Some Summer Drinks That Keep You Slim

Sip Smarter

There’s nothing like a cool, refreshing drink when it’s hot and humid outside – but could you be stirring up trouble when you reach for that ice cold soda or frozen slushy? “If you eat a balanced diet, the nutrients will naturally fall into a healthy range.

Having said that, beverages shouldn’t be a big contributor of calories, sugar, or sodium,” says Everyday Health nutritionist Maureen Namkoong, M.S., R.D. For your next picnic in the park or backyard celebration, make one of these healthy, thirst-quenching options. Cheers!

Cool Down With Fruity Iced Tea

"Nowadays, sugary, high-calorie sodas are almost perceived as the 'new tobacco,'— that they’re just as bad for consumers. There are a lot of other options that are not full of calories or artificial sugars," explains Chef Roy Khoo, executive chef and culinary director at Cancer Treatment Centers of America, in Newnan, Georgia, who recommends alternatives such as fruity tea, infused waters, seltzer water, and coconut water. For a flavor kick, try his Ginger Pomegranate Cooler that’s bursting with sweet berries and spicy ginger.

Ingredients
1.12 organic ginger tea bags (Editor's note: We like Pukka Tea’s Three Ginger tea.)
2.4 cups boiling water
3.4 cups cold water
4.1 cup unsweetened pomegranate juice
5.1 tablespoon, squeezed lemon juice
6.1 orange, sliced
7.3 sprigs fresh mint
8.16 frozen strawberries
9.24 frozen blueberries

Preparation
Put tea in a heatproof container. Pour in boiling water and steep for 5 minutes. Strain tea into pitcher. Stir in cold water, pomegranate juice, and lemon juice. Add orange slices and mint and refrigerate for a minimum of one hour until chilled. Add frozen strawberries and blueberries to individual glasses before serving.Makes 8 cups.

Make a Zero-Calorie Mixer

“Moderation is key when drinking any type of alcohol – one drink for women and two drinks for men per day. The second rule of thumb is what you mix it with. A zero-calorie mixer is better than full-calorie mixers and added sugar,” says Namkoong. For a refreshing summer cocktail, prep Chef Khoo’s Refreshing Citrus Herb Infused Water. When made with seltzer, the zero-calorie water makes a great mixer for clear liquors like vodka.

Ingredients
1.1 orange, thinly sliced into rounds
2.1 lemon, thinly sliced into rounds
3.1 unpeeled cucumber, sliced into rounds
4.3 sprigs each of thyme, tarragon, or mint or fennel fronds
5.1 tablespoon squeezed lemon juice
6.8 cups water or sparkling water

Preparation
Put the orange, lemon, cucumber, herbs, and lemon juice in a pitcher. Press the fruit against the bottom of the pitcher to release juice and volatile oils. Add water and refrigerate for a minimum of one hour before serving.

Add Zing to Chilled Water

In sweltering heat, it’s vital to stay hydrated throughout the day. If you’re tired of water, add fizz and flavor with this light Cucumber Mint Spritzer, inspired by Amber Wilson, the blogger behind For the Love of the South. Using club soda instead of ginger ale will lower the sugar content for an ultra-healthy, no-calorie mocktail.

Ingredients
1.1 1/2 cups club soda
2.6 cucumber slices
3.1/2 sprig of fresh mint
4.1 teaspoon agave syrup (optional)

Preparation
In a measuring glass, measure out 1 cup of club soda. Toss in cucumber slices and the mint, torn into small pieces. Stir with agave syrup, if using. Pour over two glasses filled with ice.

Make a Sweeter Lemonade

If there’s one drink that exemplifies refreshment on hot, summer days, it’s this classic sweet ‘n’ sour lemonade. Brian Nicholson of Red Jacket Orchards and co-author of “Fruitful: Four Seasons of Fresh Fruit Recipes” shares his brother’s delightful twist on this beloved drink. Next time the temperature soars, chill a couple of glasses and enjoy Joe’s NY Style Lemonade. (Note: You’ll need a juicer.)

Ingredients
1.2 pounds sweet apples
2.2 to 4 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice, as needed

Preparation
Thoroughly rinse the apples, then core them and cut them into chunks that will just fit through the juicer’s feed tube. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of the lemon juice into the bottom of a liquid measuring cup or whatever vessel you will be juicing into.
Following the manufacturer’s directions, pass the apples through the juicer into the measuring cup. Run any wet pulp back through the juicer. Whisk the juice quickly to incorporate the lemon juice. Whisk in additional lemon juice, a little at a time, until the juice reaches your desired flavor. Scrape off the foam, if desired. Pour the juice into chilled glasses and serve immediately.

Pucker Up With Our Favorite Fruit Juice

If you prefer a sour tang, the Tart Cherry Stomp from “Fruitful: Four Seasons of Fresh Fruit Recipes” is just right for you. “Cherry juice has also recently been dubbed ‘Advil in a juice bottle’ — due to its high levels of antioxidants and anthocyanin, a natural anti-inflammatory — so this one is extra good for you,” say the cookbook authors.

Ingredients
1.1 1/2 pounds sour cherries
2.8 to 12 ounces sweet or sweet-tart apples
3.1 teaspoon freshly squeezed lemon juice

Preparation
Thoroughly rinse the cherries and apples. Stem and pit the cherries; core the apples and cut them into chunks that will just fit through the juicer’s feed tube. Sprinkle the lemon juice into the bottom of a liquid measuring cup or whatever vessel you will be juicing into.

Following the manufacturer’s directions, pass the cherries and apples through the juicer into the measuring cup, alternating between the two fruits. Run any wet pulp back through the juicer. Whisk the juice quickly to incorporate the lemon juice. Scrape off the foam, if desired. Pour the juice into chilled glasses and serve immediately.

Treat Yourself to Wine

All the previous drinks can be mixed with spirits, but if you’re looking for an instant crowd favorite, Gaby Dalkin of What’s Gaby Cooking has you covered. Her Strawberry and Peach Rosé Sangria takes advantage of stone fruit and berry season and a great summer wine – rosé – which is best enjoyed chilled. Look for raw sugar, which is less processed than refined, or omit the sugar completely if you're watching your intake.

Ingredients
1.1/3 cup sugar
2.1/3 cup brandy
3.2 cups sliced strawberries
4.1 cup sliced peaches
5.1 bottle Rosé
6.1 bottle Sauvignon Blanc
7.1 cup chilled club soda or sparkling water
8.10-20 basil leaves

Preparation
Add the sugar and brandy to a large pitcher and stir until the sugar has dissolved. Add the fresh fruit, wine, and club soda and stir to combine. Add the basil. Refrigerate the sangria for at least 6 hours before serving. Serve over ice.

Indulge With This Kid-Friendly Cooler

This 3-Ingredient Creamsicle Smoothie from Tina Haupert of Carrots 'n' Cake is perfect for kids and kids at heart. Cut down on extra sugars by choosing low-sugar orange juice (or squeeze your own!) and pick organic peaches if possible to lower pesticide risk.

Ingredients
1.1 cup frozen peaches
2.1/2 cup orange juice
3.3/4 cup vanilla-flavored almond milk (or other vanilla-flavored milk)

Preparation
Combine ingredients in a blender until smooth. Enjoy immediately. Makes 1 cup.