9 Healthy Drinks to Make at Home
Introduction
If you’re looking for simple, refreshing healthy drinks to make at home, this collection offers nine low‑calorie options that balance flavor and nutrition. Each recipe uses easy‑to‑find ingredients and requires minimal equipment, so you can whip up a satisfying sip in minutes. From vibrant smoothies to infused waters and lightly sweetened teas, these drinks fit a variety of tastes and dietary goals while keeping added sugars and artificial additives to a minimum.
For guidance on balancing food groups across the day, see the NHS Eatwell Guide.
Table of Contents
healthy drinks to make #1: Green Detox Smoothie
A leafy‑green smoothie delivers fiber, vitamin C, and potassium without the heaviness of dairy. The natural sweetness of banana keeps added sugar low, while almond milk adds a silky texture.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup loosely packed fresh spinach
- 1 cup loosely packed fresh kale, stems removed
- 1 medium banana, peeled and sliced
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
- Ice cubes (optional, for a chilled texture)
Preparation:
Place the spinach, kale, banana, and almond milk in a blender. Blend on high for 30‑45 seconds until smooth. If you prefer a thicker consistency, add a handful of ice and blend again for 10 seconds. Pour into a glass and serve immediately.
Approx. Calories: 120 kcal
healthy drinks to make #2: Citrus‑Ginger Iced Tea
This lightly sweetened tea combines the antioxidants of green tea with bright citrus and a warm ginger note, making it a revitalizing pick‑me‑up for any time of day.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup brewed green tea, cooled
- ¼ cup freshly squeezed orange juice
- ½ teaspoon freshly grated ginger
- 1 teaspoon honey (adjust to taste)
- Ice cubes
- Orange slice or mint sprig for garnish (optional)
Preparation:
In a pitcher, combine the cooled green tea, orange juice, grated ginger, and honey. Stir until the honey dissolves. Fill glasses with ice, pour the tea mixture over, and garnish with an orange slice or mint if desired.
Approx. Calories: 80 kcal
healthy drinks to make #3: Coconut‑Lime Refresher
Coconut water supplies natural electrolytes, while a splash of lime adds tang without excess sugar. This drink is ideal after a workout or on a hot afternoon.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup pure coconut water (no added sugar)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- ½ teaspoon agave syrup (optional, for a hint of sweetness)
- Ice cubes
- Lime wheel for garnish (optional)
Preparation:
Mix coconut water, lime juice, and agave syrup in a glass. Add ice and stir gently. Garnish with a lime wheel and enjoy right away.
Approx. Calories: 45 kcal
healthy drinks to make #4: Berry‑Basil Infused Water
Infusing water with berries and basil creates a subtly flavored beverage that encourages you to drink more throughout the day. The berries contribute a touch of vitamin C, while basil adds an aromatic lift.
Ingredients:
- ½ cup mixed berries (such as strawberries, blueberries, raspberries), lightly crushed
- 4‑5 fresh basil leaves, torn
- 4 cups cold water
- Ice cubes (optional)
Preparation:
Place the berries and basil in a pitcher. Muddle lightly with a wooden spoon to release juices. Add cold water and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Serve over ice if preferred.
Approx. Calories: 10 kcal
healthy drinks to make #5: Turmeric Golden Milk (Cold Version)
A chilled take on the classic golden milk blends anti‑inflammatory turmeric with creamy almond milk. A pinch of black pepper enhances curcumin absorption, making this drink both tasty and functional.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
- ½ teaspoon ground turmeric
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of freshly ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon maple syrup or honey (optional)
- Ice cubes
Preparation:
In a shaker or jar with a lid, combine almond milk, turmeric, cinnamon, black pepper, and sweetener if using. Shake vigorously for 20 seconds. Fill a glass with ice, pour the mixture over, and stir briefly before drinking.
Approx. Calories: 70 kcal
healthy drinks to make #6: Apple‑Cinnamon Sparkler
This fizzy drink captures the comforting flavor of baked apples without any added fat or heavy syrups. Sparkling water provides the bubbles, while a splash of apple juice gives natural sweetness.
Ingredients:
- ½ cup 100 % apple juice (no added sugar)
- ½ cup sparkling water (plain or lightly flavored)
- 1 cinnamon stick
- Ice cubes
- Thin apple slice for garnish (optional)
Preparation:
In a glass, combine apple juice and sparkling water. Add the cinnamon stick and ice. Stir gently to meld flavors. Garnish with an apple slice if desired and enjoy immediately.
Approx. Calories: 50 kcal
healthy drinks to make #7: Watermelon Mint Refresher
Watermelon’s high water content makes it a natural base for a low‑calorie refresher. Fresh mint adds a cooling note, and a squeeze of lime brightens the flavor profile.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups watermelon, cubed and seeds removed
- ¼ cup fresh mint leaves, loosely packed
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- Ice cubes
- Mint sprig for garnish (optional)
Preparation:
Place watermelon cubes and mint leaves in a blender. Purée until smooth, about 30 seconds. Strain through a fine‑mesh sieve if you prefer a clearer drink, or leave as‑is for more fiber. Stir in lime juice, pour over ice, and garnish with a mint sprig.
Approx. Calories: 30 kcal
healthy drinks to make #8: Chia‑Seed Lemonade
Chia seeds swell in liquid, creating a pleasant texture and delivering omega‑3 fatty acids, fiber, and protein. Combined with classic lemonade, this drink feels indulgent while staying light.
Ingredients:
- ¼ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
- 2 cups cold water
- 1½ tablespoons chia seeds
- 1‑2 teaspoons stevia or honey (adjust to taste)
- Ice cubes
- Lemon wheel for garnish (optional)
Preparation:
In a pitcher, whisk lemon juice, water, and sweetener until dissolved. Stir in chia seeds and let the mixture sit for 10 minutes, stirring once or twice to prevent clumping. Add ice and serve, garnished with a lemon wheel if desired.
Approx. Calories: 60 kcal
healthy drinks to make #9: Matcha‑Almond Latte (Iced)
Matcha provides a gentle caffeine boost and a wealth of catechins, while almond milk keeps the drink dairy‑free and low in calories. A touch of vanilla enhances the flavor without overwhelming the matcha’s earthy notes.
Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon culinary‑grade matcha powder
- ¼ cup hot water (not boiling)
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk, cold
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon light agave syrup or honey (optional)
- Ice cubes
Preparation:
In a small bowl, whisk matcha powder with hot water until a smooth paste forms, ensuring no lumps remain. In a glass, combine the matcha paste, almond milk, vanilla extract, and sweetener if using. Stir well, then fill the glass with ice and give a final stir.
Approx. Calories: 90 kcal
Conclusion
These nine healthy drinks to make give you a range of flavors from green and earthy to fruity and fizzy while keeping calories modest and preparation simple. Pick a few that suit your taste, prepare a batch ahead of time, and enjoy them as a refreshing alternative to sugary store‑bought beverages.if you’re planning the rest of your day, explore our high-protein dinner recipes for more easy and satisfying meal ideas.