The Best and Worst Summer Drinks

Best: Iced Coffee

Coffee is rich in antioxidants, which boost immunity. This may be why it's linked to a reduced risk of diabetes and heart disease. For maximum benefits, drink your coffee black or add a splash of milk (sugar, syrup, or whipped cream are not suitable for this healthy beverage).

Worst: Blended coffee drinks

In blended drinks, coffee takes on a completely different, much less healthy dimension. The abundance of sugar syrups, large quantities of whole milk, and whipped cream increase the calorie content of the drink—the largest serving will pack at least 530 kcal. To enjoy it without the guilt, order 350 ml with skim milk and no whipped cream.

Best: Iced Green Tea

Green tea is a great choice anytime, but research shows it's especially beneficial in summer: it helps absorb UV rays, reducing the risk of sunburn. (It's not a substitute for sunscreen, and you should still avoid exposure to bright midday sun.) For a special drink, add fresh herbs.

Worst: Italian Soda

Don't let the name fool you (Italian means healthy!). To reduce your sugar and calorie intake, ask for just one shot of syrup. Better yet, order a juice spritzer—sparkling water with added juice.

Best: Hibiscus

Hibiscus is a flower whose petals are used to make a tart, bright-red, caffeine-free drink. The rich color of hibiscus tea indicates its high anthocyanin content. These antioxidants have a number of beneficial properties, including a reduced risk of cancer; a 2011 study also found that they can lower blood pressure. Hibiscus tea is versatile: it makes a delicious iced tea and a great addition to lemonades and cocktails.

Worst: Pina Colada

This sweet, ice-cold cocktail made with pineapple juice, coconut milk or cream, sugar, and rum is a calorie disaster. It contains about 300 calories per 170 ml (6 oz), and is sometimes served in very large portions.

Best: Rosé Wine

A glass of rosé wine contains almost all the polyphenols that make red wine beneficial in protecting against cancer. (Keep in mind that alcohol can increase the risk of certain cancers, such as breast cancer, so drink in moderation.) It's lower in calories than most cocktails: 120 kcal per 150 ml.

Worst: Fast Food Smoothie

Don't get me wrong, a homemade smoothie can be a very healthy drink. But most fast food restaurants turn this product into a sugar bomb. The key to smoothies is serving size. One chain's smallest smoothie is 470 ml, meaning these drinks contain between 300 and 600 kcal. Make smoothies at home using fresh fruit and a little juice, milk or milk substitutes, or water.



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