Summer Drinks

During the hot summer months, we definitely need to get more fluids into our system to keep functioning. Here are six yummy summery drinks to help you through the rest of the weekend and beyond, including Watermelon Punch and Be Dazzled Cranberry Punch. Enjoy!

PINK LADY PUNCH

Not sure where this one came from, though I'm thinking maybe from one of my mother's cookbooks that she bought to raise funds for some group or other...

This, as well as other yummy recipes, can be found in my e-cookbook, Off the Wall Cooking.

4 C cranberry juice

1 1/2 C sugar

4 C pineapple juice

2 qts. chilled ginger ale

Add sugar to cranberry juice. Stir until sugar dissolves. Add pineapple juice. Chill. Pour into punch bowl & add ginger ale.

WATERMELON PUNCH

Years ago, I was a bride’s maid at a friend’s wedding. A friend of the couple held the reception dinner; this punch was served with the hors d’oeuvres. I’ve added ginger ale to the recipe; it’s good either way.

This, as well as other yummy recipes, can be found in my e-cookbook, Off the Wall Cooking.

1 watermelon

1 T honey

6 oz. can orange juice, undiluted

2 liter bottle ginger ale

Put watermelon (excluding rind and seeds) in a blender—and blend. Pour juice through a strainer into a large bowl. Add orange juice and honey, stir, and add ice. Add ginger ale just before serving.

TROPICAL PAPAYA PERFECTION

This recipe, as well as the next one (Just Peachy) are from “20 Super Healthy Smoothie Recipes” on the Runner’s World website. They’re originally from The Editors of Prevention.

This one begins, “Thick like a milkshake, this coconut-infused smoothie recipe transports you to a tropical island.”

Servings: 1

1 papaya, cut into chunks

1 cup fat-free plain yogurt

1/2 cup fresh pineapple chunks

1/2 cup crushed ice

1 tsp coconut extract

1 tsp ground flaxseed

Combine the papaya, yogurt, pineapple, ice, coconut extract, and flaxseed. Process for about 30 seconds, or until smooth and frosty.

Nutrition Information: Calories: 299; Protein: 13 g; Carbs: 64 g; Fiber: 7 g; Sugar: 44 g; Total fat: 1.5 g; Saturated fat: 0.1 g; Sodium: 149 mg

JUST PEACHY

This recipe begins, “Fat-free vanilla ice cream makes this protein packed smoothie sinful and slimming. Skip the spoonful of sugar for a healthier pick.”

Servings: 2

1 cup milk

2 Tbsp low-fat vanilla yogurt

1/2 cup frozen peaches

1/2 cup strawberries

1/8 tsp powdered ginger

2 tsp whey protein powder (such as Source Organic Whey Protein)

3 ice cubes

Blend together any liquid ingredients (milk, yogurt, juice, etc.) and protein powder; this will help break down the grainy powder and make sure it’s evenly distributed.

Add mushy ingredients, like precooked oatmeal and fruit, then add ice at the end. For a thicker shake, you can toss in more ice cubes; you’ll add volume without the calories.

Nutrition Information: Calories (per serving): 150; Protein: 9 g; Carbs: 26.5 g; Fiber: 2 g; Sugar: 24 g; Total fat: 2 g; Saturated fat: 1 g; Sodium: 73 mg

CAFE DE OLLA

The recipe for this yummy coffee is from the December 2012 issue of Vegetarian Times, page 47. It starts off, “Literally 'coffee from the pot,' this recipe offers a simple way to make coffee for a crowd, with a spiced twist that no one can resist.” Serves 8 in 30 minutes or less.

To view this online, click here.

4 cinnamon sticks

4 star anise

4 allspice berries

4 whole cloves

1/2 cup packed dark brown sugar or 4 oz. piloncillo (Mexican raw sugar cones)

2 cups medium grind, dark roast coffee beans

2 cups low-fat milk

1 cup coffee liqueur, such as Kahlúa, optional

Lightly crush cinnamon sticks, star anise, allspice, and cloves with mortar and pestle. Place in resealable plastic bag, and pound with rolling pin. Transfer to large saucepan, and add sugar and 8 cups water. Bring mixture to a boil, and simmer until sugar dissolves. Remove from heat, add coffee, and let steep 5 minutes.

Meanwhile, warm milk in small saucepan, and whisk until frothy.

Strain coffee through fine sieve or coffee filter into pitcher. Stir in coffee liqueur (if using). Serve with frothed milk.

nutritional information Per 1-cup serving: Calories: 80; Protein: 2 g; Total Fat: less than 1 g; Saturated Fat: less than 1 g; Carbohydrates: 17 g; Cholesterol: 3 mg; Sodium: 35 mg; Fiber: 0 g; Sugar: 16 g; Gluten-Free

BE DAZZLED CRANBERRY PUNCH

This is from Ocean Spray. Prep Time: 5 minutes plus freezing; Yield: Makes about 14 6-ounce servings

To view this yumminess, click here.

Ingredients

1 64-ounce bottle Ocean Spray® Cranberry Juice Cocktail

24 ounces club soda

8 ounces orange juice

Ice ring, garnish

Orange slices, garnish

Directions

Combine all ingredients, except garnishes, in a large punch bowl. Gently stir ingredients. Add ice ring and orange slices just before serving.