The Perfect Refreshments for your Indian Summer!
It's September, but Summer isn't officially over and with a little bit of luck we will get a beautiful Indian Summer and I got the perfect drinks for warm days and fun evenings.
Pineapple Lemonade
The most refreshing and versatile Summer drink! Number #2 of my Summer Drink series on my blog (stay tuned for the rest) and easily adaptable if you want even more fun (*wink*wink*).
Not only is it delicious, it also has some great nutritional values. Pineapples are rich in vitamins, enzymes and antioxidants. They may help boost the immune system, build strong bones and aid indigestion. They also contain high amounts of vitamin C and manganese and are a good way to get important dietary fiber.
Ingredients:
1 pineapple chopped into cube size pieces
Juice of 2 lemons
1 cup of ice
Directions:
Simply place into your blender and blend until smooth. If you like it a little sweeter, add some honey or stevia! If you'd like some extra Summer fun you can add some booze to your mix. ENJOY!
Cherry Spritzer
Not only the most delicious spritzer for your summer refreshment, BUT great health benefits too! Cherries are a potent source of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds. These cellular body guards slow down aging and ward off chronic illnesses—including heart disease, cancer, Alzheimer’s, diabetes, and obesity.
Also, tart cherries in particular are one of the few food sources of melatonin, a hormone that helps control your sleep-wake cycles. Plus they reduce post-exercise pain In other words, cherries can make that post-HIIT workout soreness less intense. They also protect against the cellular wear and tear from exercise, and help support muscle recovery.
Ingredients:
2 ounces cherries, pitted
3/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
2/3 cup sugar
4 cups sparkling water
Directions:
To make the cherry syrup, combine cherries, lemon juice and sugar in blender until smooth. Place in the refrigerator until chilled. Serve over ice and sparkling water.
Blueberry Lemonade
Blueberries are very popular, not only are they super delicious and versatile but they’re also low in calories, high in fiber, vitamin C and vitamin K. Blueberries have the highest antioxidant capacity of all commonly consumed fruits and vegetables. Flavonoids appear to be the major antioxidant compounds.
Several studies have shown that blueberries and blueberry juice can protect against DNA damage, a leading driver of aging and cancer. Regular blueberry intake has been shown to lower blood pressure in numerous studies. What are you waiting for?!
Ingredients:
3/4 cup fresh lemon juice
3/4 cup sugar (can substitute honey – start with 1/2 cup and then add more if desired)
1 cup fresh blueberries
1 cup hot water
3 cups cold water Ice
Directions:
In a blender, blend together the lemon juice, sugar, blueberries, and hot water until the berries are pureed and the sugar is dissolved.
Pour into pitcher.
Pour over a fine-mesh strainer if you prefer a pulp-free lemonade.
Add cold water. Chill for at least an hour. Serve over ice.