Chill Out: Try These Refreshing Summer Drink Alternatives to Iced Coffee

Summer brings long, and mainly hot, days. Very hot. That's why the Israeli consumer drinks an enormous amount of cold drinks during the warm season. One of these drinks is, of course, the "iced coffee" - a cold substitute loaded with ice, caffeine, and sugar, replacing the traditional hot coffee.

Recent studies show that coffee consumption in Israel is about 2 to 4 cups per person per day (!), with a significant portion of that dedicated to iced coffee versions during the summer. Overall, Israelis consume about 4.4 kilograms of coffee per person annually, placing Israel high on the global coffee consumption list.

However, along with the dose of caffeine and refreshing drinking experience that iced coffee offers, it comes with several disadvantages worth considering:

• High sugar content: Iced coffee is often sold with a large sugar addition, which can negatively impact overall health, especially when consumed in large quantities..

• Caffeine: Like all coffee types, iced coffee contains caffeine, which can lead to sleep issues, restlessness, and anxiety when consumed in large amounts. People sensitive to caffeine should be cautious about the amount they consume..

• Acidity: Iced coffee can be acidic and, just like hot coffee, can cause digestive issues like heartburn or gas in sensitive individuals..

Fortunately, there are healthy and equally tasty alternatives that can serve as refreshing drinks on hot days:

1. Cold Green Tea with Lemon and Mint

Green tea is a healthy and refreshing drink on its own, but adding lemon and mint gives it an especially refreshing twist. Green tea contains antioxidants and soothing properties, while lemon provides a dose of Vitamin C and freshness. Mint adds a cool and invigorating flavor that completes the experience..

Preparation Instructions:

• Prepare regular green tea and let it cool..
• Squeeze juice from half a lemon into the cold tea..
• Add a few fresh mint leaves..
• Mix well and add ice cubes..

Serving suggestion: Garnish with additional lemon slices and mint leaves..

2. Tropical Fruit Smoothie with Coconut

A tropical fruit smoothie is a great way to get natural energy and enjoy exotic flavors. This smoothie combines tropical fruits like mango, pineapple, and banana with rich coconut milk, adding natural creaminess and a refreshing taste..

Preparation Instructions:

• Chop mango, pineapple, and banana and place them in a blender..
• Add half a cup of coconut milk..
• Blend until smooth and creamy..
• Add ice as needed and continue blending until the mixture is cold and uniform..

Serving suggestion: Garnish with fresh fruit slices and a sprinkle of shredded coconut..

3. Cucumber and Ginger Lemonade

Lemonade is a classic summer drink, but adding cucumber and ginger gives it a new and refreshing dimension. Cucumber adds a cool, refreshing flavor, while ginger adds a mild spiciness that complements the lemonade..

Preparation Instructions:

• Squeeze juice from 2-3 fresh lemons into a pitcher..
• Slice one cucumber into thin slices and add to the pitcher..
• Grate some fresh ginger and add to the mixture..
• Add cold water and ice cubes as needed..
• Mix well and let the drink chill in the fridge for about half an hour before serving..

Serving suggestion: Garnish with additional cucumber slices and a sprig of mint..

Summer is the perfect time to try new and refreshing drinks that can replace the traditional iced coffee. Cold green tea with lemon and mint, tropical fruit smoothie with coconut, and cucumber ginger lemonade are just some of the surprising and tasty drinks that can add freshness and energy to any hot day. Feel free to try them.

Tried one of these drinks? Let us know in the comments.