EAT THIS: Refreshing Drinks for an Indian Summer

Having something cold and refreshing in your hand does not have to involve alcohol!  Nor does it need to involve sugar, corn syrup, and chemicals.  Here’s a variety of yummy drinks – some just as colorful as a cocktail- to enjoy this month:

Fresh Lemonade                                                                                   

Refreshing on a hot day.

Ingredients:

Juice of ½ lemon

1 large glass filtered water

8 drops stevia

Instructions:

Mix and enjoy!

Laurie’s Dr. Pepper

This drink truly feels like you’re cheating its so delicious!

Ingredients:

1 large glass sparkling water

1 TBS black cherry concentrate (or more to taste)

10-12 drops english toffee stevia

1 lime wedge

Instructions:

Mix liquids and add fresh squeezed lime wedge

Carver’s Favorite Ice Tea

This is a big hit with kids.

Ingredients:

Tazo Refresh Tea bags

Hot water

Stevia

Instructions:

Make as you would regular hot tea, let cool and add stevia.  You can also make this as sun tea in a large glass gallon container.

Hawaiian Hula Punch

Try this instead of cocktails!

Ingredients:

2 bananas

14 oz fresh mango

20 oz fresh papaya, cubed

4 cups 100% pineapple juice

4 cups sparkling water

Instructions:

In a blender add bananas, mango, papaya, and pineapple juice. Puree until smooth, and pour into glasses.  Enjoy!

Mocha Frappe

Way better for you than what you’d buy at Starbucks.

Ingredients:

2 tsp ground cinnamon

8 oz coffee

1 scoop GT chocolate protein powder

Instructions:

Put all ingredients in Vitamix or blender, add ice cubes and water.

Chia Fresca

Unique and refreshing.

Ingredients:

.5 cup of lemon or lime juice

.5 cup of pomegranate juice

1 TBS chia seeds

9 cups of water

Instructions:

Pour lemon juice and pomegranate juice into the water.  Add chia seeds and stir or shake vigorously until the seeds are evenly dispersed.  Shake or stir again after a few minutes to prevent the seeds clumping together and shake/stir again before serving.  Serve over ice.  Cranberry juice can be substituted for pomegranate juice.