Non-Alcoholic Drinks for the Summer

As the summer temperatures increase, so does our thirst. In fact, many people are more prone to summer dehydration especially if they are active. Summer is when many people choose to spend time outdoors and with the increased temperatures in the summer people must stay hydrated.

Water

Water, whether room temperature or ice-cold, is the best drink for the summer. Water is the basis of life and humans are made up of over 60 percent water. Sweating and becoming overheated is a common problem during the summer. As a person sweats, he or she loses the water needed to maintain health. The best way to replace the water in the body is by grabbing a glass of water this summer.

Keep in mind that bottled water is no healthier than tap water. In fact, most of it is actually tap water in a bottle. If you are a person on the go, consider investing in a reusable bottle and fill it up before you head out. The environment around you will thank you along with your body for keeping it hydrated.

Iced Tea

The second non-alcoholic drink choice for many people during the summer months is iced tea. This adds a little flavor to the bland taste of water. Some people prefer unsweetened tea whereas others prefer it to be sweetened. Many people in the south say it isn't summer without a glass of southern iced tea. However, this is packed full of sugar. A healthier substitute would be Splenda or Stevia to sweeten your iced tea. Regardless of how you prefer your tea, iced tea can be thirst-quenching on a hot summer day.

Lemonade

Lemonade is a staple drink for the summer. Some people pride themselves on their homemade lemonade recipes whereas others prefer the convenience of adding lemonade powder to otherwise boring water. Some children use this summer drink to start their first summer business; a lemonade stand. Many diet websites and some dietitians claim that lemons have health benefits such as helping to aid in digestion, increasing energy, increasing mental clarity, and it is a natural way to detoxify your system.

Kool-Aid

Many children and adults alike choose one of the many flavors of Kool-Aid to satisfy their summer thirst. Not only is it easy on the budget but it is a great way to satisfy the thirst of the neighborhood kids that your children may be bringing home throughout a day of summer activity. Although strawberry is the top-selling flavor during the summer, Kool-Aid has dozens of flavors to choose from. Some people have created their own flavors by mixing various flavors of Kool-Aid to come up with a unique taste to enjoy. If you are worried about the sugar content needed to mix a pitcher of Kool-Aid, consider using a sugar substitute.

Sports Drinks

Sports drinks such as Gatorade, Powerade, and Vitamin Water are also popular during the dog days of summer. When people sweat, not only are they losing water but electrolytes. Electrolytes are the type of salt found in all bodily fluids. Sports drinks are packed with electrolytes and replenish them in our bodies at a fast consumption rate. This is why many athletes drink sports drinks to prevent dehydration.

Carbonated Drinks

During the summer, convenience store carbonated drink sales increase. Who doesn't enjoy a bottle or glass of ice-cold Coca-Cola or Sprite on a blistery hot day? It isn't just convenience stores which see an increase in sales. Grocery stores do, too. Many people are stocking their refrigerator with their favorite soda pop or carbonated water flavor.

Although soda pop is popular, keep in mind that caffeine isn't kind to the body during the summer months. Caffeine will take away water from our body's tissues thus causing us to feel hotter in the summer heat. So if you must drink soda pop on a hot summer day, try to choose one that is caffeine-free.

Slushies

Another popular drink sold at convenience stores during the summer months is Slushies. They come in a variety of flavors mixed with finely crushed ice and water. The most popular flavors include Coca-Cola and cherry. However, they can come in a wide range of flavors from pina colada and arctic apple to orange and blue raspberry.

Smoothies and Milkshakes

Fast food restaurants sell more smoothies and milkshakes during the summer than at any other time of the year. However, some people prefer to make them at home. A smoothie is a drink with yogurt or ice cream, milk, and fresh fruit. Some smoothies contain no dairy and instead use crushed ice. A milkshake has the same basic ingredients as a non-dairy smoothie but tends to be thicker than a smoothie. For healthy smoothie recipes, visit Smoothie Web. For milkshake recipes, visit Mshake.

Virgin Cocktails

Perhaps you don't want to miss out on the taste of some of the delicious cocktails but don't want to drink any alcohol. Luckily there are several recipes for cocktails without any alcohol in them. Many people consider them to be virgin cocktails while others call them mocktails. Drinks Mixer has a plethora of recipes that are non-alcoholic.

Fruit Juice

Fruit juice is another healthy option for a summer drink. Aside from being packed with vitamins and minerals, it also helps you intake your daily allowance of fruit. However, don't be deceived. Many fruit juices today aren't really fruit juice. In fact, many contain less than 10 percent fruit. Also, be aware of the sugar content. This could be disguised as high fructose corn syrup. Fruit juice in the summer is great, just be sure to read the label carefully. You may find that you aren't drinking fruit juice after all.

Although there are many non-alcoholic drinks that are popular during the summer months, nothing can compare to good, old-fashioned water. Water is the best drink to replenish fluids and keep you cool throughout the sultry summer months.