As the heat continues, staying hydrated is important, but that doesn’t mean it has to be boring. We’ve tasted some thirst-quenching alternative summer drinks that are non-alcoholic, flavour-filled, and, in some cases, have extra health benefits thrown in, too.
Vital-Fizz
12-can mixed pack from £23
Energy drinks have become a go-to for people who want an energy boost, but with so many packed with artificial ingredients and sugar, they can offer only a short-term gain.
Vital-Fizz believes its unique blend of ingredients provides hydration and focus without the sugar crash often experienced with energy drinks.
Its range of lightly carbonated water drinks is infused with refreshing flavours, and each flavour contains a different ‘power ingredient’ which provides a different stimulus. The mixed berries flavour is paired with ginseng to support reduced fatigue, focus, immunity, and recovery.
The mango and peach lemonade option pairs with tremella, which is said to support skin hydration and cellular health, as well as brain support and antioxidant protection.
The ginger and mint blend is paired with lion’s mane, a mushroom-derived supplement said to support cognitive function, mental well-being, and digestive and nerve health.
The flavours are subtle and refreshing, and are lightly carbonated to give just a little sparkle. Whether you’re looking for more interesting hydration or a little cognitive or health support, Vital-Fizz tastes great and is a perfect summer drinks option.
JARR Kombucha
From £40 for 12 bottles
If you’ve never tried the fermented drink Kombucha before, now is the time to give it a whirl. Don’t let the word “fermented” put you off – it’s really not as bad as it sounds. Kombucha is essentially sugared tea fermented with a particular type of yeast. The process promotes the growth of probiotic bacteria in the drink, which are known to be good for the body, particularly for gut health, and are a great source of additional fibre.
JARR Kombucha is available in four flavours: Original, peach and yuzu, lemon and ginger, and my favourite, passionfruit. The 330ml bottles are available in a mixed pack of 12 for £42, or as a single-flavour pack for £40.
Keep them ice-cold in the fridge and enjoy a refreshing glass with a crisp, tangy flavour, knowing you’re giving yourself a great shot of vitamins and minerals at the same time.
Benefit Wellness
£9 for 2x 750ml bottles
Benefit Juice has been injecting fruit and veg into our lives since 2015. The aim was to craft flavour-packed juices that made it easy for us to include extra vitamins and minerals into our daily routine with minimal fuss.
The brand has now introduced Benefit Wellness, which are juices specifically designed to support women’s health needs, particularly during pregnancy and the menopause, which can take a huge toll on women’s bodies and health.
Available in two flavours – mango, passionfruit and carrot and berries, sour cherries and beetroot – each smoothie-style glassful not only provides one of our recommended five portions of fruit and veg per day, but also has no added sugar and is suitable for vegans.
Each flavour blend contains a variety of vitamins that can, Benefit Wellness claims, help to support hormone balance, reduce fatigue and improve focus.
Simple and delicious, not to mention refreshing, and a great addition to your wellness routine.
Vieve Protein Water
6 packs from £11
Adding more flavour keeps hydration much more interesting, and that’s something that Vieve can definitely help with. Its protein waters come in a variety of different flavours, helping you to keep hydration levels up while taking on a little extra protein, too.
Each 500ml bottle contains 20g of collagen-based protein, which, it claims, helps to support the growth and maintenance of muscle mass and supports bone health.
This water-based drink is a great way to get an extra dose of protein, which can sometimes be easier said than done in our busy lives.
We tried the wild cherry flavour, and it was tangy and very tasty straight from the fridge. Whether you’re just looking for an alternative to water, or want something to throw in your bag to rehydrate after a gym session or a busy day, Vieve is an excellent summer drinks choice.
Bel Nada L’Aperitivo
£29
For something with a touch more sophistication but still plenty of hydration, Bel Nada is an inspired choice. This Swiss-made, non-alcoholic aperitivo can be used to mix delicious cocktails and tall drinks to quench your thirst at any time of the day.
The alcohol-free spritz alternative is full of punchy citrus and pink grapefruit, with a softer, more floral edge from the lavender, rose and rosemary. The result is a well-balanced, lively drink that makes an excellent pick-me-up during the day, and a delicious cocktail alternative to end the day with.
Stash the bottle in the fridge, and it’s ready to mix with your mixer of choice, so you can have a refreshing drink just the way you like it and keep a clear, well-hydrated head in the sunshine. We loved it with soda water, or, for a slightly sweeter hint, use lemonade instead.
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