Drink In The Summer: Four Healthy Sips

SHOP SUMMER ROMANCE

Happy Independence weekend!! We are so grateful and privileged to live in a country that values freedom and strives to make it a reality for every individual. As you celebrate our beautiful nation by soaking up the sunshine and reveling in firework shows beneath the stars, here are some delicious, health-conscious sips to keep you well hydrated and feeling gorgeous all day and all night.

Pretty In Pink: Strawberry-Lime Coconut Agua Fresca

A savory alternative to water, this coconut water-based drink is a simply divine summer indulgence. As their shape suggests, strawberries are known to boost heart-health and immunity. Strawberry sweetness mingles with lime for a subtle citrus sour. Limes improve skin care, eye health, and digestion. A major health defense against scurvy, limes were given to soldiers and sailors who often suffered from the disease; they are still offered to workers who work in heavily polluted environments. Enjoy all the benefits and flavor of this pretty in pink summer fresca!

Serves 2-3

2 cups strawberries

1 cup coconut water

1/3 - 1/2 cup lime juice

Ice

2 Tbsp simple syrup, agave nectar, or preferred sweetener (optional)

Additional lime and mint for serving (optional)

Instructions: Blend strawberries, coconut water, and preferred sweetener in a high speed blender until smooth and frothy (about 30 seconds). Add desired lime juice to taste. Serve immediately over ice with an extra squeeze of lime and a sprig of mint. Saving it for later? No problemo. Cover and chill for up to a day and stir before serving. 

Recipe courtesy of The Pig & The Quill

The New H2O

A made-over classic! Infused water is an amazing way to incorporate all the benefits of fruit, vegetables, and herbs while getting in those eight cups of H2O everyday. Plus it's a fun way to add succulent flavor and beauty to your glass of water! There really is no special recipe or trick to infusing water – you can make this completely your own. Experient with whatever's in your fridge or fruit bowl, just allow time to infuse  (more time = more flavor). Here is a great recipe to get your creative juices flowing, no pun intended. 

Bright and Beautiful Blueberry Orange

Serves 1

6 cups water

2 oranges cut into wedges

Handful of Blueberries

Ice

Combine all ingredients into a pitcher and let chill and infuse in fridge for 2 – 24 hours. Consider squeezing in the juice of one orange and muddling the blueberries to intensify the flavor. Serve cold and garnish with an orange wedge.

Note: If you like bubbles, perk it up by substituting water for sparkling mineral water!

Sangria

A combination of fruit and red wine, sangria is a festive classic. If you're going to celebrate this holiday with an alcoholic beverage, this is certainly a good choice. Many health studies suggest that including red wine in your diet can actually reduce your risk for stroke and heart disease. And you get to snack on the fresh fruit at the end which provides vitamins and fiber! Of course more than one serving of alcohol a day can actually raise your risk of health problems; the benefits only apply when you drink in moderation! Feel free to experiment with different kinds of fruit to find the flavor you love best.

Serves 1

8 fresh raspberries

1/2 apple, sliced

1/2 orange, sliced

1/2 cup chilled red wine (we love Pinot Noirs and Malbecs!)

1/4 cup seltzer

Add raspberries into a glass and muddle. Toss remaining fruit into the glass. Add preferred type of wine and seltzer. Stir and garnish with an orange wedge. If you really want a kick, add a shot of orange liqueur!

Skinny Margarita

Save calories by opting out on the syrupy-sweet margarita mixes and going back to the basics. Fresh lime juice, tequila, and Triple Sec are all you need!

Serves 4 (2/3 cup each)

1/2 cup fresh lime juice, plus 1 lime wedge

1 cup seltzer or club soda

3/4 c. (6 oz.) tequila

6 Tbsp (3 oz.) Triple Sec

Ice

1 Tbsp kosher salt (optional)

Lime wedge for garnish

Combine lime juice, seltzer/club soda, tequila, and Triple Sec in a pitcher. If you want to add salt to the rim, pour kosher salt onto a small plate, rub the rim of four 10-oz. glasses with the lime wedge and dip into the salt. Fill the glasses with ice and top with the margarita mixture. Garnish with lime wedge.

Note: Consider spicing up this Mexican speciality! Take a trip to your local farmers' market for fresh cilantro, cucumber, and jalapeño and adding two sprigs of each herb to each glass!

If you liked this blog, check out our other blogs like: "Indulge: 3 Summer Recipes from Kathryn Budig," "Resources for the Foodie," and "7 Foods You Need to Break Up With."