Updated on 18 April 2018

If water is not your favourite beverage, and a can of cola is too sweet for your liking, we recommend these 10 cold fruits-inspired and hot caffeine drinks that will keep your palate happy as you go about your day. 

COOL DOWN

1. Tropical Papaya Perfection

Photo credit: Prevention.com

Labelled as one of the healthiest foods in the world, the papaya is deliciously sweet, its musky undertones coupled with buttery consistency. Pair this fruit – packed with powerful antioxidants vitamin C and A – with coconut, yogurt and pineapple for the perfect milkshake that will keep you full for at least a couple of hours. Find the recipe here.

2. Blackberry Honey Spritzer

Photo credit: WonkyWonderful.com

A great alternative to soda, the Blackberry Honey Spritzer is bubbly and refreshing, and when mixed with the blackberries, simply delicious! Rich in bioflavonoids and vitamin C, the blackberries enhance the digestive health, memory, weight management, and also strengthen the immune system. 

3. Champagne Mango-Lime Agua Fresca

Photo credit: boulderlocavore.com

Originally from Mexico, Agua Fresca (translated to ‘fresh water’) is a blend of fresh fruits, water and sugar. Add champagne mangos and freshly squeezed lime juice and you’ll get a refreshing Mexican drink that is perfect for hot weathers like Singapore’s. 

4. Watermelon Basil

Photo credit: thekitchn.com

There are many benefits to fruits-infused water. Not only does it boast a subtle flavour, it also contains less sugar, as sweetness comes from the naturally occurring sugars found in fruits. At the same time, it aids in hydration as fruit-infused water tastes better than plain one, meaning you’re likely to drink more! We recommend the Watermelon Basil, made up of finely chopped fresh watermelon and leaves of muddled basil and filtered water. Store in the fridge for at least four hours before serving.

5. Citrus Blueberry

Photo credit: yourhealthtube.com

Blueberries are often labelled as ‘superfood’, thanks to its host of health benefits, namely a chockful of nutrients, the highest antioxidant capacity of all commonly consumed fruits and vegetables, and super-low calories! Most impressively, blueberries help to neutralise some of the free radicals – a leading driver to ageing and cancer – that damage our DNA. So why not make yourself a refreshing cup of Citrus Blueberry with thinly sliced organic oranges, blueberries, and filtered water. Store in the fridge for four hours before serving.

KEEP WARM

1. Chai Tea

Photo credit: realsimple.com

Originally from India, Chai has made headway across borders and can now be easily found in various countries. This centuries-old beverage has a warm, soothing effect, and also acts as a natural digestive aid. Making your own chai tea is not difficult at all. Enjoy a warm, comforting cup of freshly made chai tea from this recipe that takes no more than 20 minutes to prepare from scratch.

2. Mexican Spiced Hot Cocoa

Photo credit: realsimple.com

Did you know that the Latin name for cocoa – Theobroma – literally means ‘food of the gods’? While the Mayans used cocoa as ritualistic beverage centuries ago, we prefer to enjoy it in a form of a beverage that is as delicious as it is comforting. We recommend this Mexican spiced hot cocoa, which carries a hint of spice thanks to the addition of chipotle chilli pepper. It invigorates your taste buds while giving your stomach that familiar warm, fuzzy feel.

3. Spiced Black Tea

Photo credit: midwestliving.com

Pomegranate, one of the main ingredients in this black tea, boasts impressive anti-inflammatory effects (think superhero to cancer, type 2 diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease), lowers blood pressure, improves memory, and may even treat erectile dysfunction! A dash of cinnamon spices up the tea and gives it a different flavour profile.

4. Warm Vanilla Cider

Photo credit: marthastewart.com

Although the term cider refers to a type of fermented alcoholic drink, apple cider is actually a non-alcoholic beverage made from apples. But that is not what we are most interested in. Thanks to this recipe by Martha Stewart, we rejoice at an additional ingredient – bourbon. If you are making this drink for your children, excluding bourbon from this warm beverage is perfectly fine too!

5. Orange Mocha

Photo credit: bhg.com

Find eating oranges too much of a chore? Mix its juice with cocoa powder for an irresistibly delicious beverage that is packed with vitamins and benefits from lowering cholesterol to fighting cancer. This orange Mocha recipe serves six, which means everyone in your family gets a cup (or more) of this orange-y goodness.