Healthy Eating: Refreshing Summer Beverages

It is so very hot in the South now. One of the best ways to cool off is with a cool, refreshing iced drink. Although we do occasionally drink sodas and powdered drink mixes, some of our favorite summer beverages are simple, all-natural, and low in calories!

Ice Water with a Twist of Lemon or Lime

Perk up your ice water with a bit of citrus. It's so hydrating and very cooling.

Juice Water

Add 1/4 cup or so of your favorite dark juice to a glass of ice water. It gives a nice, light flavor to the cool, hydrating water. The glass in the photo has been made with cranberry-pomegranate juice.

Celestial Seasonings Iced Herbal Tea

This is probably my favorite. (You could use another brand, but this is what I usually have.)

Grab a few of your favorite herbal tea bags (4-8 individual sized bags).

Add 2 quarts of boiling water. Steep for 30 minutes to several hours.

I enjoy such flavors as raspberry zinger, true blueberry, and peppermint. I frequently mix flavors, too.

Chill, and serve over ice. For a nice sweetener, add a splash of 100% fruit juice such as apple, grape, blueberry-pomegranate, or whatever you have.

Grandma's Classic Southern Sweet Tea

This is a favorite at mealtimes with hubby.

Add 4 family-sized tea bags to pitcher. Add 2 quarts just-boiled water. Steep for 20-30 minutes.

Remove tea bags and add 3/4 to 1 c. sugar. Cool completely to room temperature before chilling in refrigerator.