When it’s time for a cool-down, try these delicious and healthy thirst-quenchers
These new drinks are sure to refresh your palate and cool you down this summer. Ideal for hydrating yourself when the temperature is scorching, they will do much more than simply quench your thirst.
Simply put, they are downright delicious, and they’re good for you—perfect for a beach day, summer picnic or road trip. And, if you want to flow them into a cocktail, they make great mixers, too.
ZINGY!
The Up Mountain Switchel founders met 10 years ago while working in agriculture in California. Together, they were inspired to create a great-tasting, healthy beverage, without the refined sugar, additives and other inflammatory ingredients often seen on ingredient lists. With a small bottling operation in a family barn in Vermont, they began selling at their local farmers’ market a few years ago.
The original Switchel was a popular summer drink in the American Colonies in the late 17th century, and a traditional beverage enjoyed by farmers at hay harvest time in the 19th century. The recipe for the modern Up Mountain Switchel was made with raw organic apple cider vinegar, fresh organic ginger and pure organic Vermont maple syrup, and when it was brought to market, stores couldn’t keep it on the shelves.
It offers a kick without caffeine, and it’s sweetened with Vermont maple syrup, which is a low glycemic index sweetener. Just launched: a refreshing, carbonated Switchel called Up Mountain Swizzle. drinkswitchel.com
COLD-PRESSED!
Telula’s tasty, organic, cold-pressed juices feature a selection of not-from-concentrate flavors that are made from pure, organic fruits and vegetables. Free of pesticides, additives and preservatives, there is also no sugar added, with the exception of the Spicy Lemon blend, which has a touch of organic honey. Telula offers 10 flavors—six fruit and veggie blends and four chia blends (high in omega-3s and fiber). Plus, you can ditch the plastic bottle, as each comes in a BPA-free and toxin-free glass bottle that is 100 percent recyclable. drinktelula.com
FORTIFYING!
WTRMLN WTR is the pioneer in healthy, cold-pressed juiced watermelon. The nutritionally rich, low-calorie WTRMLN WTR is sourced from “ugly” melons that are otherwise discarded, and consists of nothing but watermelon and a drop of organic lemon juice—no added water or sugar. It comes straight from the fruit, with an amount of sugar equal to that of coconut water, and high electrolytes (550 milligrams of potassium), citrulline and lycopene (for muscle health and antioxidants).
The new line features three functional blends (aka BLNDS): WTRMLN GNGR (ginger lemon), WTRMLN LME (lime), and WTRMLN TRT CHRRY (tart cherry), each made with WTRMLN WTR’s deliciously hydrating base of watermelon (flesh + rind) and the addition of organic juices and organic extracts that deliver strong secondary functional benefits for athletes and those who lead an active lifestyle. All juices are gluten free, non-GMO, vegan and kosher. wtrmlnwtr.com
MULTITASKING!
The R.W. Knudsen Family Single Fruit Juices come in tasty flavors that include Just Blueberry, Just Cranberry, Just Tart Cherry and more. These single-fruit, unsweetened, 100 percent juices provide delicious flavor because they’re made with quality ingredients.
You can use these juices in recipes, too; they’re not just for drinking. Summer is the perfect season to refresh your morning routine by using one of the Single Fruit Juices to make a smoothie or fruit bowl, or to naturally sweeten up your desserts any time of the year. R.W. Knudsen Family has produced delicious, all-natural juice products since 1961, which are sold in glass jars, ideal for nontoxic living. rwknudsenfamily.com
SPARKLING!
Sipp Sparkling Organics was first handcrafted in the founder’s kitchen, when she mixed organic fruits and herbs into a refreshing, sparkling, organic beverage that you can drink alone or as part of your favorite cocktail. The best part? No mixologist required! The work has all been done for you with these beverages: Ginger Blossom made from spicy ginger, smooth vanilla and a hint of lime; Summer Pear made from delicate pear, green tea and a touch of honey; Mojo Berry made from tangy blackberry, fresh mint and a hint of lime; Lemon Flower made from zesty lemon, gentle elderflower and sweetly aromatic tarragon; and Zesty Orange made from blood orange, a hint of lime and jalapeño. These beverages are ideal for summer BBQs and outdoor parties. haveasipp.com