Summer equals outdoor exploration and often eating and drinking foods that may dehydrate our bodies. Aside from water, one of my favourite ways to hydrate in summer months is sipping on a watermelon summer tonic. This brightly coloured drink is great for hot weather and for anyone who experiences dehydration and heat in their body.
What I love about making watermelon drinks is that you don’t need a juicer and there’s no need to strain the juice. Watermelon blends brilliantly in a regular blender — so no fancy equipment is needed to indulge in this nutrient-packed summer beverage.
Ingredient benefits
Watermelon: In Traditional Chinese Medicine, watermelon is one of the best-known foods to cool the body. So when the summer heat is at its peak grab some watermelon to soothe irritability. It helps to clear heat from the stomach, heart, and bladder. But remember everything in moderation. Watermelon is very cooling in nature so it isn’t great for those that have a cold constitution so if you have painful pms or cold cramping stomach pains you may want to add some warming herbs like ginger or cinnamon to balance the cooling effects this drink.
Cilantro: This is a warm herb. You either love it or hate it. But if you love it, feel free to add this to your watermelon tonic. It helps to balance out the very cool nature of watermelon and helps with circulation, digestion, and detoxification.
Mint: A cool herb that goes so well with watermelon. It brightens the eyes and opens up the orifices in the head (nose, mouth, eyes), calms an irritated liver, and eases PMS and digestive pain. Talk about a multitasker!
Lime: Helps to eliminate toxins, disperse phlegm, promotes qi + blood circulation, and also clears heat.
Watermelon Summer Tonic
This drink is great for hot weather and those that experience heat in their body. It’s the perfect summer mocktail.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups chopped watermelon
- 1 cup coconut water ((optional))
- 1 tsp lime juice (approx. 1/2 of one small lime)
- 1 small handful mint leaves
- 1 small handful cilantro leaves ((optional))
- Add all ingredients to your blender and blitz until smooth
- Pour and enjoy!
I hope you enjoy this refreshing watermelon summer tonic.
Check out more of my favourite recipes here.
