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Enjoy the hot weather with a refreshing drink by your side, to help beat the summer heat.

The summer is a time to relax and take in the warm rays of the sun. Best to enjoy the weather with a cool drink by your side to help you stay fresh and healthy. Below are a few nifty drinks that will keep you as cool as a cumber in the heat.

Fruit Smoothies

You can’t go wrong with a fruit smoothie. Simply blend your fruit with ice and anything else you think will taste good. Experiment a little to get a delicious cool surprise. For some recipes to get you started, visit foodnetwork.com.

Slushies

A favorite among kids, all you have to do to get your perfect slushy is blend some ice with whatever you want to use for flavour. From pop to juice, there is a limitless amount of types you can make for slushies. Plus, drinking a purely ice made drink insures that you are going to stay cool in the summer heat. Visit thefrugalgirls.com.

Cucumber Mint Water

The minty freshness with the vitamins from the cucumber make plain old water taste more refreshing than before. Add chopped mint and cucumber in a glass and you’re done! You can even make a full pitcher of this to have around for a longer time or to serve to a larger group. You can also easily substitute the cucumber for some different fruit or vegetable like lemon. For a simple recipe check out care2.com/greenliving/.

Watermelon Juice

Watermelon itself is a high source of nutrients containing Vitamin A, Vitamin C, potassium, sodium and more. Being made of 92 per cent water makes watermelon a good coolant and rehydrating agent. It’s a simple recipe to make this great fruit into a fun drink that makes for a healthy refreshment. Just take some cut watermelon and some ginger and lemon juice and put them in a blender to smooth. Strain the mixture through a sieve then add mint and ice cubes to complete this cool drink. For a more detailed recipe visit taste.com.

Mango Lassi

A drink originating from Northern India, mango lassi is a smoothie type drink with healthy benefits and tastes yummy. Popular among kids, this drink helps increase immunity, controls blood pressure and helps prevent anemia. It is one of the most used drinks in keeping the heat away. You can find a simple mango lassi recipe at foodnetwork.com

Aam panna

Made from raw mangoes, this special drink is proven to have a cooling effect that keeps the body hydrated and keeps heat stroke away. Spices are actually added to this drink to give a sweet and spicy punch and best served chill to enhance these flavours. You can find a wonderful recipe for Aam panna at cookwithmanali.com.

Aguas Frescas

Light colourful drinks, aguas frescas are famously known as thirst-quenchers throughout Latin America. Pureed fruit with water and a touch of sugar and some lime juice or herbs is all it takes to make this wonderful drink. You will be able to enjoy the sun’s rays with a beautifully coloured beverage in hand. Check out thekitchn.com.

Cold Coffee

If you’re a coffee lover then you will love to know that it’s simple to make your own cold caffeine fix in your own home. Cold coffee is known for helping to cool down the body in the heat, plus everything required to make it can be found easily at home. For a frothy cold coffee recipe, visit vegrecipesofindia.com.

Lemon Barley Water

Barley water has been used since ancient times as a go to drink for keeping cool in summer, and even healing ailments such as regulating blood sugar levels. Since this drink takes a while to prepare it is best to make it well beforehand so you can chill it in the fridge to drink later. Visit ticklingpalates.com, for a great lemon barley recipe to try.