Sugary Drink Alternatives

In my last recipe post, I suggested a few alternatives to carbonated drinks. Now I'll be covering alternatives to sugary store-bought drinks. A normal can of soda contains approximately 10 teaspoons of sugar! Whoa, a lot. Too much sugar isn't good for anyone, but some of us may experience extensive digestive issues when we consume these sugary drinks.

My best suggestion is to not consume store-bought drinks. Who knows what's in them? In most cases, they're full of all kinds of chemicals, preservatives, and of course, an unnecessary and unhealthy amount of sugar or artificial sweeteners. So instead of putting that stuff in your body, especially if it causes obvious digestive disturbances, just mix something up at home!

Very Berry Spritzer

Makes one 12 ounce serving

1. 3 ounces soda water (carbonated, unflavored water)
2. 6 ounces of unsweetened berry tea (I buy these in packs of unsweetened fruit teas)
3. 2 ounces of strawberry puree
4. 1 ounce of peach or nectarine puree
5. Honey or other natural sweetener to taste

To make purees, use a blender or food processor, or use a fork to mash fruit to a pulp. Combine first 4 ingredients. Taste, then add honey or another natural sweetener to taste if desired.


Hawaiian Fruit Punch Tea

Makes one 12 ounce serving

1. 5 ounces unsweetened orange tea
2. 3 ounces unsweetened lemon tea (I like "lemon zinger" varieties)
3. 2 ounces fresh or no sugar added pineapple juice, or puree
4. 2 ounces fresh squeeze orange juice or all natural, no added sugar OJ.

 Combine all ingredients and chill or serve over ice. Sweeten with honey or other natural sweetener if desired.


Tea with Honey and Lemon

Makes one 12 ounce serving

1. 7 ounces unsweetened ginger tea
2. 4 ounces unsweetened lemon tea
3. 1 ounce fresh lemon juice
4. Honey to taste

Combine first 3 ingredients. Sweeten with honey to taste. Serve hot or cold. For a twist, sweeten with natural maple syrup to taste. Yum!

Summer Spritzer

Makes one 12 ounce serving

1. 4 ounces unsweetened lemon tea
2. 3 ounces soda water
3. 1 ounce fresh lime juice
4. 2 ounces watermelon juice or puree
5. 2 ounces strawberry puree

Combine all ingredients and chill, then serve. Toss in frozen melon balls or chunk of fruit for flavor and fun. You can also sweeten to taste with honey, peach puree, or other natural sweeteners.

I hope these recipes get your juices flowing, no pun intended! Haha. These drinks are yummy and refreshing, they have far less sugar than store-bought varieties, and they give you more control over what you put into your body. Enjoy!

Have you read my post about alternatives to carbonated beverages? Also look for my next post on caffeine-free alternatives to your favorite drinks. :-)