Summer, summer, summertime. Time to sit back and unwind…
Ahhh, what a classic hit.
And what better way to celebrate the hot, stifling air of summer than with a cool, refreshing drink. Especially if it’s low calorie! Here are a few to try. These are non-alcoholic “mocktails” so everyone can enjoy, but do what you will with them, if you catch my drift. Just make sure to enjoy responsibly!
Fresh Mint Water – 16 calories per serving
Prep: 15 minutes
Chill: 4 hours
Makes: 8 servings
- 1 small cucumber, cleaned and sliced
- 1/4 of a medium honeydew melon, peeled, seeded, and sliced into wedges
- 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves
- 7 cups water
- Fresh mint leaves (optional)
Place cucumber, honeydew melon, and mint leaves in a large pitcher. Fill pitcher with water. Cover and chill for at least 4 hours or up to 3 days. Strain mixture; discard solids. Pour water into tall glasses over ice. If desired, garnish with additional fresh mint. Pre-make a pitcher for an anytime beverage. Soak melon, mint, and cucumber in water for a cooling summertime drink.
Non-alcoholic Sangria – 120 calories per serving
Prep: 10 minutes
Chill: 4 hours
Makes: 6 servings
· 3 cups sparkling white grape juice or sparkling cider
· 1/2 cup pomegranate juice
· 1 firm ripe nectarine, sliced or chopped
· 1 cup fresh blueberries
· 1 1/2 cups chilled plain seltzer
· Ice
Combine sparkling juice (or sparkling cider), pomegranate juice, nectarine and blueberries in a large pitcher. Refrigerate until cold, about 4 hours. Just before serving, stir in seltzer. Serve over ice. Make Ahead Tip: Refrigerate for up to 12 hours. Stir in seltzer just before serving.
Lemonade Faux-jito – 10 calories
Prep: 10 minutes
Chill: 4 hours
Makes: 8 servings
· 2 limes, cut into slices
· 1 cup loosely packed mint leaves (about 1 bunch)
· 3 single-serving packets sugar-free lemonade powdered drink mix (Crystal Light)
· 8 cups (64 oz.) club soda
· Additional lime slices and mint leaves for garnish (optional)
In a large pitcher, muddle the lime slices and mint leaves with a long, wooden spoon. In a tall glass, combine drink mix with 1 cup club soda. Stir until dissolved. Transfer the drink mixture to the pitcher. Add remaining 7 cups club soda, and stir well. Serve over ice.
Looking for more refreshing drinks? Check out my previous blog with more refreshing drink recipes. Have a great summer!