5 Refreshing Things to Make Into Ice Cubes
Keeping cool during hot days in the summer is mandatory!
It’s hot out there. Like, seriously hot. When the temperature rises outside, it’s important to cool your internal temperature so you can continue to ride, run, and play outdoors.
One of the most common complaints I get from clients is that they’re bored of plain water. So when you need to cool down with a little flare, here’s 5 refreshing things you to make into ice cubes that you can toss in your water, seltzer, smoothie, or cocktail this summer.
Enjoy and stay cool out there!
1) Fruit
Citrus slices are perfect here like lemon and lime. Try freezing whole pieces of washed berries or slices of ripe stone fruit like peaches or nectarines. Put your favorite fruit in the ice cube tray, fill with water and freeze. Keep stored in the ice cube tray or transfer to a freezer friendly storage container for later use.
Recovery drink recipe/tip: A few weeks ago after a hot ride, I mixed the rest of my Gu Brew Blueberry Pomegranate sports drink (carbs + electrolytes essential for recovery) with frozen blueberry ice cubes (more carbs) and plain seltzer. It was the most refreshing, delicious, bubbly treat. When I finished the drink, I used a spoon to eat the blueberries. Mmmm!
2) Herbs
Be creative here. Try basil, rosemary, thyme or mint. Toss a few mint cubes in some cranberry lemonade, and you might just have the perfect recovery drink after a long ride or run (or just a dang pretty drink!).
3) Coffee
When it’s hot out, it can be tough to drink a hot beverage. So brew your favorite coffee, pour into ice cube trays and freeze. Make your own frozen coffee drink with these little black gems!
4) Leftover Smoothies
Did you make too much smoothie? No worries, just freeze it! In fact, I’ll make a smoothie for the sole purpose of freezing in a popsicle mold. What a perfect summer treat!
5) Juice
If you have a juicer (or store bought juice), try making extra juice and freezing it into ice cubes. Top with seltzer and you’ve got a perfect summer spritzer.
What are your favorite cold beverages to cool you off in the heat? Tag us @TheEnduranceEdge or #TheFuelingEdge
By Chris Newport, Head Coach and Sports Nutritionist
