Summer is a time to delight in the things that rejuvenate you: sunshine, warmth, and, of, course, summer drinks. Many beverages you reach for in the summer heat are especially blissful after a soak in your spa from Wellis New England. The right drinks help you stay hydrated by replenishing your fluids lost in the heat of your spa’s water.
There are tons of delicious, nutritious drinks you can enjoy after a spa session. We’ve narrowed it down to our six favorites and included a little wisdom on drinks you should avoid. For summer drinks after your spa soak try:
- Infused Water
- Coconut Water
- Aloe Vera Juice
- Non-Caffeinated Herbal Tea
- Smoothies
Infused Water
When it comes to hydration sources, it’s hard to beat high-quality H20. But sometimes, your tastebuds crave a little more adventure. A creative solution for that is infused water. This is the stuff you often see in elegant dispensers at upscale restaurants, salons, and, yes, spas. Fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs infuse the water to add a subtle, refreshing flavor.
Popular combinations include cucumber and mint, berries and basil, apple and cinnamon sticks, and you can’t go wrong with good, old-fashioned lemon.
Coconut Water
Maxine Smith, RDN, LD, a dietitian at the Cleveland Clinic, notes that 100% coconut water with no added sugars or preservatives not only aids hydration but is also rich in electrolytes like magnesium and potassium. Yes, you can get the same benefits from sports drinks, but those are often loaded with sugar. Coconut water, on the other hand, is a low-calorie, low-carb alternative to the neon-colored concoctions in your typical sports drink.
Aloe Vera Juice
At first, “aloe vera juice” may conjure up images of the gel you put on a sunburn. Rest assured, it’s not like you’re drinking a goopy skin treatment.
Making an aloe vera juice drink is as easy as liquefying a peeled, rinsed leaf in a blender and mixing it with water. The National Institute of Health (NIH) reports that drinking aloe vera juice aids several bodily functions such as regulating HDL and LDL cholesterol levels, combating allergies, and boosting the immune system.
Non-Caffeinated Herbal Tea
A cup of tea, hot or iced, makes for a great post-soak drink provided it doesn’t have dehydrating, jitter-inducing levels of caffeine. Lots of brand-name teas sell decaf teas for a quick, easy cup. For richer flavor, try a fragrant loose-leaf tea that steeps through a sachet or tea ball. Varieties like chamomile, peppermint, hibiscus, ginger, and rooibos deliver not just a luxurious sip but a soothing aroma whether or not they’re in drink form.
Smoothies
When it comes to creative summer drinks, the sky’s the limit with smoothies. They’re quick. They’re easy. And, with the right ingredients, they are great nutrition packages. This is good news if you struggle to get certain nutrients like potassium in your diet. Simply dice up some avocado and put it into your blender along with a handful of spinach, pineapple, and, if you want to be a summer drink superstar, some coconut water. You’ll have a tasty, potassium-rich meal on the go!
Summer Drinks to Avoid After Your Spa Soak
There is a time and place to enjoy more indulgent beverages. However, you want to keep your more extravagant tastes in check before, during, and after your soak. More specifically, you should avoid the three Cs: cocktails, cola, and coffee.
These contain high levels of sugar, caffeine, and/or alcohol that are quick to dehydrate the body. That is not something you want after sitting in the 100+ degree heat of your spa water.
So, stick to more replenishing drinks that are light on the sugar and additives like the six we’ve discussed here. For more pro tips on how to best enjoy your spa, visit our blog where we share informational pieces on at-home wellness. And when you are in the market for the best hot tub to go with these incredible drink ideas, stop in Wellis New England to see the incredible luxury European spas that are available to build your own home retreat.