8 Best Drinks for Kids to Stay Cool This Summer

8 Best Drinks for Kids This Summer

Ah, summer! The season of sunshine, playdates, and endless outdoor adventures. But with rising temperatures, keeping your kids hydrated is more important than ever. While water is undeniably the king of hydration, kids sometimes crave something a little more exciting. The trick is finding drinks that not only quench their thirst but are also packed with health benefits. 

From fruity-infused waters to creamy smoothies, these kid-approved drinks will make staying hydrated a fun and tasty experience. And parents, stick around till the end for a time-saving game-changer that could make your summer even sweeter!

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Water-Based Drinks

Infused Water

Plain water is essential, but we get it—kids may find it boring after a while. Enter infused water! Add slices of fresh fruits like strawberries, oranges, or cucumbers to a jug of water and refrigerate it for a couple of hours. The natural flavors of the fruits seep into the water, creating a refreshing twist that keeps hydration interesting. Bonus? No added sugars!

Sparkling Water with Fruit

What’s more fun than bubbles? Sparkling water feels fancy and exciting for kids looking for a change from still water. Toss in frozen fruit like blueberries or raspberries for a pop of natural sweetness. It’s like a party in a glass!

Pro tip: Keep your kids involved by letting them pick their favorite fruits for infusing. They’ll be more excited to drink what they’ve “made.”

Smoothie Recipes

Healthy and Delicious Smoothies

Smoothies are an excellent way to sneak in fruits, veggies, and even protein into your kids’ diets without any complaints. They are colorful, creamy, and taste like a treat! Here’s a quick recipe to get you started:

Tropical Berry Blast Smoothie

• 1 cup of frozen berries (strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries)
• 1 frozen banana
• 1 cup of coconut water
• A handful of spinach (don’t worry, they won’t taste it!)
• Blend and serve!

If smoothies are a hit in your home (and they will be!), consider trying the 21-Day Smoothie Diet. It’s a fantastic program designed to help you experiment with a variety of smoothie recipes every day. Easy, fun, and delicious for the whole family!

Pro tip: Freeze smoothie leftovers in popsicle molds for a refreshingly cool treat later.

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Natural Juices

Homemade Juice Options

Freshly squeezed juices go a long way in providing that natural sweetness kids love, minus the added sugars of store-bought options. Try these at home:

Orange and Carrot Juice: Vibrant and full of Vitamin C.

Ingredients:

• 2 large carrots
• 2 oranges
• 1 cup water (optional, for adjusting consistency)
• Ice cubes (optional)

Instructions:

1. Wash and peel the carrots, then chop them into smaller pieces.
2. Peel the oranges and remove any seeds.
3. Add the carrots and oranges to a blender.
4. Blend until smooth. If the juice is too thick, add water a little at a time to reach your desired consistency.
5. Strain the juice using a fine mesh strainer if you prefer a smoother texture.
6. Serve over ice for a refreshing drink, or enjoy as is!

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Watermelon Lemonade: Sweet and hydrating, perfect for hot days.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups watermelon, cubed and seedless
• 1 cup fresh lemon juice (about 4–6 lemons)
• 1/2 cup sugar (adjust to taste)
• 2 cups cold water
• Ice cubes
• Fresh mint leaves (optional, for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Add the watermelon cubes to a blender and blend until smooth. Strain the juice through a fine mesh sieve to remove the pulp (optional for a smoother texture).
2. In a large pitcher, mix the watermelon juice, fresh lemon juice, cold water, and sugar. Stir well until the sugar dissolves.
3. Add ice cubes to the pitcher and stir to chill.
4. Serve in glasses over ice, garnished with mint leaves if desired. Enjoy your refreshing watermelon lemonade!

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Apple and Cucumber Juice: Crisp, cool, and oh-so-refreshing.

Ingredients:

• 2 green apples
• 1 medium cucumber
• 1/2 lemon (optional, for added zest)
• 1/2 cup cold water (or as needed)
• Ice cubes (optional)

Instructions:

1. Wash the apples and cucumber thoroughly.
2. Core the apples and cut them into chunks. Peel the cucumber if desired and slice it into pieces.
3. Add the apple and cucumber pieces to a blender, along with the cold water.
4. Blend until smooth.
5. If you’d like a thinner consistency, strain the mixture using a fine sieve or cheesecloth.
6. Squeeze in the juice of half a lemon for added zest (optional).
7. Pour into a glass over ice cubes if preferred. Serve immediately and enjoy!

While natural juices are delicious, it’s good to serve them in moderation. They can pack a higher sugar punch compared to other options. Diluting juice with water is a great way to stretch its flavor while keeping sugar intake in check.

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Milk-Based Drinks

Flavored Milk

Milk doesn’t have to be boring. Add natural flavors to plain milk like cocoa powder, vanilla extract, or even a sprinkle of cinnamon. Pro tip? Use honey or maple syrup for a touch of sweetness without resorting to processed sugars.

Creamy Smoothies

Milk can also be the perfect base for creamy, indulgent smoothies. Try this recipe for your little ones:

Banana Peanut Butter Delight Smoothie

• 1 banana
• 1 cup of milk (dairy or plant-based alternatives work!)
• 1 tablespoon of peanut butter
• A squeeze of honey
• Blend until smooth and serve chilled.

This drink is packed with protein, making it as filling as it is delicious.

Read More: Top 12 Lemonade Mocktail Recipes for All Occasions

Tips for Making Drinks Appealing to Kids

• Play with Colors: Vibrant drinks, like a pink strawberry smoothie or yellow mango juice, are more appealing to kids.
• Use Fun Glassware: Serve drinks in kid-friendly cups with colorful straws or reusable silicone lids.
• Add a Creative Twist: Turn drinks into activities by letting your kids decorate their glass rims with sprinkles or add fun ice cubes shaped like animals or stars.
• Make Popsicles: Freeze any leftover juice or smoothies into popsicle molds for a refreshing snack they’ll adore.

By involving kids in the process and adding a little creativity, you’ll be turning hydration into a delightful part of their summer! 

Keep Your Kids Cool and Covered This Summer

Hydration doesn’t have to be complicated or boring. With these eight simple and delicious drink ideas, you can ensure your kids stay cool, healthy, and energized all summer long. Whether it’s a sparkling fruit-infused water, a homemade juice, or a creamy smoothie, there’s something here for every little taste bud.

And if you’re ready to take your smoothie game to the next level, check out the 21-Day Smoothie Diet. It’s a lifesaver for busy parents who want healthy, ready-to-go recipes that their entire family will love. Your kids will thank you, and you’ll discover just how fun and easy hydration can be! 

Click here to learn more and get started today!

 

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