With the thermostat climbing, we are all well aware that summer has arrived. So if you are sweaty, tired and in desperate need of something to quench your thirst, look no further! Here are some easy to make summer drink suggestions! 

 

BEET THE HEAT

Beetroot and pomegranate are delicious, seasonal and good for you – what could be better than that! Beetroot is good for your skin, preventing any skin related inflammations, and your blood, preventing you from developing anaemia. Pomegranate is good for the heart and is considered a ‘cooling’ fruit.

 

Ingredients

Beetroot – 1
Pomegranate – 1
Salt – 1 pinch
Sugar – to taste
Water –2 cups

Preparation

1. Grate the beetroot. This will make it easier to blend.
2. Slice the pomegranate and separate the seeds from the skin of the fruit.
3. Blend beetroot and pomegranate together to form a thick, smooth paste.
4. Add the entire concoction to the water and mix well.
5. If necessary, add salt and sugar to the juice, depending on how you like it.
6. Serve chilled.

 

CITRUS GOODNESS

Sweet lime is a good source of Vitamin C and potassium. It has cooling properties and a glass of sweet lime juice is a traditional way to cool the body down. It also aids the digestive processes. Like sweet lime, cucumber is also a good digestive aid. It is also great for preventing any skin outbreaks.

 

Ingredients

Sweet lime – 2
Cucumber – 1
Ginger – one small piece
Mint – 10 leaves
Tulsi – 10 leaves
Salt – a pinch
White pepper – to taste
Honey – 3 to 4 tbsp
Water – 2 cups

Preparation

1. First slice the sweet limes. Take the sliced fruit and place it in the blender.
2. Next, grate the cucumber and add it to the sliced sweet lime in the blender.
3. Grate the ginger. Only use one of these grated pieces in the juice. It is a good idea to boil the ginger before adding it to the juice. This lessens the smell, making it less overpowering.
4. Add the mint and tulsi leaves to the mixture.
5. After this, add the honey and water in the blender and blend everything together.
6. Add a pinch of salt to the now smooth paste, along with the pepper, to achieve the right taste.
7. Serve chilled.

 

AN ORANGE AFFAIR

Remember the old wives’ tale that carrots would help improve your eyesight? Well, a carrot a day may not be able to banish your spectacles but it can definitely act as a good source of Vitamin C, Potassium and Vitamin B. Studies have even indicated that carrots can prevent the development of cancer. Oranges, carrying a healthy dose of vitamin C, were the age old answer to ailments like scurvy. Oranges are also excellent for patients suffering from serious illnesses like jaundice and typhoid as they help stimulate the digestive system and promote the immunity of the body.

 

Ingredients

Carrots – 4
Oranges – 2
Mint – 10 leaves
Tulsi – 10 leaves
Salt – a pinch
White pepper – to taste
Honey – 2 tbsp
Water – 2 cups

Preparation

1. First take the carrots and grate them and then put in the blender.
2. Next, cut open the orange and remove the flesh of the fruit. Remove the seeds and then deposit the fruit pieces in the blender.
3. Add the mint and tulsi leaves to the mix in the blender.
4. Add the honey and water to the mix as well.
5. Blend everything together to form an even, smooth concoction.
6. Add a little pepper and salt, depending on your preference.
7. Served chilled.

 

AMAZING AMLA

Amla (gooseberry) is a wonderful source of Vitamin C and protein. It also has antibacterial properties and is useful in preventing the outspread of infection. Amla has antioxidant properties and can be directly co-related to the increase in red blood cells in the body. Ginger also has several health properties. It is excellent for digestion, lowering blood pressure and for controlling cholesterol.

 

Ingredients

Amla – 3
Lemon – 4
Ginger – a single small piece
Mint – 10 leaves
Salt – a pinch
Sugar – to taste

Preparation

1. First, take the gooseberries and grate them.
2. Next, grate the lemon; it is important to remove the seeds from both the fruits.
3. After this, grate the ginger, grind it till it is soft and then boil it. This will ensure that the smell and taste is more subtle.
4. Take the amla, lemon and the ginger and put it in the blender. Add the mint leaves to the mix.
5. Blend them all together to get a smooth paste.
6. Taste and add sugar and salt according to your preference.
7. Serve chilled.

 

(Recipe Credits: Bhuvana Bhawani Shanker and Lakshmi Gurubaran)