summer grape cooler

I first posted this recipe last summer... and it's that time again. Temperatures are rising and this can dry up precious moisture.

Plain water is important, but we also need to make sure we have adequate electrolytes, which support hydration from the water we drink.

There are many great hydration drinks out there, but this is one of my favorites - dreamed it up last summer as I was craving something that would feel exceptionally thirst-quenching.

You may be surprised to learn that grapes are an amazing tonic for summertime.

Grapes are excellent to quench thirst, moisten the tissues, increase metabolism, and cool the blood.
Purple grapes are pacifying to all three doshas, especially Vata and Pitta. They have primarily a sweet, sour and astringent rasa (taste), and an overall cooling effect on the system.
Lime is refreshing, cooling and hydrating, and mineral salt adds important minerals and electrolytes. Coconut water, of course, is hydrating, cooling and full of important electrolytes.

In a quart jar mix the following:

• 1 cup of pure, unsweetened concord grape juice

• 1 cup of coconut water

• 2 cups of plain filtered water

• juice of 1/2 - 1 lime

• couple dashes of pink salt

Drink at room temperature ala Ayurveda, or lightly chill.

Enjoy