SUGAR-FREE FLAVOURED WATERS/TEAS FOR A HEATWAVE, for kids, parents and oldies

It's really important to keep the family hydrated during a heatwave...and for the rest of the summer.

What you don't want, though, is the family drinking loads of sugary fizzy drinks.

This is a collection of sugar-free flavoured waters which are simple and easy to make and will sit happily in the fridge for a couple of days - if they last last that long!

The first section is from Jaimie Oliver; the second from 67goingon50.

 Flavoured waters From Jaime Oliver 

(Everyday Super Food (Michael Joseph £18.20) The Dish, the Times, 1/11/15)

These flavoured waters are subtly flavoured but very refreshing.  The combinations are steeped in a large jug of water and ice, and refrigerated for at least three hours:

Cucumber, Apple & Mint

Add one fine finely sliced apple, strips of cucumber and a few fresh mint leaves

Strawberry

Add half a dozen sliced strawberries

St Clements

Add sliced oranges and lemons

Watermelon & Basil

Add a peeled chopped wedge of watermelon, bashing the fruit to release flavours.  Add a squeeze of lime. 

To encourage kids to drink flavoured waters: 

• use a clear glass jug to show off the fruit
• freeze pieces of fruit in ice-cubes and add them to serving glasses (plastic ice cube trays are budget-friendly)
• collect colourful, interesting and sturdy glasses  
• for special occasions, serve flavoured waters with fruit or veg on a cocktail stick and/or with a cocktail umbrella

67goingon50's home-made kids' teas with no or low sugar, are also a good substitute for sugary drinks.  They're not expensive and the ingredients are easy to find in supermarkets.   

• Jasmine tea (available in teabags in supermarkets, or - for the frugal -

  

  This mug is very sturdy! 

  loose in Chinese supermarkets) appeals to kids because it is so pale and delicate.  Make it very weak - a pinch of leaves in the bottom of a cup or a half teaspoon in a teapot. It is usually served hot but is surprisingly refreshing served cold with a thin slice of lemon.
  (During normal temperatures, try serving the tea in a robust 'embroidered' Chinese mug - about £4-5 in Chinatowns; fill only half full with hot tea & top up with cold water in case of accidents)  
• Berry teas, brewed in a teapot, cooled & stored in the fridge. Use as you would a cordial - an inch or two in the bottom of a glass, topped up with sparkling water. 
• Ginger tea (How to cook with fresh ginger root) is often used medicinally but also makes a refreshing drink.  Use as you would a cordial - an inch or two in the bottom of a glass, topped up with fizzy water, with a slice of lemon perched on the side.  For children you may need to add a little maple syrup and a straw. 

Tips: 

For more flavoured drinks, plug in 'Cordials' in the 67goingon50 search engine or go to the Nav Bar at the top of the page, click on Recipes I and scroll down to the Drinks Section

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This recipe  has been developed by B  Lee/ Bright Sun Enterprises and may not be reproduced, in any form, without the author's written permission.