Want to know my number one favorite part of summer? It’s going to the beach in August… hands down.
I like everything about the beach… the warm sand, the gently crashing waves, the salty air…
But most of all, I love the food!
Growing up, going to the beach meant days and days of amazingly fresh, delicious food.
First, we’d get together for a big barbecue one night… then a couple of days later, we’d buy a bunch of fresh tilapia fillets and grill out, watching as the sun set over the water.
Oh boy, it was heaven… And just thinking back on it now makes me hungry!
Even now, when I’m heading to the beach I like to load up the cooler with good things to eat… Things like homemade sandwiches, ice-cold bottled water, and fresh cut fruit.
But there’s one thing I don’t ever bring… I’m talking about soft drinks.
I know it’s tempting to load the cooler with soft drinks — they’re cheap, convenient, and kids LOVE them.
But soft drinks are absolutely packed with addictive sugar. And even if you’re on vacation, all that sugar’s just as bad for you as ever.
Now, skipping the soda doesn’t mean you’re stuck with just drinking water. If you want to sip something refreshing AND sweet, I’ve got just the thing!
Dr. Nelson’s Watermelon Tea Refresher
This is one of my favorite finds… and it’s totally delicious!
This drink is naturally sweetened, refreshing, and perfect for summer — with no unhealthy added sugar or artificial sweeteners in sight.
Here’s all you need to make it yourself –– and if you want to make a full pitcher, just triple the recipe:
Ingredients (serves 2):
- 1 cup green tea, brewed and cooled.
- 1 cup diced watermelon, seeds removed
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1 sprig fresh mint
- 1 cup club soda
Instructions:
1. Add watermelon and tea to a blender, and blend until smooth.
2. Add lime and mint and pulse in blender, until mint is chopped.
3. Add club soda and taste — adjust sweetness as suggested above, then enjoy!
Note: If the Refresher isn’t quite sweet enough for you, try adding a teaspoon of honey (which has some big health benefits of its own) or a splash of 100% apple juice to the mix.
Just make sure to taste it BEFORE adding anything sweet… after all, a ripe watermelon is pretty sweet on its own!
So there you go. Pretty simple, right?
I’m really loving this drink… In fact, I’ve started calling it my “Official Drink of Summer!”
And I think you’ll like it, too. So try it out and …
Cheers!
Dr. Cary Nelson
P.S. If you’re having a cocktail party, I’ve heard my Refresher is amazing when mixed with a touch of vodka or white wine. I haven’t tried it that way myself, but I’ve heard some rave reviews. If you do try it out, remember to always drink responsibly!
For more health tips and delicious recipes, keep reading:
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