Summer is here and if you're looking for thirst-quenching drinks with low, or no-added sugars, look no further! I've compiled a list of low-sugar and low-calorie drinks from fellow Registered Dietitians and food bloggers that you and your family will love!
Don't get me wrong, I love clean, crisp NYC water, but sometimes, summer in the city demands something more. I love mocktails and low-sugar drinks because I can quench my thirst without the added alcohol or calories. Plus, my kids can enjoy these drinks and feel fancy, too.
Here's a round-up of the summer's best refreshing, cold drinks for when the temperature heats up.
Laura Yautz, RDN blogs at Being Nutritious and uses fresh mango and pineapple for a tropical feel without any added sugars in her Tropical Mango Lemonade.
Laura Yautz, RDN, also pairs some of my favs here: Strawberry, watermelon, and mint. Talk about a refreshing, low-sugar drink! Strawberry Watermelon Agua Fresca.
Here's my go-to refreshing drink when it's hot and I want some flavor! Cucumber Lime Mint Sparkling Water.
Jinan Banna, RDN, blogs at www.jinanbanna.com, and has compiled a list of Low sugar drink alternatives.
At veggirlrd.com, Kristine Duncan, MS, RDN, CDCES has this really interesting shrub drink, which is a sweet vinegar mixed with club soda. I can't wait to try this Simple Shrub Recipe Using Balsamic Vinegar.
Kristine Duncan also has a round-up of low-calorie, fruit-infused summer beverages. Check them out: Homemade Low-Calorie Fruit-Infused Summer Beverages - Veg Girl RD
DJ Blatner, RDN at DawnJacksonBlatner.com makes a Hibiscus Sangria Mocktail that looks perfect for your next BBQ.
At Liz's Healthy Table, Liz Weiss, RDN makes a Watermelon Strawberry Punch that is an all-natural Hawaiian punch makeover.
Katie Pfeffer-Scanlan, RDN makes a calming and refreshing Healthy Berry Lemonade with Lavender on her blog, One Hungry Bunny. The berries also add a punch of healthy anti-oxidants.
Amy Gorin, MS, RDN at Amy Gorin Nutrition developed a recipe using prune juice to make a Virgin Prune Juice Pineapple Sangria + Rosemary Syrup. This mocktail boasts digestive benefits from prune's insoluble and soluble fiber.
Amy Gorin makes another healthy mocktail; a Tropical Green Tea Sangria Mocktail. This features flavonoid-rich green tea with lots of summery, tropical fruit.
On her blog, the Grateful Grazer, Stephanie McKercher, RDN, and food blogger makes a refreshing Watermelon Chia Fresca, full of nutrient-rich chia seeds.
Ginger Hultin, RDN has a refreshing, healthy, and easy Pomegranate Ginger Mocktail at Champagne Nutrition.
On her blog, Sharon Palmer.com, Sharon Palmer, MSFS, RDN creates a refreshing Herbal Lemon-Lime Mint Water from citrus from her own garden.
So, try them and tell me your favorite! I'll be adding them to my weekend rotation, for sure!