Summer barbecues call for sunny weather, freshly grilled tidbits, and icy cold beverages. If you’re leading a healthy, clean lifestyle, beer and soda might not be your drinks of choice. Your barbecue refreshments don’t have to be dull, however! Below you’ll find our favorite recipes for refreshing summer drinks that aren’t loaded with empty calories, refined sugar, or toxins.

summer drinksOrange Cucumber Twist

This delightful twist on classic cucumber water will cool you to the toes, with just enough sweetness to keep you coming back for more.

Ingredients:

  • 10 cups of filtered water
  • 1 orange in thin slices
  • 9 mint leaves, smashed or torn
  • About 20 thin slices of cucumber
  • 1 lemon in thin slices
  • 3 sprigs fresh dill with stems removed

Preparation:

Place all ingredients in a large pitcher and refrigerate for one to three hours. The longer the concoction sits, the stronger the flavor. Serve over ice.

Clean Sangria

All the sangria flavor without processed sugar or alcohol! This recipe is intended for fresh, all-natural juice so an electric juicer may be necessary.

Ingredients:

  • 1 orange, sliced with peel
  • 1 lime, sliced with peel
  • 1 cored apple, sliced with peel
  • 1 lemon, sliced with peel
  • 3 cups grape juice
  • 3/4 cup apple juice
  • 1 1/2 tbsp. lemon juice
  • 3/4 cup orange juice
  • 2-3 cups natural sparkling water
Preparation:

Add fruit slices to a large pitcher and agitate with a wooden spoon for several minutes. Add the juice and stir, then refrigerate for one to four hours. Gently mix in the sparkling water just before serving and pour over ice.

Iced Coconut Thai Coffee

The perfect after-dinner treat, iced coconut thai coffee is delightfully cool with just the right touch of decadence.

Ingredients:

  • 4 cups strong coffee
  • 1 3/4 cups of organic, all-natural coconut milk
  • 3 tbsp. organic maple syrup
  • 1/4 tsp. cardamom
  • 1/4 tsp. pure almond extract

Preparation

Allow freshly brewed coffee to cool in the refrigerator. Heat coconut milk in a saucepan until just boiling; then reduce heat to a simmer and add maple syrup. Simmer, stirring occasionally for thirty minutes or until the milk is reduced by half. Stir in cardamom and almond extract. Remove from heat and let cool slightly before placing the condensed milk into the refrigerator until it is chilled. When it’s time to serve, pour the coffee to four glasses over ice. Whisk the condensed milk before pouring over each coffee. Stir together and enjoy.

Watermelon Lemonade

Here’s a quick and easy refreshment that is sure to please on sultry summer afternoons.

Ingredients:

  • 1/3 cup fresh lemon juice 
  • 5 cups watermelon chunks
  • 3 tbsp. honey
  • 4 cups filtered water

Preparation:

Place watermelon and lemon juice in a blender and pulse until smooth. Add honey and water; pulse a few more times to mix. Chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour and serve over ice.

Chai Ice

Few things go better with friends and conversation than a rich herbal chai tea. This iced version will fit right into your summer gatherings.

Ingredients:

  • Powdered chai mix of your choice
  • Milk of your choice
  • Ice
  • Cocoa powder or cinnamon (optional)

Preparation:

Mix powdered chai, milk, and ice in a blender and blend until smooth. Serve with a generous sprinkle of cocoa powder or cinnamon if desired.

Now you’re ready to host your next summer barbecue in style! To see more tips for maintaining a healthy, happy home, browse the Living Clean blog:

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