5 cooling drinks to stay hydrated

New Delhi: With the words summer vacays, children may be brimming with excitement, finding ways to make the most of their freedom, but their parents are replete with anxiety and concern towards their safety and health in the blazing heat.

However, the only thing parents can do, without irking their kids, is to prepare some healthy and fun summer drinks to keep the kiddos hydrated.

Here are some fun recipes for liquid refreshments that will not only help quench the kids' thirst but also keep them healthy.

* Cucumber lemon water

A fun twist to the lemon water, cucumber lemon water is a hit when it comes to hydration. Just dunk slices of cucumbers and lemon with a bit of mint in a jar of water for a detoxifying summer drink. All the ingredients work together to keep your child's body and mind cool as well as remarkable refreshing, says Neeti Sarin, Founder, Tiffin's Etc.

* Aam Panna

It is a refreshing drink made of raw mangoes that is sweetened with jaggery or sugarcane juice. What makes this drink an incredible summer drink is that apart from being a digestion-friendly beverage, it is a rich source of Vitamin C and iron.

* Smoothies

Smoothies are an interesting variant of the plain old boring milk. They are packed with nutrients, proteins, vitamins, and antioxidants to help ensure the child kick-starts its day in full vigour. Add it to breakfasts or in place of snacks during the evening, suggests Vikram Singh, Nutritionist and Personal Trainer. Simply, choose the kid's favourite fruit, add some yogurt and maybe some oatmeal before churning it into a slurpy mix.

* Lemonade

One of the most tried and tested summer drinks, lemonade (shikanji) is a rich source of Vitamin C. It is refreshing and gives instant energy.

* Buttermilk

It is an all-weather drink that aids in digestion. Thirst-quenching and totally inexpensive, this savoury drink is easy to make with ingredients — Curd, water, salt, pepper, and mint — that can be easily found at home.