Spicy Papaya Sunrise
Ice pops aren’t the only way to stay cool this summer. Check out these nonalcoholic drink recipes.
This tropical cooler helps curb cravings, thanks to papaya’s high fiber content, and is very hydrating, since watermelon is almost entirely H20.
Michelada
This update of the traditional Mexican cocktail of beer and tomato juice substitutes kombucha tea for the cerveza.
Citrusy Acai Fizz
Acai, a nutritional powerhouse containing essential amino acids, hails from Brazil and gives this low-sugar drink an exotic flavor.
Cucumber-Honeydew Cooler
Cucumber is a classic cool-drink ingredient in regions where citrus has traditionally been scarce. Adding melon to the equation makes this sip especially hydrating.
Black Cherry Spritzer
Muddling pitted whole black cherries with a bit of agave helps bring out the fruit’s natural sweetness while keeping this a low-glycemic drink.
Muddled Ginger-Mint Lemonade
Adding ginger and mint uplifts the humble lemonade.
Blueberry-Pomegranate Slushy
This drink is about as disease-fighting as they come; pomegranates have plenty of immunity-boosting vitamin C, while blueberries have more antioxidant value than almost any other food.
Chamomile Cooler
Chamomile and lemon-flavored herbs create a delicate, delightful tea. We used lemon verbena, which lends a pleasantly sweet flavor. But you can also substitute lemon balm, lemon thyme, lemon basil, or lemon-scented geranium for equally tasty variations on this light, soothing blend.
Lavender Lemonade
Citrus juice enlivens this brew while lemon zest adds depth of flavor. Use organic fruit to avoid detergents and dyes in the rind.
Raspberry-Rosehip Iced Tea
Fruit juice is a great way to sweeten iced tea naturally. The raisins in this recipe also add a natural sweetness. If you can’t find raspberry juice, substitute cherry juice. For an easy berry variation, try blackberry leaves with blueberry juice.
Sparkling Pear and Cranberry Cocktail
This cocktail is made with icy Moscato d’Asti, which is sweeter than Champagne but much lighter than the rich dessert wine also made from Italian moscato grapes. Just the right medium for this fizzy drink, it adds flavor to the silky pear and tart cranberries.
Cranberry-Grapefruit Sparkler
Create sparklers using fresh, organic juices — look for ones without added sugar or high-fructose corn syrup — and sparkling mineral water. With an effervescent kick, a generous dose of vitamins, and less sugar than straight juice, they provide a healthy way to rehydrate.
Licorice-Mint Iced Tea
Peppermint ranks high among America’s favorite types of mint tea, but you can substitute equal amounts of any variety for this recipe. Try interesting flavors such as chocolate-mint, orange-mint, pineapple-mint, or spearmint — or combine several types for a more complex, rich brew.
Sparking Fruit Coolers
These fruit coolers are essentially a grown-up (and far healthier) version of the sticky, sweet fruit slushes of childhood. There are so many juices and nectars available; experiment with different combinations.
Frozen Lemonade
Summer’s signature drink — frozen for an optimum chill-out experience.
Carrot-Mango Smoothie
Frozen mango lends the smoothie its sweetness and smooth texture while adding vitamins B6, C, and E.
Blueberry Breakfast Shake
Breakfast shakes made with blueberries and yogurt are a healthy way to start the day. In this refreshing smoothie, yogurt provides protein as well as calcium and B vitamins.
