No Guilt: Drink It Up!

We know it's summer. You're hot and thirsty. Time for some good stuff, right? Well here is some new guilt free drinking that should make your summer sizzle. These drinks are perfect after the gym, when relaxing or entertaining. Everyone likes something "new and different". These recipes from Weight Watchers definitely do. Check them out:

OK, we're in a recession and the spa seems farther and farther away. Try this drink recipe and bring the spa to you!
A Day at the Spa
Makes 4 servings POINTS® value | 0 per serving
Ingredients
Prep Time: 10 minutes + 6 hours to steep


1/2 medium English cucumber
1 small bunch fresh mint, about 1/2 cup
1 quart still water
Juice of 1 lemon
Instructions
Scrub the cucumber thoroughly and cut it into very thin slices.


Add the cucumber and all of the remaining ingredients to a large pitcher.


Place into the refrigerator and allow to steep for six to 12 hours.


Serve over ice and garnish with a couple of the cucumber slices and a fresh mint sprig.


Yields about 1 cup per serving.

What's summer without the cool, sweet taste of melon. Here's a different spin!
About the Agua de Melon
Throughout Mexico many restaurants serve aquas frescas (literally fresh waters) of many varieties. Usually they’re made by flavoring water with fruits, herbs or even hibiscus flowers. While they taste great, aquas frescas traditionally contain quite a bit of sugar. I have found that a lighter version of the classic agua de melon, flavored only with a little fruit and a few other ingredients, can be just as satisfying.

Agua de Melon
Makes 4 servingsPOINTS® value | 0 per serving
Ingredients
Prep Time: 10 minutes


2 cups diced cantaloupe
1/2 tsp whole coriander seed
20 fresh mint leaves
1 quart still water
Instructions
In a food processor, puree the cantaloupe, coriander and mint until smooth, about one minute.


Pour the mixture into a fine sieve.


With a ladle, kitchen spoon, or rubber spatula, press as much of the liquid as possible through the sieve and into a large pitcher.


Add the water, stir and serve over ice.


Yields about 1 cup per serving.

One of my favorite fruits (besides blueberries). Kiwi is fresh, sweet and fun. Try this and see what you think.
About the Kiwi Fizz
The flavor of kiwi seems to make an appearance in numerous carbonated beverages. Here I rely on the natural sweetness of fresh kiwi and orange juice to achieve what is often done with man-made flavorings and sugar.

Kiwi Fizz
Makes 4 servings POINTS® value | 0 per serving
Ingredients
Prep Time: 10 minutes


2 medium kiwifruit, peeled and coarsely chopped
1/2 cup orange juice
1/2 cup still water
1 quart sparkling water
Instructions
Puree the kiwi, orange juice and still water in a blender or food processor until smooth, about 2 minutes.


Add the puree to a large pitcher filled with ice, and pour in the sparkling water.


Stir lightly and serve.


Yields about 1 cup per serving.

Thanks to Weight Watchers for these drink recipes. I love unlimited guilt free drinking!