5 Refreshing Drinks Perfect for Summer Sipping

Warm weather brings the urge to sip on something cool. And what better way to stay refreshed in the hot sun than with a drink that screams summer? These five options provide a choice no matter what type of beverage you’re craving.

Good Gut Water

Makes two liters

Ingredients:

• 2 liters water (about 8½ cups)
• 1 tsp. freshly grated gingerroot
• 1 medium cucumber, peeled and thinly sliced
• 1 medium lemon, thinly sliced
• Juice of 2 limes
• 1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper

Directions:

1. Combine all the ingredients in a large pitcher and stir.
2. Cover and refrigerate.

Source: “Good Gut Water” (Experience Life, 2016)

Mango-Berry Smoothie

Makes one serving

Ingredients:

• 1 cup frozen mango
• 1 cup unsweetened nut milk, such as almond, cashew, or coconut
• 1 scoop berry Life Time Life Greens
• 1 scoop vanilla Life Time Protein Powder
• 1/2 cup ice

Directions:

1. Blend all ingredients together and enjoy.

Source: “Mango-Berry Smoothie”

Cucumber-Mint Infusion

Makes eight servings

Ingredients:

• 1 English cucumber, shaved lengthwise into long strips (use a mandoline or a vegetable peeler)
• 1 quart water
• 1 tsp. sugar or a splash of fruit juice
• 8 sprigs fresh mint (reserve tops for a garnish)
• Crushed ice
• 32 oz. carbonated water
• Gin or vodka (optional)

Supplies: 8 bamboo skewers

Directions:

1. Weave the cucumber strips onto the bamboo skewers, and reserve as garnishes.
2. Stir the water and sugar together in a pitcher, then add the remaining cucumber strips and the lower mint leaves.
3. Allow the cucumber-mint water to infuse for at least an hour before serving.
4. Strain the liquid and pour over crushed ice; fill halfway. Add alcohol if desired. Then top off with the carbonated water.
5. Serve in a Highball glass and garnish with a cucumber skewer and a mint sprig.

Source: “Cucumber-Mint Infusion” (Experience Life, 2014)

Super Cold Brew

Makes one serving

Ingredients:

For the cold brew:

• 1 cup coarsely ground coffee
• 4 cups water (not heated)
• French press or 1½ quart jar and cheesecloth

To make it “super:”

• 1 cup cold brew
• 1 serving chocolate or vanilla Life Time Collagen Protein Powder
• 2 tbs. unsweetened coconut milk
• Ice

Directions:

1. Mix the coffee grounds and water in the French press or jar and stir. Cover and allow to sit overnight, or for at least eight hours.
2. Strain the coffee using the French press. If you’re using a jar, place the cheesecloth over another jar and slowly pour the mixture into it, allowing the cheesecloth to capture the coffee grounds.
3. To make it “super:” Place the cold brew and protein powder in a blender and blend until well mixed. Add the coconut milk and ice. Refrigerate any leftover cold brew in a sealed container for up to a week.

Source: “Super Cold Brew”

Afternoon Darjeeling Iced Tea

Makes one serving

Ingredients:

• 8 oz. water
• 1½ tbs. agave nectar or preferred liquid sweetener (optional)
• 3½ tsp. Darjeeling tea (option: a quality Darjeeling blend)
• Ice

Directions:

1. Heat water to a full boil, then pour into a small pitcher.
2. Add liquid sweetener, if desired, and stir to dissolve. Place loose tea in a pitcher and steep for four minutes.
3. Fill a large jar with ice, then strain the hot tea over ice and stir quickly to chill.
4. Pour chilled tea into glasses with more ice and serve.

Source: “Afternoon Darjeeling Iced Tea” (Experience Life, 2022)