As school lets out for the summer and temperatures start to rise, kids of all ages head outside to play, swim or practice a sport. And while it's a time for fun and frolic, it also can be very dangerous. Between 1999 and 2003, there were almost 3,500 deaths attributed to the heat [source: Centers for Disease Control]. And each of these deaths could have most likely been prevented. One of the leading causes of heat-related deaths is dehydration -- simply not getting enough fluids to sustain your body.
Now, you've probably heard that you need to drink eight 8-ounce (0.236-liter) glasses of water per day to achieve the desired intake of water. But scientists are now finding that may not be the case. According to Planet Green, any liquids you ingest (except alcohol) can be attributed to your daily intake of water [source: PlanetGreen.com]. If you're like me, you're probably breathing a sigh of relief right now. Water is great and everything, but sometimes, you just need more flavor -- a change from the mundane.
~tasha~
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10. Citrus Cooler
Not only will this cooler quench your thirst, but at just 59 calories and a full serving of fruit in each glass, it will be kind to your waist-line, too. And the sparkling water gives it a fun fizz to make this drink anything but boring.
ngredients: 2 cups orange juice
2 cups unsweetened pineapple juice
1 teaspoon lemon juice
3/4 teaspoon coconut extract
3/4 teaspoon vanilla
2 cups cold sparkling water
Preparation: 1. Combine juices and extracts in large pitcher; refrigerate until cold. Just before serving, stir in sparkling water. Serve over ice.
~tasha~
Age: 124
6350 days old here
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9. Frozen Rainbow Bubbler
With only three ingredients, this may be the easiest recipe on our list and one that's sure to please the kids. You can use one flavor or several depending on your tastes and the taste of your guests. Oh, and be sure to keep an eye on your glass for the color of your drink to change
Preparation: 1. Dissolve powdered drink mix in water, stirring to mix well. Pour into 1-1/2 ice cube trays (should make about 16 ice cubes, each with about 1 ounce liquid). Freeze until solid. Place 3 ice cubes in a tall glass. Fill glass with diet ginger ale; stir gently.
Tip: Prepare ice cubes from 2 or more of your favorite flavors of drink mix and combine for an extra layer of flavor. Keep ice cubes sealed in airtight containers or freezer bags until ready to use to avoid picking up unwanted flavors from the other foods in your freezer.
~tasha~
Age: 124
6350 days old here
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8. Mint-Green Tea Cooler
An ancient Chinese proverb states, "Better to be deprived of food for three days, than tea for one." And with so many benefits said to be in green tea, it may just be true.
Ingredients: 2 bags green tea
4 quarter-size pieces thinly sliced fresh ginger
7 or 8 large fresh mint leaves, roughly torn
2 cups boiling water
2 cups crushed ice, divided
Preparation: 1. Place tea bags, ginger and mint leaves in teapot. Add hot water; steep 4 minutes. Remove tea bags, ginger and mint leaves; discard. Cool tea to room temperature. Pour 1 cup of crushed ice into each of 2 tall glasses. Divide tea between glasses.
Tip: Squeeze a lime wedge (about 1/8 of a lime) into coolers before serving.
~tasha~
Age: 124
6350 days old here
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7. Bobbing Head Punch
Do you want to get your children in on the fun? This sweet treat is geared for a younger crowd but will make the adults smile, too. Grab the kids and your favorite candies and get to work crafting the perfect face for this bubbly drink.
Ingredients: Assorted candies
Assorted fruit slices and pieces
Water
6 cups white grape juice
4 cups ginger ale
2 cups apple juice or 2 additional cups ginger ale
Green food coloring
Preparation: 1. Arrange candy and fruit slices in bottom of 9-inch glass pie plate to create a face. (Remember, the bottom of the face is what will show in the punch bowl.)
2. Add water to cover face; carefully place in freezer. Freeze overnight.
3. At time of serving, add ginger ale and juice to 4- to 5-quart punch bowl. Tint mixture green. Invert pie plate, placing one hand underneath, run under cold running water to release frozen face. Place ice mold upside down on top of juice mixture; serve.
~tasha~
Age: 124
6350 days old here
Total Posts: 47628
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Location:
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6. Guava Fruit Punch
If you can't head to the islands this summer, then just bring the islands to you. This tropical, tasty tea has the flavors of a Hawaiian luau, without spending the big bucks to relax in paradise.
Ingredients: 1-1/2 cups boiling water
2 decaffeinated tea bags
3 slices fresh ginger
2 cups guava juice
3/4 cup pineapple juice
1 to 2 tablespoons lemon juice
Ice cubes
Mint sprigs
Preparation: 1. Combine boiling water, tea bags and ginger in heatproof pitcher; steep 5 minutes. Discard tea bags and ginger.
2. Add guava juice, pineapple juice and lemon juice to tea mixture; mix well. Serve in tall glasses over ice. Garnish with mint sprigs.
~tasha~
Age: 124
6350 days old here
Total Posts: 47628
Points: 0
Location:
United Kingdom, United Kingdom
6. Guava Fruit Punch
If you can't head to the islands this summer, then just bring the islands to you. This tropical, tasty tea has the flavors of a Hawaiian luau, without spending the big bucks to relax in paradise.
Ingredients: 1-1/2 cups boiling water
2 decaffeinated tea bags
3 slices fresh ginger
2 cups guava juice
3/4 cup pineapple juice
1 to 2 tablespoons lemon juice
Ice cubes
Mint sprigs
Preparation: 1. Combine boiling water, tea bags and ginger in heatproof pitcher; steep 5 minutes. Discard tea bags and ginger.
2. Add guava juice, pineapple juice and lemon juice to tea mixture; mix well. Serve in tall glasses over ice. Garnish with mint sprigs.
~tasha~
Age: 124
6350 days old here
Total Posts: 47628
Points: 0
Location:
United Kingdom, United Kingdom
5. Strawberry Delights
If all of this yummy summer goodness has you on calorie overload, then we've got just the drink for you. Using fresh fruit and low-fat or fat-free ingredients, this strawberry blend will cool you down and trim you down at the same time.
Ingredients: 2 cups low-fat strawberry ice cream
1 cup sliced fresh strawberries
2/3 cup cold fat-free (skim) milk
1/4 cup cold orange juice
1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Additional fresh fruit
Mint sprigs
Preparation: 1. Place ice cream, strawberries, milk, orange juice and cinnamon in blender or food processor. Blend at high speed until smooth.
2. Pour into glasses. Garnish with additional fruit and mint sprigs, if desired.
~tasha~
Age: 124
6350 days old here
Total Posts: 47628
Points: 0
Location:
United Kingdom, United Kingdom
4. Banana Split Shakes
If you want a new spin on an old classic, then look no further than the banana split shake. It uses all of the ingredients as a traditional banana split, but takes those ingredients and whips them all together in the blender.
Ingredients: 1 small (6-inch) ripe banana
1/4 cup skim milk
5 maraschino cherries, drained
1 tablespoon light chocolate syrup
1/8 teaspoon coconut extract
4 cups low-fat chocolate frozen yogurt
Preparation: 1. Combine banana, milk, cherries, chocolate syrup and coconut extract in blender. Cover; blend on HIGH speed until smooth.
2. Add yogurt 1 cup at a time. Cover and pulse on HIGH speed after each addition until smooth and thick. Pour into 4 glasses. Garnish with additional maraschino cherries, if desired.
Tip: For a low-fat shake, chop 3 large, peeled bananas. Place in resealable plastic bag and freeze until solid. (This is a great use for over-ripe bananas). Blend with milk, cherries, chocolate syrup and coconut extract. It will not be as thick and frosty, but will be lower in calories and fat.
~tasha~
Age: 124
6350 days old here
Total Posts: 47628
Points: 0
Location:
United Kingdom, United Kingdom
3. Snowbird Mocktails
While the name implies this is the perfect fake cocktail for the winter months, it's anything but. This frozen treat will keep you cool in the hot sun, and you'll be sure to slurp up the last drop before it melts.
Ingredients: 3 cups pineapple juice
1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
1 can (6 ounces) frozen orange juice concentrate, thawed
1/2 teaspoon coconut extract
1 liter (about 32 ounces) ginger ale, chilled
Orange slices (optional)
Marachino cherries (optional)
Preparation: 1. Combine pineapple juice, sweetened condensed milk, orange juice concentrate and coconut extract in large pitcher; stir well. Cover; refrigerate at least 1 hour or up to 1 week.
2. To serve, pour 1/2 cup pineapple juice mixture into individual glasses (over crushed ice, if desired). Top off each glass with about 1/3 cup ginger ale. Garnish each glass with orange slice and cherry.
Tip: Store unopened cans of sweetened condensed milk at room temperature for up to 6 months. Once opened, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
~tasha~
Age: 124
6350 days old here
Total Posts: 47628
Points: 0
Location:
United Kingdom, United Kingdom
2. Cranberry Sangria
I know we told you earlier that alcohol doesn't count towards your water intake of the day, but sometimes, it just hits the spot. For a more adult party, try serving this red-wine concoction. It'll leave your guests begging for more.
Ingredients: 1 bottle (750 mL) Beaujolais or dry red wine
1 cup cranberry juice cocktail
1 cup orange juice
1/2 cup cranberry-flavored liqueur (optional)
1 orange,* thinly sliced
1 lime,* thinly sliced
Preparation: 1. Combine wine, cranberry juice cocktail, orange juice, liqueur, if desired, orange and lime slices in large glass pitcher. Chill 2 to 8 hours before serving.
2. Pour into glasses; add citrus slices from sangría to each glass.
Sparkling Sangría: Just before serving, tilt pitcher and slowly add 2 cups well-chilled sparkling water or club soda. Makes about 9 cups (12 to 15 servings).
~tasha~
Age: 124
6350 days old here
Total Posts: 47628
Points: 0
Location:
United Kingdom, United Kingdom
1. Icy Mimosas
Feeling a little bit more adventurous than champagne and orange juice for your Sunday brunch? Why not try the frozen version of this weekend favorite. This icy drink will surely beat the heat any time of day.
Preparation: 1. Tie a napkin around the stem of each wine goblet, if desired. Spoon 1/2 cup of the shaved or crushed Tropic Ice mixture in each goblet. Pour 1/2 cup diet ginger ale or Champagne over each serving and add 1 frozen strawberry.
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