3 refreshing non-alcoholic beverages to try this summer

Forget sugary soda! It only provides fleeting refreshment and won't truly quench your thirst. To withstand summer's blistering heat, why not give these three refreshing, non-alcoholic beverages a try?

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Servings: Makes 1.5 litres (6 cups)

Ingredients

• 230 g (8 oz.) powdered sugar
• 250 ml (1 c.) water
• 250 ml (1 c.) lemon juice
• 1 L (4 c.) of still or sparkling water to taste
• 50 g (1.75 oz.) fresh mint leaves
• Lemon slices for presentation

Instructions

1. Bring water and sugar to a boil until the sugar has melted. Leave to cool.
2. Mix the syrup with the lemon juice, water and mint leaves.
3. Serve with lemon slices and ice cubes.

Preparation time: 5 minutes
Servings: Makes 750 ml (3 cups)

Ingredients 

• 60 ml (4 tbsp.) fresh coriander leaves (8 branches)
• 2 celery stalks (slender stalk; cut into pieces)
• 1 lime, peeled, seeded and chopped
• 2 medium green apples, cored and quartered
• 250 ml (1 c.) cranberry juice
• Ice cubes

Instructions

1. Put the coriander, celery, lemon and apples into a juicer; turn it on.
2. Next, strain and pour into a jug or a large, deep bowl.
3. Add the cranberry juice and ice cubes. Serve chilled.

This is a delicious and refreshing traditional Indian drink, which is sometimes blended with mango for a fruitier alternative.

Preparation time: 5 minutes
Servings: Makes almost 2 cups

Ingredients

• 125 ml (1/2 c.) plain yogurt
• 310 ml (1 1/4 c.) cold water
• 2.5 ml (1 /2 tsp.) toasted cumin seeds
• 1.25 ml (1/4 tsp.) salt
• 5 ml (1 tsp.) fresh mint

Instructions

1. Mix all ingredients vigorously.
2. Garnish with mint leaves.
3. Serve ice cold.

Pansy flowers are edible and can be served either in salads or crystallized to decorate cakes. Just ensure that they're washed thoroughly before use.

• You can also add pansy flowers to lemonade you've just prepared. Allow them to freeze in the middle of ice cubes and plunk them in a glass before pouring the lemonade.

Sip on some delicious and healthy drinks to keep yourself cool during the warm months to come.