5 Refreshing Drinks That Will Keep You Hydrated Throughout the Summer

By Meghen Jones

The sizzling summer heat has kicked in, and that only means one thing—it’s time to sip on those refreshing drinks that keep you hydrated, refreshed, and ready to tackle all of your hard-earned free time. It’s so easy to reach for the usual bottle of water when you’re just dying of something to quench your thirst, but let’s face facts—sometimes your body craves something with a little more “oomph” to it.

Thanks to the internet, there are so many options for drinks that will keep you hydrated this summer, but uCribs suggests adding a little bit of flavor to your selection with our list of 5 flavorful, refreshing drinks that will help you cool off, chill out, and prepare for a little bit of time off.

Cleansing Cucumber Lemonade

Do you remember those days as a kid when everyone had their lemonade stands to make a little extra cash? Lemonade is a summer staple that you can never get wrong. It’s detoxifying while providing a light, lemony goodness that makes it so enjoyable on a hot, summer day. Take your lemonade to the next level by adding a bit of cucumber to make cucumber lemonade. We know that one sip will instantly have you hooked!

Ingredients:

1 pound cucumbers, chopped

1/2 cup of sliced cucumbers reserved for garnish

2 cups freshly squeezed lemon juice

8 cups water, divided

2/3 cup raw honey

12 ice cubes

Directions:

1. Place chopped cucumbers in the blender with 1 to 2 cups of water. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve into a bowl or into the pitcher, while pressing with the back of a ladle to get all of the juice through the sieve. Discard pulp. Add ice on top of cucumber.
2. Heat 1-1/2 cups of the water on a stovetop over high heat until steaming, but not boiling. Remove from heat and whisk in honey until dissolved.
3. Pour honey mixture, lemon, and water over ice and cucumber. Stir well to combine.

Agua de Jamaica

Who says that you can’t bring the islands to your own home in the States? If you want to experience the tropics, then you want to add Agua de Jamaica to your list of refreshing drinks for Summer 2018. This magenta-colored tea is more commonly referred to as hibiscus iced tea and provides the perfect blend of natural sweetness and refreshing hydration. So, grab your sunglasses, kick back poolside, and feel as if you’ve escaped to Jamaica with a fresh glass of Agua de Jamaica!

Ingredients:

1 cup hibiscus flowers or 6-8 hibiscus tea bags

7 cups water

1/2 cup honey

Ice

Directions:

1. Add flowers or tea bags to 4 cups of water and bring to a boil. Once boiling, add in honey and stir to dissolve. Allow to sit for 5 to 10 minutes.
2. Add 3 cups of reserved water and ice to pitcher. Pour the boiled tea through a fine mesh strainer set above a pitcher, pressing down on flowers to squeeze in any of the liquid.

Strawberry-Basil Water

We all know how important it is to drink water on the daily basis in order to stay hydrated. Maybe we can’t all drink Beyonce’s gallon per day, but you need to squeeze in 2-liters at the very least. As Americans, however, sometimes we get bored with run-of-the-mill H2O. Add a little flavor to your water with this recipe for Strawberry-Basil Water.  You can even take this drink on-the-go in your favorite water bottle, whether you’re hitting the beach or a friendly, neighborly BBQ within your apartment community. Once you try out flavored water, you may never want regular water again.

Ingredients:

1 pint strawberries, sliced

10 fresh basil leaves, torn

1 lemon, sliced

2 quarts water

Directions:

1. Combine strawberries, basil, and lemon in a large pitcher.
2. Add 2 quarts of water then refrigerate for at least 3 hours.

Iced Fruit Punch

We all love the fruity goodness of fruit punch—even as young adults! With a variety of fruits such as oranges, pineapples, and apples, there is nothing that compares to enjoying an ice-cold glass of freshly-made fruit punch. Take a spin on this classic drink by creating Iced Fruit Punch. This fun drink provides a kick of fizziness that forms when you toss your fruit punch ginger ale and Seltzer water mixture. This drink with take you to fruit punch heaven!

Ingredients:

6 cups assorted fruit juices

3 cups ginger ale

3 cups Seltzer water

Directions:

1. Make the ice: Freeze juice in ice trays. When solid, release from molds and store by flavor in sealable freezer bags.
2. Make the punch: Fill an 8-ounce glass to the top with about 1/2 cup assorted flavored ice cubes. Add 1/4 cup ginger ale and 1/4 cup seltzer, then serve immediately.

Sparkling Honey Limeade

Are you craving a drink that is sweet and tangy in flavor, while sticking to your health goals? Sparkling Honey Limeade is the drink you’re seeking!  This refreshing drink is one that you can enjoy year-round, but of course, it’s perfect for staying hydrated in the heat of summer. Be prepared to add this to your list of favorite drinks because you are sure to fall in love at first sip!

Ingredients:

5 limes squeezed

1/2 cup honey

6 cups sparkling water, chilled

1/4 cup loosely packed mint leaves

1/8 teaspoon sea salt

Ice Cubes

1 lime thinly sliced

Directions:

1. In a pitcher combine lime juice, salt, and honey, then mix well until combined.
2. Add sparkling water and stir to combine.
3. In a serving glass, add a few ice cubes, fresh mint leaves, and a lime slice. Pour prepared limeade over ice and enjoy.

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