Staying hydrated in the summer can be surprisingly challenging – many people find it hard to drink enough water throughout the day. Yet we know our bodies function so much better when we’re well hydrated. One simple way to make it easier is to bring a sense of fun and variety to every sip. Here are a few light, refreshing recipes to help you keep your body happy and feeling your best during the hot days of July and August.
Organically grown fruits and herbs offer the most nutrition without adding to the daily toxin load our bodies already face. Whenever possible, choose ingredients you trust and know where they come from.
Agua de Sandia (Watermelon Water)
Ingredients:
- 5 cups fresh ripe watermelon
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1 cup ice,
- 1 cup filtered water
- Pinch of sea salt
Directions:
Fill a blender or food processor with the ingredients and blend for 30 seconds. Garnish with a sprig of mint if desired. Enjoy!
Can be kept in the refrigerator in a sealed container for up to 3 days. You can leave the seeds in, they add vitamins and minerals. Tip: Use sparkling water to make it a summer party drink.
Benefits: Watermelon contains natural electrolytes (which makes it so hydrating), also antioxidants and vitamins, is easily digested and naturally low in calories – a great choice for the summer!
Cucumber-Infused Water
Ingredients:
- 2 thinly sliced cucumbers
- 8 cups filtered water
Directions:
Add cucumber slices to a pitcher and fill with water. Stir thoroughly, cover and refrigerate at least 4 hours or overnight. Add ice if desired.
Keep the water refrigerated and covered, and drink within 2-3 days.
Benefits: A powerhouse of nutrition, gentle on digestion and a hydrating superstar yet low in calories, cucumbers are an excellent choice for the summer!
Fruit and Herb Infused Water
Fresh herbs and fruits can turn plain old water into a delicious, feel-good drink – with almost no calories. Just add a handful of well-washed, sliced fruit and herbs to a pitcher, stir, cover, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight. For the freshest flavor, remove the solids after about 12 hours, keep your infused water chilled, and drink within 2–3 days.
Try these combinations:
- Strawberry & Lavender
- Lemon & Basil
- Apple, Rose Petals & Chamomile
- Lemon, Lime & Cucumber
- Fig, Rosemary & Fennel
- Lemon Verbena & Blueberry
- Nectarine, Basil & Clementine
- Watermelon & Rosemary
- Blueberry & Orange
Herb Infused Water
Herbs can be brewed either by steeping them in hot water for 5-7 minutes, or cold brewed in the fridge over 24 hours.
Benefits: Big Flavor for Zero Calories! Herbs don’t add any sugar or calories to your water, which makes these a great choice if you are conscious about your weight. Herbs are not only packed with nutrients, they can also have relaxing, soothing, refreshing, and energizing effects. Herbs to try:
Single Herbs
- Mint: Refreshing and cooling
- Lemon Balm: Calming and mood-lifting
- Holy Basil (Tulsi): Adds a slightly spicy, clove-like flavor
- Rosemary: Invigorating and aromatic
- Lavender: Calming and relaxing with a light floral note – use sparingly to avoid bitterness
- Sage: Cooling, earthy and grounding
- Thyme: Fresh and subtly peppery.
Herbal Combinations
- Ginger and turmeric
support healthy inflammation levels - Lavender and chamomile
for relaxation, reduced stress and anxiety. - Peppermint & fennel
support healthy digestion
Switchel (Haymakers Punch)
This is an old-fashioned drink that farmers in colonial America would sip to stay hydrated during long days in the sun. It’s a mix of water, vinegar, ginger, and natural sweetener that makes a simple, natural electrolyte drink that helps replenish minerals and quench thirst.
It’s tangy, lightly sweet, and wonderfully refreshing — like a homemade sports drink, but made with simple kitchen ingredients instead of artificial flavors or dyes.
Ingredients
- 4 cups cold water
- 2–4 tbsp raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar
- 1–2 tbsp fresh ginger, grated or thinly sliced
- 2–4 tbsp raw honey or pure maple syrup (originally made with molasses)
- Optional: squeeze of fresh lemon or lime juice
Directions
Combine the water, apple cider vinegar, ginger, and sweetener in a pitcher or jar.
Stir well until the honey or syrup dissolves.
Taste and adjust — more vinegar for tang, more sweetener if you like it milder.
Let it chill in the fridge for at least an hour to let the ginger infuse.
Strain if you prefer it smooth, pour over ice, and enjoy!
Even more refreshing summer drink ideas:
- Spa Water (Herbs + Citrus)
Simple cucumber + mint + lemon slices in cold water. Classic, cooling, and lightly detoxifying. - Iced Herbal Tea
Brew herbal teas like hibiscus (tangy and vitamin C-rich), peppermint, or chamomile — chill and pour over ice. Naturally caffeine-free and gentle on the body. - Cold Brew Green Tea
Green tea brewed cold has less caffeine and a milder taste than hot-brewed. Add a sprig of mint for extra refreshment. - Iced Rooibos Tea
Naturally caffeine-free, rich in antioxidants, mild, and great with a squeeze of lemon or sprig of rosemary. - Electrolyte Water with Herbs
Add a pinch of sea salt and fresh herbs (mint or basil) to plain water — this tiny bit of salt supports electrolyte balance when it’s very hot out.
Staying hydrated doesn’t have to be boring — with a few fresh herbs, fruits, or old-fashioned recipes like switchel, you can turn every sip into a small act of care for your body. Here’s to keeping cool, refreshed, and nourished all summer long!