5 Naturally Sweet And Healthy Drinks You Can Make At Home

Written by Ezeani Chidera Ugochi

Eating healthy doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor. You can still enjoy naturally sweet, refreshing drinks that nourish your body and satisfy your cravings. Doctors often advise us to avoid carbonated drinks and other processed beverages, and some groups are told to stay away from sugary drinks entirely. However, what these doctors frequently fail to provide are suitable alternatives for the beverages we love. In most instances, we’re simply advised to settle for water, tea, or coffee, which we’re also encouraged to consume in moderation. But the truth is that no amount of water or tea can completely satisfy your craving for sweet beverages. (After all, we're naturally drawn to flavorful drinks, and cutting them out feels like torture.)

Plus, some people are advised against purchasing store-bought “healthy” drinks because manufacturers often add hidden ingredients that can undermine their diet and health goals. Today, I present to you five healthy drinks that you can easily prepare in the comfort of your home. These aren’t your average homemade blends of just orange or pineapple juice. Instead, they are made from all-natural ingredients designed to satisfy your cravings while keeping you refreshed and nourished!

1. Hibiscus Drink

Zobo, known globally as hibiscus, is a popular Nigerian drink made from the petals of Hibiscus sabdariffa, commonly called Roselle. It is a rich, deep-red beverage infused with a blend of natural spices and fruits, making it both flavorful and highly nutritious. It is prepared by boiling hibiscus petals with a combination of natural ingredients to enhance its taste and nutritional value. Plus, this drink isn’t just tasty and refreshing; it also aids the body in so many ways, such as helping digestion, supporting liver health, relieving menstrual cramps, and clearing your skin.

Ingredients:

• Hibiscus leaves (Roselle petals)

• Ginger 

• Lemon 

• Orange and orange peels 

• Cloves 

• Dates

• Beetroot 

• Pineapple and pineapple peels 

• Watermelon

Instructions:

• Thoroughly wash the hibiscus leaves, pineapple peels, and all fruits.

• Boil the hibiscus leaves in water for 15–20 minutes along with cloves, lemon, ginger, pineapple, pineapple peels, and beetroot to extract flavors.

• Blend (pitless) dates with some water and add to the boiling mixture for natural sweetness.

• Add fresh pineapple juice and orange juice into the zobo after it’s strained.

• Refrigerate and serve chilled for a refreshing taste.

2. Homemade Fruit Wine

Wine is originally produced from fermented grapes, but many commercially manufactured wines contain processed ingredients, artificial additives, and preservatives, making them unsuitable for teens and those with certain diets and health conditions. This homemade fruit wine is a naturally fermented drink made from grapes, apples, lemons, and oranges. It's rich in antioxidants and vitamins, making it a healthy and refreshing substitute for regular wine, without compromising on taste or experience. Overall, it's great for improving your heart health, immunity, and digestion.

Ingredients:

• Red or black grapes

• Medium Apples

• 1 Juiced and sliced orange 

• 1 Juiced Lemon

• 1 Juiced Tangerine + a few slices

• Fresh mashed strawberries 

• Blended dates for mild sweetness 

• Small piece of ginger

• Cloves

• Water 

Instructions:

• Slightly crush the grapes, apples, tangerines, and strawberries to release their juices.

• Squeeze out the juices from oranges, lemons, and extra tangerines.

• Put all crushed fruits and juices into an airtight or fermentation container. 

• Add the cloves, shredded ginger, and blended dates to the container. 

• Leave the mixture sealed at room temperature and stir lightly once a day for 3–14 days. (The number of days depends on how fermented you want your drink to be.)

• Strain out the fruit pieces and store them in a jar in the freezer.

3. Tiger Nut Drink

The Tiger Nut Drink also known as horchata de chufa in Spain and kunu aya or ofio in Nigeria, is a popular Nigerian beverage made from tiger nuts, a type of tuber. It is good for those who are lactose intolerant as it's naturally dairy-free and serves as a great plant-based alternative to milk! This drink also offers a host of health benefits, such as aiding digestion and supporting heart health.

Ingredients:

• Tiger nuts 

• Water 

• 1 Coconut 

• 1 Ginger

• Dates 

• Cloves (Optional) 

Instructions:

• Wash and soak the dried Tiger nuts for at least 24 hours to soften.

• Wash and pit the dates, soak them in water for about 20 minutes to soften, 

• Wash and grate the ginger. 

• Drain the soaked tiger nuts, dates, and shredded ginger.

• Blend all separately and add to a bowl.

• Add the cloves if using. 

• Break and wash the coconut and blend separately. 

• Add the coconut lastly into the bowl of blended tiger nut and other ingredients.

• Strain the mixture thoroughly and keep it in the freezer to cool.

4. Exotic Tropical Bliss:

The Exotic Tropical Bliss is a refreshing homemade version of the vibrant, flavorful drinks often found in tropical destinations. This natural beverage is packed with a variety of fruits, each contributing to its rich taste and health benefits. With the sweetness of pineapple and mango, the citrus flavor of orange and lemon, and the creamy hydration from coconut water, this drink is both nourishing and satisfying. It’s a perfect alternative to processed juices, offering a naturally sweet, vitamin-rich refreshment that keeps you hydrated and energized.

Ingredients: 

• 1 Pineapple 

• 1 Mango

• 1 Juiced Orange

• 1 Apple

• 1 Grape

• 1 Lemon 

• Water 

• Ice Cubes

• Coconut Water (Optional)

Instructions:

• Peel, slice, or chop all the fruits as needed.

• Combine all the fruits in a blender, adding the juiced orange and lemon water.

• Blend until smooth and well combined. (Strain the drink if you prefer a smoother version.)

• Pour into a glass over ice cubes, and garnish with a slice of pineapple, cucumber, or mint leaves if desired.

5. Cucumber Mint:

Cucumber Mint is a hydrating, naturally sweet detox drink packed with refreshing flavors. While it may not be as sweet as the other drinks mentioned, it serves as a full-body detox, helping to flush out toxins and boost metabolism. This drink can also be enjoyed daily as a healthy alternative to artificial beverages, keeping you refreshed, energized, and hydrated.

Ingredients: 

• 1 Cucumber

• 1 Ginger 

• Mint Leaves 

• 1 Juiced Lemon

• 1 Pineapple

• 1 Apple

Instructions:

• Wash all fruits thoroughly to remove any dirt or residue.

• Chop the cucumber and add it to a blender along with ginger, mint leaves, and chopped apples.

• Blend until smooth, then strain to remove the pulp.

• Extract fresh lemon juice and add it to the strained mixture.

• Blend the pineapple separately, strain to extract the juice, and add it to the drink.

• Stir well and serve with ice cubes or refrigerate until chilled.

Overall, maintaining a habit of enjoying sweet, natural juices is essential for both taste and health. The drinks I’ve listed above offer a variety of benefits, from hydration and detoxification to metabolism boosts and essential nutrients. You don’t have to sacrifice flavor for wellness; nature provides all the sweetness we need! So, explore these refreshing blends, enjoy their goodness, and make your health journey more delicious. Try them out and experience the perfect balance of taste and nourishment. Cheers to healthy, natural sweetness!

*Notes:

• Tiger Nut drink is highly perishable and should be consumed within 24 – 48 hours and should always be stored in the freezer in airtight containers. 

Thumbnail Credit:

https://www.pexels.com/photo/juices-with-slices-of-fruits-14930536/