5 Healthy Summer Slushies

Summer is hot and sometimes we want a drink that tastes more like a treat than a healthy fresh juice or smoothie. That’s when it is time to change gears and make some slushies!

It doesn’t take much to transform these favorite summer treats from chemical laden and high-fructose corn syrup poisoned concoctions into refreshing, flavor-packed versions.

These slushies are easy to whip up in a high-speed blender, are made with fresh fruits and are refreshingly ice cold. Plus, they rely on coconut water for the liquid, giving them the added benefit of electrolytes – perfect for hot summer days!

See prep-ahead tips following the recipes.

Each recipe makes 2 (14-16 ounce) slushies.

Tart N’ Tangy
serves 2
© GLAD for Health

Ingredients

3 lemons juiced (and can be frozen into cubes ahead of time)

2 limes juiced

½ cucumber, deseeded, cubed

2 cup ice cubes

2 cups coconut water

Optional: 1 tbsp raw honey or maple syrup

Depending on the sweetness of your fruit, aim to reduce and eliminate over time

Notes

Photo source: http://www.recipes100.com/recipe+cucumber+agua

The Waterslide
serves 1
© GLAD for Health

Ingredients

2 cups watermelon cubed, frozen

1-2 limes, juiced (depending on the tartness you want)

1 cup ice cubes

2 cups coconut water

Optional: 1 tbsp raw honey or maple syrup

Depending on the sweetness of your fruit, aim to reduce and eliminate over time

Notes

Photo source: http://sayyes.com/2012/08/homemade-watermelon-slush.html

Southern Charm
serves 1
© GLAD for Health

Ingredients

1½ cups peach slices, frozen

1 apple, peeled and cored, cubed (green apples are more tart, red apples are sweeter)

1 cup ice cubes

2 cups coconut water

Dash cinnamon

Notes

Photo source: https://www.tastefullysimple.com/recipes/frosty-peach-slush-drink-mix-full-size-preparation-12516

Berries Blast
serves 1
© GLAD for Health

Ingredients

1 cup frozen blueberries

1 cup frozen strawberries, about 10 small (optional: leave tops on for more nutrition)

1 cup ice cubes

2 cups coconut water

Optional: 1 tbsp raw honey or maple syrup

Depending on the sweetness of your fruit, aim to reduce and eliminate over time

Notes

Photo source: http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/red-and-blue-berry-lemonade-slush

Mango Colada
serves 1
© GLAD for Health

Ingredients

1½ cup pineapple chunks

½ cup mango chunks

1-2 tbsp unsweetened coconut milk, canned OR ¼ cup coconut flakes

1 cup ice cubes

2 cups coconut water

Notes

Photo source: http://foodgawker.com/post/2014/05/22/349435/

Once you get the hang of it, switch up your ingredients. Get creative by adding in a few herbs, spices, or some fresh vegetable juice and have fun! Plus, use any of these slushie recipes to make homemade frozen pops.

Prep Your Fruits The Day Ahead

Fruit that is cut and pre-frozen make much better slushies, requiring fewer ice cubes.

1.Wash your fruit. If not organic, it is important to wash your fruit in a water bath with white vinegar (treat berries delicately). Add 1 cup of vinegar to a sink of clean water. Make sure your sink is squeaky clean first!
2.Prep And Freeze the fruit. Store frozen fruit in zip-close bags.
Strawberries – No need to cut. Freeze on a sheet pan. Optional: leave tops on for more nutrition.
Blueberries – Freeze on a sheet pan.
Peaches – Remove pit and cut into wide slices. Freeze on a sheet pan.
Mangoes – Peel and remove pit. Cut into 1 inch pieces. Freeze on a sheet pan.
Pineapples – Cut off outer skin and core. Cut into 1 inch pieces. Freeze on a sheet pan.
Watermelon – Peel and cut into 2 inch pieces. Freeze on a sheet pan. Optional: leave some rind for more nutrition (not as sweet).
3.Combine ingredients. Throw each recipe in a high-powered blender.
•Blend on high until frosty. Too thick? Add more coconut water. Too thin? Add a few more pieces of fruit or a few ice cubes.
•Serve in a tall glass or insulated tumbler with a straw.
•Enjoy!
4.For the truly adventurous, try these fun and flavorful add-ins:
•Mint: Great with tropical fruits and melons.
•Basil: Gives a slightly savory taste to berries and citrus fruits.
•Ginger: Tangs up anything!
•Vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg: Think about baking. Use them with fruit that might get cooked like apples and peaches.
•Cayenne: If you want a little fire.
•Fresh vegetable juice: Juices replace part of the liquids or frozen into cubes.