Fruit Packed Summertime Refreshments!

Although we hate to admit it, our summer is coming to a close.  That being said, we still hope for a few more weeks of warm weather to enjoy.  On a hot summer day, we always encourage drinking lots of water, but we also like to enjoy some fruity beverages as a treat on a summer day as well.  While most fruity drinks we tend to see at grocery and convenience stores are high in added sugars, there are alternatives that you can make at home and serve up; the whole family can enjoy these.  I came across these recipes and thought they were great, give them a try!

WATERMELON COCONUT COOLER

Servings: 2

Ingredients
2 cups watermelon, chilled and cubed

1 cup coconut water

Juice of 1 lime

Ice cubes

Preparation

1. Place watermelon, coconut water, and lime juice in blender and blend until smooth.
2. Serve over ice.

TROPICAL FIZZ
Servings: 2

Ingredients
2 cups mango, cubed

½ cup sliced strawberries

½ cup orange juice

Juice of 1 lime

1½ cups sparkling water

Ice cubes

Preparation

1. Place orange juice, mango, strawberries, and lime juice in a blender, and blend until smooth.
2. Turn off blender before stirring in sparkling water.
3. Serve over ice.

PINEAPPLE PUNCH
Servings: 2

Ingredients
1 cup frozen pineapple, cubed

1 banana

½ cup orange juice

½ cup coconut milk

¾ cup water

Ice cubes

Preparation

1. Put frozen pineapple, banana, coconut milk, orange juice, and water into blender and blend until smooth.
2. Serve over ice.

BLUEBERRY LEMONADE
Servings: 2

Ingredients

1¼ cups blueberries

Juice of 2 lemons

1-3 tablespoons honey

½ cup cold water

1½ cups cold sparkling water

Ice cubes

Preparation

1. Place blueberries, lemon juice, and cold water in a blender and blend until smooth.
2. Strain the blueberries mixture through a fine-mesh sieve, using a spoon to press the last of the liquid through.
3. Add the sparkling water and honey and mix until the honey dissolves.
4. Serve over ice.

Recipes retrieved from: http://bzfd.it/2hoh1px

Janel Genge is a Registered Dietitian with Kids Eat Smart Foundation Newfoundland and Labrador