Summer is here and it’s HOT! Here are some great healthy drinks to make at home, use for working out, serve to guests, bring to picnics, barbecues, etc.  And all are healthy alternatives to sugary drinks.  Any of these recipes can be made into popsicles as well.  Popsicles do better with more intense flavors – simply add extra juice and Stevia.

Sparkling Cranberry Splash
Serves 4-6

• 1 Bottle of Cold Sparkling Water
• ¾ cup Cold Unsweetened Cranberry Juice
• Liquid Stevia* to taste (Plain or Vanilla Crème – tastes like an Italian soda!)
• Optional:  Garnish with any type of fruit slices – lemon, lime, strawberries etc.

Sparkling Lemon/Lime Splash
Serves 4-6

• 1 Bottle of Cold Sparkling Water
• Juice of 2 Lemons (or 2 Limes)
• Liquid Stevia* to taste (Plain or Lemon Drop)
• Optional:  Garnish with any type of fruit slices – lemon, lime, strawberries etc.

USANA Rev 3** – Health Energy Drink
My favorite energy drink on the market – all natural and with all the power of an energy drink but without the artificial sugar or chemicals.  With vitamins, antioxidants, and caffeine derived from green tea, Rev 3 is a great alternative to the sugary energy drinks on the market.

Working Out: Pour 1 USANA Rev 3 can into your workout bottle.  Our 1L Live Well CamelBak Bottles are perfect for this as the Rev 3 can fills it half way – fill the rest with water.   This will power you through your workout – natural energy and help you drink more water.

Cool Summer Energy Drink: Pour 1 USANA Rev 3 can into a large wine glass or glass with crushed ice.  Add raspberries or strawberries as garnish.

Mint Infused Lemon/Lime Tea
Refreshing, lightly scented water – perfect for summer
Serves 4-6
Juice of 2 Limes AND 2 Lemons

• 1 tsp of Lemon Zest and 1 tsp of Lime Zest (skin of lime/lemon finely grated)
• 4-5 sprigs of mint (Optional – also add 2-3 springs of lavender OR thyme)
• Place everything in a large glass pitcher and pour 2 cups of hot water over mixture
• Add 1 tsp of agave nectar (or to taste) and 3-4 drops of Stevia (or to taste).  Plain or Lemon Drop Stevia taste great.
• Allow mixture to steep for 15-20 min.
• Add 4 cups of cold water and place in fridge to cool.  If you want to drink immediately, add ice.

* Stevia is an all natural sweetener available at most health food stores.  It has 0 calories, does not spike your blood sugar and contains fiber.  I use the liquid form of Stevia by “Sweet Leaf”.  Purchase at health food stores in the supplement section.  It comes in an eyedropper bottle – easy to use, no bitter after taste and lasts forever as a little goes a long way.  There are so many flavors – Plain, Vanilla Crème, English Toffee, Lemon Drop, Root Beer, and Chocolate etc.  I experiment with all the flavors – for example a few drops of “English Toffee” Stevia in a Chocolate USANA Nutrimeal** makes your shake’s taste even better!

** Log onto your USANA account or contact your local USANA Representative to order Rev 3 or Chocolate Nutrimeal at wholesale or autoship prices.

Be Happy… Be Vibrant…

Carmen xo