When the heat is on, it's so good to quench your thirst with a cool drink! But drinking water isn't the only option: some natural, refreshing beverages, rich in benefits, can turn your hydration into a real health cure. Iced infusions, fruit kefir, kombucha...
Here are five original ideas, easy to prepare at home, to combine pleasure, freshness and vitality!
1. Lemon/ mint/ ginger cold infusion
Recipe
1 liter filtered water.
1 tablespoon dried mint (or a few fresh leaves).
1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger.
The juice of half an organic lemon.
A few slices of lemon to infuse.
Optional: a little honey or agave syrup.
Infuse mint and ginger in boiling water for 10 minutes. Leave to cool, add lemon juice and slices, then chill in the fridge for a few hours. Serve chilled.
Health benefits
Lemon alkalizing, rich in vitamin CIt stimulates digestion and boosts immunity.
Mint Refreshing, digestive, antispasmodic. Soothes mild digestive disorders.
Ginger Pine oil: a natural anti-inflammatory, it stimulates circulation and boosts energy. It is also known to relieve nausea.
2. Fig and lemon fruit kefir
Recipe
1 liter non-chlorinated filtered water.
3 tablespoons fruit kefir.
2 dried figs.
2 organic lemon slices.
1 tablespoon unrefined cane sugar.
Dissolve sugar in water, add kefir grains, figs and lemon slices. Close the jar with a cloth and rubber band, and leave to ferment for 24 to 48 hours at room temperature. Strain, bottle and ferment for another 1 day for a fizzy drink. Store in a cool place.
Health benefits
Kefir A fermented drink naturally rich in probiotics, excellent for the intestinal flora.
Dried fig Source of fiber, minerals (potassium, calcium) and antioxidants.
Citron Supports the liver and aids digestion.
Kefir is a natural alternative to industrial beverages, with no additives, and can be flavoured to your taste!
3. Kombucha with red berries and basil
Recipe
1 liter of lightly brewed black or green tea.
100 ml plain kombucha (as base).
1 to 2 tablespoons cane sugar.
A handful of red fruit (strawberries, raspberries, blueberries).
A few fresh basil leaves.
Prepare your tea, add the sugar and leave to cool. Add the kombucha starter and leave to ferment for 7 to 10 days. For the second fermentation, add the crushed berries and basil. Leave for a further 2 days, then strain and store in a cool place.
Health benefits
Kombucha A fermented drink rich in probiotics, organic acids and beneficial enzymes.
Red berries Rich in anthocyanins, powerful cell-protecting antioxidants.
Basilic Calms the nervous system, digestive, mildly anti-inflammatory.
4. Ice infusion hibiscus/ cinnamon/ apple
Recipe
1 liter of water.
2 tablespoons dried hibiscus flowers.
1 cinnamon stick.
A few pieces of organic apple (fresh or dried).
Infuse hibiscus, cinnamon and apple in hot water for 10 minutes. Leave to cool, strain and refrigerate.
Health benefits
Hibiscus Natural diuretic, supports circulation, helps reduce blood pressure.
Cinnamon Digestive stimulant, blood sugar regulator, gentle warming for the digestive system.
Apple Adds sweetness, fiber and antioxidants (notably quercetin).
This iced infusion is ideal for hot days, with a gentle toning effect and natural draining action.
5. Cucumber/ rosemary/ lime infused water
Recipe
1 liter of water.
A few slices of cucumber.
1 sprig fresh rosemary
Juice and zest of one lime.
Place all the ingredients in a carafe and leave to infuse in a cool place for at least 2 hours before serving.
Health benefits
Cucumber Very rich in water, diuretic, soothing for kidneys and skin.
Rosemary Liver stimulant, liver protector, improves concentration and memory.
Lime Refreshing, rich in vitamin C, aids digestion.
This type of drink is a sugar-free alternative caffeine-free, perfect for hydrating throughout the day.
Summer is the perfect season to explore beverages that are lively, light and rich in benefits. By varying infusions, fermentations and natural ingredients, you can give your body more than just hydration. You'll support your digestion, immunity, vitality and even your mood!