Healthy summer drinks: 5 must-try recipes for cool, hydrating drinks to prevent heat stroke

As the summer temperatures rise, keeping yourself hydrated becomes a necessity. It's the time when you need good hydration to feel fresh and energised. While drinking water is essential, sometimes you need a little extra flavour and nutrition to make hydration more enjoyable.

Cool, refreshing beverages packed with fruits, herbs, and natural ingredients not only quench thirst but also provide essential vitamins, antioxidants, and minerals that your body requires during hot weather, says Chaitanya Bhamidipaty, Co-founder of Roastea. He shares some refreshing recipes that combine hydration with nourishment and offer a delicious way to beat the heat. “The recipes include fresh fruits, herbs, and natural ingredients, and can help replenish lost fluids while giving a boost of essential nutrients,” says Bhamidipaty.

Cucumber celery cold pressed: This crisp, hydrating blend is packed with green goodness, making it the perfect summer cooler.

Ingredients: Cucumber, celery stalks, juice of half a lemon

How to make:

• Wash all ingredients thoroughly.
• Cut the cucumber and celery into small pieces.
• Juice them together using a cold-press juicer.
• Stir in fresh lemon juice and serve chilled.

Benefits: Cucumbers and celery are rich in water content, keeping the body hydrated, while lemon adds a refreshing citrus twist.

Healthy summer drinks recipe: Purple Haze (Representational image: Canva)

Purple Haze: An antioxidant-rich mocktail with a balance of tangy and sweet flavours.

Ingredients: Blue curacao syrup, cranberry juice, lemon wedges, mint leaves, ice cubes

How to make:

• In a cocktail shaker, combine lemon wedges, mint leaves, ice cubes, blue curacao syrup, and cranberry juice.
• Shake well for 15 seconds.
• Strain into a tulip glass over fresh ice.
• Garnish with an orange slice and mint leaves.

Benefits: Cranberry juice is packed with antioxidants that help fight free radicals and reduce oxidative stress.

Healthy summer drink recipes: Mango peach green tea mocktail (Representational image: Canva)

Mango peach green tea mocktail: A refreshing blend of tropical flavours with the added benefits of green tea.

Ingredients: Alphonso mango, peach syrup, green tea drip bag, lemon, mint leaves, demerara sugar

How to make:

• Brew green tea in 120ml of hot water for 2 minutes.
• In a tall glass, muddle a lemon wedge, mint leaves, demerara sugar, and small mango pieces.
• Add peach syrup and ice cubes.
• Pour the brewed green tea on top and stir well.

Benefits: Mango is loaded with vitamins, peaches support digestion and skin health, and green tea is packed with antioxidants that boost metabolism.

Healthy summer drinks recipe: Watermelon-mint refresher (Representational image: Canva)

Watermelon-mint refresher: A summer classic that combines hydration with a cooling sensation.

Ingredients: Watermelon cubes, fresh mint leaves, juice of one lime, soda or Sprite

How to make:

• Remove seeds from the watermelon cubes.
• Juice the watermelon and mint together.
• Stir in lime juice and whole mint leaves.
• Pour over ice and top up with soda or Sprite.
• Garnish with a watermelon slice.

Benefits: Watermelon is over 90 percent water, making it excellent for hydration. Mint adds a cooling effect, while lime gives a tangy kick.

Healthy summer drinks recipe: Pineapple mint slushy (Representational image: Canva)

Pineapple mint slushy: A tropical, icy drink perfect for cooling down on a hot day.

Ingredients: Pineapple, mint leaves, ice cubes, water

How to make:

• Remove the pineapple skin and cut it into small cubes.
• In a blender, combine equal parts pineapple and ice cubes with 4-5 mint leaves.
• Add a splash of water and blend at medium speed for 30 seconds.
• Pour into a martini glass and enjoy.

Benefits: Pineapple is rich in vitamin C, has anti-inflammatory properties that aid muscle recovery, and supports bone health.