Four Healthy Refreshing Summer Drinks Recipes to Beat the Heat

Summer is the perfect time to cool down and quench your thirst with refreshing beverages. Today, I'm going to share with you four healthy and delicious summer drink recipes that will help you beat the scorching heat. These recipes are not only tasty but also packed with nutritious ingredients to keep you hydrated and revitalized. So, let's get started and dive into the world of cool, revitalizing drinks!

Table of Contents

1. Introduction

2. Recipe 1: Basil Seeds Cooler

3. Recipe 2: Neem Sharbath

4. Recipe 3: Grapes Sherbet

5. Recipe 4: Kokum Sharbat

6. Recipe 5: Orange Sharbat

7. Conclusion

8. FAQs

Introduction

As the temperature rises, it becomes crucial to stay hydrated and replenish your body with essential nutrients. Instead of reaching for sugary sodas or artificially flavored drinks, why not opt for natural, homemade summer coolers? These refreshing beverages are not only delicious but also packed with health benefits.

Recipe 1: Basil Seeds Cooler

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon basil seeds (sabja seeds)

• ½ to ¾ cup water

• Lemon juice from half a lemon

• Freshly grated ginger (use a fine grater)

• 1 teaspoon cane sugar (or as needed)

• A pinch of kala namak (black salt)

• 3 to 4 fresh mint leaves

• 2 tablespoons soaked basil seeds

• Chilled water

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, add basil seeds and water. Allow the seeds to swell up for about 5 to 10 minutes.

2. Once the seeds have swelled up, set them aside.

3. In a serving glass, squeeze the juice from half a lemon.

4. Grate some fresh ginger into the glass.

5. Add cane sugar, kala namak, and fresh mint leaves.

6. Lightly crush the mint leaves using a muddler or the back of a wooden spoon.

7. Add 2 tablespoons of soaked basil seeds.

8. Pour in chilled water.

9. Stir the mixture well.

10. Your super healthy basil seeds cooler is ready to serve!

Recipe 2: Neem Sharbath

Ingredients:

• Half a lemon (juiced)

• Grated ginger (fine grater)

• 1 teaspoon cane sugar (or as needed)

• A fat pinch of kala namak (black salt)

• 3 to 4 fresh mint leaves

• 2 tablespoons soaked basil seeds

• Chilled water

• Saffron strands (soaked in water)

Instructions:

1. In a serving glass, squeeze the juice from half a lemon.

2. Grate fresh ginger into the glass.

3. Add cane sugar, kala namak, and fresh mint leaves.

4. Lightly crush the mint leaves using a muddler or the back of a wooden spoon.

5. Add 2 tablespoons of soaked basil seeds.

6. Pour in chilled water.

7. Add the soaked saffron strands.

8. Give it a good stir.

9. Your super healthy neem sharbath is ready to serve!

Recipe 3: Grapes Sherbet

Ingredients:

• 6 to 7 seedless black grapes

• 1 teaspoon cane sugar (or as needed)

• A fat pinch of kala namak (black salt)

• Juice from half a lemon

• Fresh mint leaves

• 2 tablespoons soaked basil seeds

• Ice cubes

• Chilled water

Instructions:

1. In a serving glass, add the black grapes.

2. Add cane sugar, kala namak, and juice from half a lemon.

3. Add fresh mint leaves.

4. Lightly crush the grapes and mint leaves using a muddler or the back of a wooden spoon.

5. Add 2 tablespoons of soaked basil seeds.

6. Add ice cubes.

7. Pour in chilled water.

8. Stir the mixture well.

9. Your super healthy grapes sherbet is ready to serve!

Recipe 4: Kokum Sharbat

Ingredients:

• 4 to 5 pieces of dried kokum

• Half a cup of hot water

• Half a lemon (juiced)

• Pink Himalayan salt (as needed)

• A quarter teaspoon of black salt (kala namak)

• A quarter teaspoon of roasted jeera powder

• A quarter teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper powder

• 1 to 2 tablespoons of soaked basil seeds

• Ice-cold water

Instructions:

1. Soak the dried kokum in hot water for some time.

2. Once cooled down, mash the kokum in the water.

3. Strain the soaked kokum into a cup.

4. Again add some water to the strained kokum pulp and strain it to the cup.

5. Press down to extract the maximum juice, resulting in half a cup of kokum juice.

6. Squeeze in half a lemon into the kokum juice.

7. Add pink Himalayan salt, black salt, roasted jeera powder, and black pepper powder.

8. Mix well and adjust the salt as per your taste.

9. Pour the prepared kokum juice into a serving glass.

10. Add ice-cold water.

11. Add 1 to 2 tablespoons of soaked basil seeds.

12. Stir the mixture well.

13. Garnish with a sprig of mint leaves.

14. Your super healthy kokum sharbat is ready to serve!

Recipe 5: Orange Sharbat

Ingredients:

• 2 oranges (squeezed)

• Half a lemon (juiced)

• Grated ginger (fine grater)

• 1 teaspoon cane sugar (or as needed)

• 2 tablespoons soaked basil seeds

• Ice cubes

• Chilled water

• Fresh mint leaves

Instructions:

1. Squeeze the juice from 2 oranges into a cup.

2. Strain the orange juice into a serving glass.

3. Squeeze in half a lemon.

4. Grate some fresh ginger into the glass.

5. Add cane sugar and soaked basil seeds.

6. Add ice cubes.

7. Pour in chilled water.

8. Stir the mixture well.

9. Garnish with fresh mint leaves.

10. Your super healthy orange sharbat is ready to serve!

Conclusion

Staying cool and hydrated during the summer months is essential for your overall well-being. These four healthy and refreshing summer drink recipes will not only quench your thirst but also provide essential nutrients and flavors to uplift your mood. By opting for homemade drinks, you can avoid artificial additives and excessive sugar found in commercial beverages. So, beat the summer heat with these delicious and revitalizing drinks!

FAQs

1. Can I store the soaked basil seeds in the refrigerator?

Yes, you can store soaked basil seeds in the refrigerator. They make an ideal summer coolant and can be easily added to your drinks whenever needed.

2. What are the health benefits of kokum?

Kokum is rich in antioxidants, low in calories, and high in fiber. It contains a compound called HCA, which acts as an appetite suppressant. Kokum is known for its cooling properties, aids digestion, and is packed with essential vitamins.

3. Can I adjust the sweetness in these recipes?

Yes, you can adjust the sweetness according to your taste preferences. Add more or less sugar as needed.

4. Are these drinks suitable for children?

These drinks are generally suitable for children. However, it's always a good idea to consult with a pediatrician regarding any specific dietary restrictions or allergies.

5. Can I replace the sugar with a healthier alternative?

Yes, you can use natural sweeteners like honey, maple syrup, or stevia as alternatives to cane sugar. Adjust the amount according to your taste.

Get refreshed and beat the summer heat with these delightful and healthy drink recipes. Stay hydrated, stay cool, and enjoy the vibrant flavors of summer!