Being thirsty is not an option – especially in the hot summer months. Tap water is the cheapest – and most effective – option for quenching thirst. But most people, at least from time to time, appreciate some variety in their beverages. How can you stay pleasantly hydrated without spending more than you need to?<\/p>\n
Let\u2019s explore some beverage options to discover which are the most affordable sources of refreshment:<\/p>\n
Carbonated soft drinks are often on sale during the Summer months but they’re still a pricey option. If you’re needing a large quantity of soda (or pop – depending on from where you hail) your best bet is to buy 2 liter bottles. At a party or large gathering, they’ll get used before going flat and because there’s less packaging, you get more product for your purchase.<\/p>\n
A new option for those who like some fizz in their beverage is a soda-making machine. Priced around $100 for a basic model, these SodaStream machines carbonate tap water. The company provides a variety of flavorings for you to add to create the soda of your choice. The initial cost of the machine includes an assortment of flavorings and a couple carbon dioxide canisters which produce the bubbles. As an ongoing cost of using the machine, you need to replenish your flavorings and\u00a0periodically exchange the empty CO2 canisters for full one. Like a propane tank, the empty ones are exchanged for full ones at a cheaper price than purchasing a new canister. Depending on where you live, this may not be convenient. Overall, however, if carbonation is a deal-breaker for your Summertime drinks, a soda machine can fill your needs and provide savings in the long run.<\/p>\n
Even if not carbonated, flavored beverages are a popular choice for Summertime drinking. Bear in mind that any type of pre-mixed beverage is more costly than ones you mix yourself. You’ll get many more ounces of, say, grape drink or fruit punch, if you mix it with your own water and sweetener of your choice.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s very easy to make your own classic Summertime drinks. Here\u2019s a couple basic recipes:<\/p>\n
Lemonade<\/strong> (courtesy Paula Deen, foodnetwork.com)<\/em><\/p>\n 2 cups sugar (my note: you need not use sugar – use the sweetener of your choice)<\/em> Directions Iced Tea<\/strong><\/p>\n 1 gallon water Directions Add variety to those basic recipes by adding fresh slices of lemon, lime or orange, fruit juice or mint leaves…<\/p>\n Freezing any of your beverages into ice cube trays can add a splash of flavor to any beverage without diluting the flavor. Try flavored cubes in your water!<\/p>\n
\n1 cup hot water
\n2 cups fresh lemon juice (my note: you could use bottled)<\/em>
\n1 gallon cold water
\n1 lemon, sliced
\nMint sprigs, for garnish<\/p>\n
\n<\/span>In a 1 gallon container, place sugar and hot water, and stir until sugar dissolves. Add lemon juice and cold water to render 1 gallon. Stir until well mixed. Pour lemonade over glasses of ice, squeeze slice of lemon on top of each, and garnish with a sprig of mint.<\/p>\n
\n16 – 20 tea bags of your choice<\/p>\n
\n<\/span>Sun Tea – Fill a gallon jar with water; add tea bags. Sit jar in sun for at least 4 hours. Remove bags, chill, serve over ice.
\nor<\/strong><\/em>
\nTraditional Iced Tea – Add tea bags to \u00bd gallon boiling water. Steep 5 minutes. Remove bags. When tea reaches room temperature, pour in gallon jar; fill jar to top with cool water. Chill, serve over ice.<\/p>\n