Hydration doesn’t have to be boring. Reach your daily water intake goal with help from these refreshing beverages, courtesy of Laura Acosta, registered dietitian nutritionist and instructional associate professor with the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) food science and human nutrition department.

Cucumber mint lemonade
Nutrition note: Cucumber and mint are naturally cooling, and lemon provides a burst of vitamin C.

Ingredients:
• 1 large cucumber, sliced
• A handful of fresh mint leaves
• 1 cup fresh lemon juice (about 4 to 6 lemons)
• ½ cup honey (or to taste)
• 8 cups cold water
• Ice

Instructions:
1. Place cucumber in a blender and puree until smooth; transfer to a pitcher.
2. Tear and gently mash mint leaves to release their flavors; add to the cucumber puree in the pitcher.
3. Add the lemon juice and honey. Stir until honey dissolves.
4. Add the cold water and stir again.
5. Chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour. Serve over ice with extra mint and cucumber slices if desired.

Iced hibiscus and rosehip tea
Nutrition note: Hibiscus and rosehips are rich in antioxidants that support skin health, and they may help reduce oxidative stress from sun exposure. This caffeine-free tea is naturally tart and beautifully vibrant.

Ingredients:
• 4 hibiscus tea bags
• 2 rosehip tea bags
• 6 cups boiling water
• 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
• Orange slices and fresh berries for garnish

Instructions:
1. Bring water to a boil and pour over hibiscus and rosehip tea bags. Steep for 10 minutes.

2. Remove tea bags, then stir in honey if using.
3. Cool to room temperature, then refrigerate until cold.
4. Serve over ice with orange slices and berries.

Watermelon electrolyte punch
Nutrition note: Watermelon is rich in lycopene, coconut water replenishes electrolytes such as potassium and electrolytes, and sea salt provides sodium to aid in rehydration. This beverage is a refreshing choice after sweating outdoors.

Ingredients:
• 4 cups cubed watermelon, seeds removed
• Juice of 2 limes
• 1 cup coconut water
• Pinch of sea salt
• A few fresh basil leaves (optional garnish)

Instructions:
1. Puree the watermelon in a blender until smooth.
2. Stir in lime juice, coconut water and sea salt.
3. Pour over ice and garnish with basil if using.

Tropical green smoothie
Nutrition note: This smoothie is rich in vitamins A and vitamin C, potassium and magnesium. The combination of leafy greens and tropical fruits supports metabolism, and the end result is deliciously hydrating.

Ingredients:
• 1 cup spinach
• ½ cup frozen pineapple
• ½ cup frozen mango
• ½ banana
• 1 cup unsweetened coconut water (or plain water)
• Juice of ½ lime

Instructions:
1. Combine all ingredients in a blender and puree until smooth.

2. Pour into a chilled glass.

Strawberry basil-infused water
Nutrition note: Strawberries add a touch of vitamin C and antioxidants, while basil offers anti-inflammatory compounds.

Ingredients:
• 5-6 sliced strawberries
• A few fresh basil leaves, minced
• 1 quart of cold water
• Ice

Instructions:
1. Combine all ingredients in a pitcher.
2. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before drinking.

Sparkling peach-ginger mocktail
Nutrition note: This drink combines ginger’s natural digestive benefits with the antioxidants, potassium and fiber in peaches. It’s a festive, alcohol-free treat for a hot summer day.

Ingredients:
• 1 ripe peach, sliced
• ½ teaspoon freshly grated ginger
• ½ teaspoon honey (optional)
• Juice of ½ lemon
• Sparkling water
• Ice

Instructions:
1. Gently mash the peach slices with ginger and honey; place in a glass.
2. Add lemon juice; then fill the glass with ice.
3. Top with sparkling water and stir gently.