It’s not July yet, but the weather is sweltering for many of us. Because of health concerns and local rules, many of us are unable to go to our usual oases. On summer days, here in San Diego, we frequently head to the beach to enjoy the breeze off the water. The Pacific Ocean is cold, and just walking along the waterline, where the waves can break over our toes, can be cooling and lovely. But our beaches are closed, have closed parking lots or are crowded with people. If you have health concerns, whether or not a spot is officially open doesn’t matter, you’re most likely avoiding it.
Favorite watering holes, river walks and other cooling, breezy spots are shut and leaving us in our homes or yards. We’re hot. We don’t have central air conditioning. We’ve been falling back on the tricks from our childhood: light clothing, cool thoughts and staying in the shade. But, sometimes, those tactics don’t work. Then, we want something cool and refreshing.
Alcohol can take a toll on your immune system; it can also dehydrate you. And, many people don’t drink alcohol. Additionally, alcohol, especially cocktails, can have a lot of carbs. So, while some people will swear by the cooling power of a beer, we are looking at delicious, light mocktails. A cold drink in your hand can help you fight the heat and enjoy the day. You can have friends over for a socially distanced, outdoor mocktail hour late in the afternoon and enjoy the company and a respite from the day’s heat.
If you are in the market for something cold, creamy and a little tart, this is your drink. Be sure to use an unsweetened can of coconut milk. If you want, you can add a little sweetener once it’s made. Breaking out the blender for a cold drink can really make you feel like you’re enjoying a fancy mixed drink, but this is bubbly and light, unlike a virgin piña colada. The recipe yields four servings, each with 63 calories with one gram of carbs. Get the recipe.
This is a delicious and bubbly alternative to a champagne drink. The pomegranate makes it taste fancier than things we drink most days. It’s a great celebration drink that you can enjoy this coming holiday weekend, and children can drink it too! But, they might not find it sweet enough. A glass has 21 calories and five grams of carbs. Get the recipe.
This recipe calls for using a specific brand of sparkling diet lemonade. We think you should use whichever you like or is in your store. The most important thing here is adding a sparkling drink, ice and fruit into a blender. It’s a frothy mixed drink that is almost like a sophisticated slushie that you don’t need to go to the store to buy. We think it’s a perfect, icy drink to cool you off from the inside on hot days. A serving is 22 calories and 5.5 grams of carbs, but the fruit has 2.1 grams of fiber. Get the recipe.
This is a drink that will make you feel like you’re at a beach resort. One of the most marvelous things about this recipe is that it’s the easiest to control its sweetness level. It’s all up to how much sweetener you decide to use. This also makes it great for company who like their drinks just so. One drink has 24 calories, six grams of carbs and two grams of fiber. Get the recipe.
These drinks can make a too-hot summer day into a pleasure. Even when you’re stuck at home, a fancy drink on your front steps can feel like a mini-vacation.
