9 Drinks to Keep You Healthy & Hydrated This Summer

a recipe photo of the Tart Cherry Mocktail
Credit:

Photographer: Jennifer Causey, Food Stylist: Julian Hensarling, Prop Stylist: Christina Daley

Summer is in the air, and there’s nothing like enjoying the beautiful weather with a cold drink in hand. That’s why we rounded up 9 of our favorite healthy, refreshing drink recipes that you’ll want to make all season long. From skin-healthy sips to anti-inflammatory beverages, these drinks are delicious, nutrient-packed and surprisingly easy to make. The best part? Each of these recipes have four- and five-star ratings, so we know you will find your new favorite drink.

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01 of 09

Best For Hydration

watermelon-basil agua fresca
Carson Downing

In just 5 minutes, you can stir up a cool summer sip, like this Watermelon-Basil Agua Fresca. This refreshing mocktail features hydrating ingredients like watermelon, which is perfect for the blazing heat. And lime and basil add a vibrant flavor that will keep you coming back for more.

02 of 09

Best For Skin Protection

3 glasses of Berry-Kefir Smoothie with strawberries and blueberries in small dishes

Ana Cadena

Did you know that probiotics are one of the top nutrients for better skin health? Not only can they help hydrate your skin, but they can help reduce pesky inflammation from skin redness caused by conditions like psoriasis, acne and rosacea. For those with sensitive skin, including probiotics in your diet can be especially important during the summer months, so a refreshing drink like this Berry-Kefir Smoothie will help you get your fix.

03 of 09

Best Mocktail

cucumber mint spritzer

Alcohol can be included within a healthy eating pattern when enjoyed in moderation, but for those that are sober or are trying to cut back their intake, we’re loving this highly-rated nonalcoholic Cucumber-Mint Spritzer. This drink is equally easy, refreshing and gorgeous, making it a perfect sip to impress guests. Take a glass of this 4-ingredient mocktail by the pool for an ideal summer day.

04 of 09

Best For Inflammation

Ginger-Turmeric-Carrot Shots

Stay hydrated and help keep inflammation at bay with these Ginger-Turmeric-Carrot Shots. Thanks to the compounds gingerol in ginger and curcumin in turmeric, this drink recipe boasts impressive anti-inflammatory properties. These ingredients can help relieve temporary inflammation from a short-term illness or chronic inflammation from conditions like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), so make a batch ahead of time and freeze so you can feel your best all summer long.

05 of 09

Best For Sleep

a recipe photo of the Tart Cherry Mocktail

Photographer: Jennifer Causey, Food Stylist: Julian Hensarling, Prop Stylist: Christina Daley

The “Sleepy Girl Mocktail” wasn’t just a trend! Our version—AKA this Tart Cherry Nighttime Mocktail—is packed with antioxidants like polyphenols from the tart cherry juice, which can help you sleep better. Plus, it’s ice cold and tasty, so we won’t be surprised if it becomes your evening ritual on these long summer nights.

06 of 09

Best For Using Up Summer Fruit

blueberry lemonade
Photographer / Jen Causey, Prop Stylist / Kay Clarke, Food Stylist / Chelsea Zimmer

Have too many lemons on your counter or in your fridge? How about a carton of blueberries you need to use up? This Blueberry Lemonade is perfect for times like that. It uses up 2 cups of blueberries and about 6 lemons so you won’t be letting any of your deliciously fresh summer fruits go to waste. All it takes is 10 minutes to whip up a big batch that the whole family will love.

07 of 09

Best For Breakfast

two tall pint glasses filled with green smoothie next to hot pink napkin

Photographer: Morgan Hunt Glaze, Food Stylist: Julian Hensarling, Prop Stylist: Shell Royster

Start your morning off right with this Anti-Inflammatory Breakfast Smoothie. Our assistant general manager Penelope Wall swears by this green smoothie to help keep her satisfied and fueled until lunchtime. Plus, this beverage will prove to keep you cool on hot mornings to come—and it’s easy to make ahead and store the night before!

08 of 09

Best For Protein

side shot of a light brown smoothie in a tall glass with a striped napkin behind

Photographer: Fred Hardy, Food Stylist: Margaret Monroe Dickey

A Chocolate-Peanut Butter Protein Shake doesn’t just taste like dessert for breakfast, it’s also incredibly nutritious. Thanks to Greek yogurt and peanut butter being two of the drink’s 5 ingredients, this energizing shake is packed with 26 grams of protein. Protein is essential for your muscle growth, bone health and for sustaining energy, so definitely give this high-protein vegetarian breakfast a try.

09 of 09

Best For an Upset Stomach

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If you’re having stomach cramps or chronic stomach bloating, there are foods and drinks that can help relieve this discomfort. Try our Anti-Inflammatory Golden Tonic that our readers make a “quadruple batch” of because it’s that good. With anti-inflammatory ingredients like green tea, turmeric, ginger and herbs alongside a mix of still and sparkling water, this hydrating tonic can help keep things moving and may reduce stomach bloat and inflammation in the body. 

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