Are you drinking your way to a larger dress size? Whether your poison is an after-lunch latte or a before-dinner cocktail, liquid calories can prevent weight loss and even trigger weight gain. Summer is a smart time to make positive changes by swapping out empty-calorie beverages for healthy drinks. We’re offering up 13 summer drink recipes that will get you drunk on health.

A typical sweetened soda might have 140 calories, a glass of wine up to 150 calories, and a café beverage can load you up with 300 calories or more! Those are the kind of numbers that quickly show up on the scale. Diet drinks are just as troublesome. They may not contain calories, but artificial sweeteners actually make the body crave sweets. If you’ve been drinking regular or diet soda, now is the perfect time to quit. Check out the 5 Best Tips to Cut Out Soda Intake.

The challenge is that hydration is essential in the summer, especially if you’re leading an active lifestyle. Water is the ideal way to replenish the body throughout the day, but there are also plenty of healthy drinks that will help you stay refreshed. These options deliver the vitamins and nutrients you need to feel fit, strong, and energized.

1. Super Detox Green Smoothie

Healthy drinks can boost the body’s natural detoxification system. This summer beverage includes refreshing cucumber and celery. Want to feel slimmer and lighter for the beach? Try the full Weekend Cleanse and Detox Plan.

2. Avocado Pear Smoothie



Avocados nourish the body with healthy fats, which fill you up so you’re less likely to give into salty or sugary snack cravings.

3. Skinny Homemade Ginger Ale

It’s never too late to boot processed soda from your life! This drink is a tasty way to cut back. The recipe does take time, so it could be a good afternoon summer project to do with older kids.

4. Red, White, and Blue Lemonade

A combination of yummy summer fruits combines to create this 47-calorie beverage. It’s a zingy alternative to the processed, powdered lemonade you might normally drink.

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5. Strawberry-Basil Water

Staying hydrated never tasted so delicious! One of the most refreshing summer drinks, it gives you the antioxidant benefits of strawberries and the antibacterial properties of basil. Check out these 11 Incredibly Powerful Herbs

6. Piña Colada Smoothie





Ditch the high-calorie alcoholic version and enjoy this non-alcoholic recipe instead. It uses coconut milk, which provides a creamy texture and a dose of healthy fats. Best of all, this beverage has just 115 calories per serving.

7. Green Tea Kiwi-Berry Smoothie

This top summer drink offers filling fiber, plus protein to build and maintain lean muscle. The smoothie also delivers the superfood power of kale.

8. Lemon Ginger Detox Drink

For those summer days when you need a boost of energy, enjoy this recipe. Ginger gives your metabolism a nudge, and it helps detoxify the body.

9. Bahama Splash

Get the island feel—without the island vacation price tag! This smoothie is packed with superfoods, like spinach, mango, banana, and green tea. Learn 3 Reasons Why Green Tea is a Superfood.

10. Sparkling Lime-Mint Quencher

Are you a Mojito fan? Our version gives you the lime taste you crave, without the calories of traditional recipes. Serve healthy drinks, like this one, at your next summer get-together.

RELATED: 3 Easy Vinaigrette Recipes for Slimming Summer Salads

11. Watermelon Chiller with a Hint of Mint

Not only will watermelon cool you down on a hot day, it’s also rich in lycopene, the same powerful antioxidant found in tomatoes.

12. Coconut Banana Green Smoothie

Kick back with this island-inspired recipe. You’ll feel fab knowing you’re nourishing your body to be fit and strong with superfood ingredients like banana, spinach, and quinoa. Don’t be afraid to add quinoa to your menu—discover the 6 Steps to Perfect Quinoa.

13. Orange Sports Drink



When you’re working hard in the heat, you need to hydrate with the right kind of beverage. This homemade sports drink restores electrolytes without the added sugar and preservatives found in many store-bought brands.

These summer drinks will refresh your body the right way—without additives, preservatives, and artificial sweeteners. Which recipe makes you thirsty to try it?

Discover healthy drinks by following our Drink Recipe Board and Green Smoothie Board on Pinterest.

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