This article was written by Jordan

Summer is a great time to ditch the caffeinated drinks like soda and coffee and indulge in a healthier option. Drinking sugary drinks in the summer can leave you feeling dehydrated, bogged down, and slower than usual. If you want to keep your figure, lose a few pounds, or just cleanse your body of those gross artificial flavors, try these healthy alternatives instead. Here are 3 freshest drinks of summertime you should be downing instead.

1. Freshly Squeezed Juice. There is nothing like some juice squeezed at home directly from your favorite fruits. Avoid buying the “fresh juices” at the supermarket; they often aren’t as fresh as they advertise. Instead, buy some of your most delicious picks of fruits and bring them home to make yourself. Oranges, watermelons, grapes, and melons are some of the best to choose from. You can even mix and match. Squeeze a few oranges then add some melon flavor to it as well. You can freeze these in recycled water bottles until they get slightly slushy!

2. Iced Teas. Beware of spoiling yourself with too much tea if it’s caffeinated. Try and choose caffeine free types of tea or alternate between the two from day to day. If you make it yourself, boil the green, black, or white tea and then chill in the fridge for a few hours. When you pour over ice you can add some honey or just sprinkle some sugar lightly over the top to give your taste buds a kick. Relaxing outside with a homemade Iced Tea can be rewarding and impress your girlfriend too!

3. Flavored Water. Why would you spend money on a pack of flavored water at the store when you can make them at home for almost 90% cheaper?! Get some used sports drink bottles or water bottles and start the process; doing this one time can last a couple of weeks. Simply fill each bottle until it’s almost full then add a variety of different flavors to them. Buy the freshest lemons, limes, raspberries, blueberries, peaches, and mangos you can find. Squeeze them into the water and experiment with mixing flavors. Add a label with a Sharpie so you can keep reusing the bottles for a month or two. Shake well, chill, and enjoy!

If you’re planning a BBQ or party outdoors, make one of these concoctions in a large punch bowl or lemonade jug. Make them look fancier and more impressive by leaving slices of non-squeezed oranges or full raspberries in the water. Add some club soda or sparkling mineral water to jazz it up a bit if you feel like it’s too boring for a party! Adding a little vodka never hurt anyone either.

Once you get used to preparing your own fresh drinks, you’ll find it hard to go back to buying overpriced and artificially enhanced products. You’ll feel healthier and be healthier. These drinks can be made in bulk or (like suggested above) made in individual bottles to easily take on the go so you avoid buying bottled water or soda on impulse.

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