Best Drinks to Keep Kids Energized this Summer

Every year, as the summer months arrive, kids and adults sigh alike. Nobody likes the heat, despite our sincere love for mangoes, litchis, and swimming. But with the soaring temperatures, when heat strokes and sudden bouts of unconsciousness due to heat become common fodder, it is time to bring out the big guns. Hydrating summer beverages, that nourish all when appetite has left the building, are a must, to combat the increasing free radicals and UV rays.

In summer vacations, when kids play outside, they lose a significant amount of energy and electrolytes. But if left unreplenished, it can lead to dangerous consequences, especially in the sweltering 2024 heat. To avoid such mishaps, here are the best drinks to keep kids energized this summer.

Drinks to Keep Kids Energized this Summer

Fresh fruit juice

Fruits and vegetables form an important part of a wholesome diet. But most kids are choosy about the ones they like, with some picky enough to avoid most. Yet, when summer knocks on the door, this unlikeable fresh produce may become the best friend of your children. But none of the storebought kind. Fruit juice is good for health when freshly made and consumed in moderate quantities, especially in summer, as they are a rich source of vitamin C, potassium, and dietary fibers.

Lassi

Lassi is a traditional Indian drink made with yogurt. Yogurt is credited by nutritionists as a nutrition-dense food with lots of calcium, phosphorus, potassium, and vitamins A and B, along with the prevention of osteoporosis, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases, while promoting immune system modulation and gut health. When chilled yogurt is churned well with brown molasses, sugar, or honey, dry fruits, and ice, a nectar is born, known as lassi, which can be chugged in a gulp without regret and with great relish.

Green Coconut Water

Green coconut water is one of the most electrolyte-dense natural beverages on earth. Thanks to its high potassium content which lowers blood pressure and reduces the risk of heart disease, the summer-friendly beverage hydrates and nourishes the body in no time, making it the perfect energy-giving drink for the scorching days.

Smoothies

Smoothies are a wholesome beverage group that is the pure result of pureed fruits or vegetables with other healthy food groups, such as water, milk, greek yogurt, nut butter, and seeds. Be it a protein smoothie for your post-sports drink or a rich, creamy one, full of low-calorie dark chocolate for those craving moments, smoothies are the perfect solution to days kids do not feel like eating, due to unbearable heat.

Thandai

Thandai is the unmissable summer Holi drink in India, made from the goodness of ground almonds, fennel seeds, rose petals, pepper, poppy seeds, cardamom, sugar, milk, and saffron. The luscious and rejuvenating traditional drink helps keep digestive issues at bay, cools down the system, gives a boost of energy on tiring days, and supports heart health when consumed in moderate amounts.

Beat the summer blues with these easy, homemade energy-giving drinks for kids

Raspberry Lemonade

Ingredients

• 1 ¾ cups freshly squeezed lemon juice (8-12 lemons approx.)
• ¾ pound of raspberries
• 5 cups of water
• 1 cup of sugar
• Lemon wedges, for garnishing
• Fresh mint, for garnishing and taste

Directions

• Combine ½ pound raspberries and ½ cup of lemon juice in a blender and puree until smooth. Sieve the mixture into a bowl, to strain out the seeds. Use a ladle for convenience.
• Add the remaining lemon juice, water, and sugar into the bowl and stir until it is all dissolved. Taste and add more sugar, lemon juice, or water, according to taste.
• Load up the glasses with ice cubes, lemon wedges, and raspberries. Pour the lemonade into them and garnish with fresh mint leaves, before serving.

Mango Lassi

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cup of chopped ripe mangoes
• 1 cup yoghurt
• ½ cup milk
• 2-3 tablespoons sugar/ brown molasses (gur)
• ¼ teaspoon cardamom powder
• 1 teaspoon chopped nuts, for garnishing
• 1 pinch of saffron strands, for garnishing
• 4 tablespoons of fresh cream, whipped, for garnishing

Directions

• To a blender, add chilled mango cubes, yogurt, milk, cardamom powder, and sugar/gur. Blend until the lassi is super smooth yet thick.
• Taste-test and add more sugar/ gur or more milk, or ice. Store the lassi in the refrigerator for a while before serving, if required chilled.
• Garnish with chopped nuts, saffron strands, and fresh cream before serving.

Conclusion

One never knows when summer stroke can strike, quick and deadly, by dehydrating an undernourished, over-stressed body. Thus, it is always better to stay one step ahead by resorting to cool drinks that help us remain replete and chill. Defeat the heat this summer by staying hydrated and nourished, thanks to these refreshing, energy-giving summer beverages that are ideal for kids. Not only are these drinks easily made at home with available ingredients butoun are also delicious and healthy options for fussy eaters and sporty school kids.