2. KOKUM FRESHENER:

This drink keeps your heart healthy, aids weight loss, boosts brain activity and builds mmunity. This simple recipe is all you need in the summers to beat the heat.

INGREDIENTS:

• Soft kokum peels: 3-4
• Jeera Powder: 1/2  tsp
• Raw organic honey: 1/2 tsp
• Salt to taste
• Chopped coriander: 1/2 tbs

        For The Garnish:

• Salt Rim
• 4 sprigs coriander

METHOD:

 Step 1   Wash the kokum peels, add the raw organic honey & 1/2 cup of water. Mash lightly using a spoon.

 Step 2   Add 3.5 cups of water with some salt & refrigerate for 2 to 3 hours.

 Step 3   Mix well & strain the drink using a sieve.

 Step 4   In each salt-rimmed shot glass, pour an equal quantity of the drink, garnish with a sprig of coriander and serve chilled!

3. WATERMELON DETOX DRINK:

Watermelon can help to keep you hydrated throughout the day in this hectic summer. It helps in improving your digestion & refreshing your body. It keeps you cool. Chia seeds are a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, which help to raise the HDL cholesterol (good cholesterol). Lemon helps in detoxification.

INGREDIENTS:

• Watermelon - 5 pieces (roughly chopped)
• Mint leaves/basil leaves - 4-5 leaves
• Lemon juice - 1/2 tsp
• Chia seeds - 1/2 tsp (soaked)
• Ice cubes - 2-3 nos.

METHOD:

 Step 1   Put watermelon, mint /basil leaves, lemon juice along with ice cubes in a juicer & blend it.

 Step 2   Pour it into a glass, garnish with remaining mint/basil leaves & soaked chia seeds.

 Step 3   Enjoy it chilled.

4. CUCUMBER LEMONADE:

Adding a few slices of cucumber to your water makes for excellent rehydration technique, & cucumber contains anti-inflammatory properties too. At the same time, lemon aids digestion & boosts your immune system.

INGREDIENTS:

• Cucumber (Peeled/unpeeled, cut into large chunks ) - 1 cup
• Lemon juice -1 tsp.
• Cold water - 2 cups

METHOD:

 Step 1   Run cucumber through a blender or food processor until pureed, then run it for a whole extra minute to ensure that it is as smooth as possible.

 Step 2   Set a fine-mesh strainer & pour cucumber puree through it, stirring to help it move along faster. Discard solids.

 Step 3   In the pitcher, you should have about 1 cup cucumber juice. Add lemon juice to it along with water.

 Step 4   Give it a good stir or shake, & let it sit in the fridge for 15 minutes.

 Step 5   Serve chilled over ice, with or without a splash of seltzer on top. You can fancy up the glass with a garnish of cucumber slices.

5. LEMON & LIME DRINK:

There is a lot of water loss during summer due to sweating & it is essential to replace lost fluids or to maintain it. Good hydration enables mental alertness (improves the ability to concentrate). Lemon & sweet lime juice helps to fight infections, cleanse the kidneys, reduce bloating and overcome inflammation. Further, this drink will give a good dose of vitamin C.

INGREDIENTS:

• Lemon juice - 1/2 tsp
• Sweet lime juice - 1 tbsp
• Agave nectar/honey - 1 tsp
• Dates - 2 nos.
•  Water-1 cup
• Sea salt as per taste
• Aloe vera juice - 10ml

METHOD:

 Step 1   Combine the dates, sea salt, lime juice with crushed ice cubes in a glass jar & stir to mix well.

 Step 2   Pour it in a glass.

 Step 3   Add the aloe vera juice & honey

 Step 4   Garnish with torn fresh mint leaves & serve immediately.

Try these fabulous summer drinks & feel refreshed & energized throughout the season!!