When the temperature climbs, having something cold and hydrating on hand helps you stay cool and feel refreshed. The option that we want to recommend here comes from a Panamanian kitchen tradition, and it only takes two ingredients.

It’s called a watermelon batido, a smooth blend of fresh watermelon and cold water that is quick to prepare and easy to customize. Here, we’ll show you how to make it, offer tips to adjust it to your taste, and share a few other simple, healthy drinks to keep in your fridge this summer.

A healthy refreshment made with only two ingredients

A batido is a type of blended fruit drink common across Latin America. This version uses only watermelon and water. It doesn’t need any extras, but it can be customized. What makes it ideal for summer is that it’s cold, quick, and doesn’t weigh you down like heavy juices or sugary sodas.

To make it, blend fresh watermelon with just enough water or ice to get it moving. That’s the base. Some people add a little sugar or honey, but if your watermelon is sweet and ripe, you might not need it. A small pinch of salt helps bring out the flavor and can help restore electrolytes on hot days.

The texture is smooth and drinkable, somewhere between juice and smoothie. If you prefer it lighter, you can strain the pulp after blending. You can add a splash of lime, a few mint leaves, or swap plain water for coconut water. If you want to turn it into a cocktail, white rum or tequila works well, especially with a salted rim. It even works with frozen watermelon chunks, too.

More easy, healthy drinks for summer days

If you’re looking for more ways to stay refreshed without relying on store-bought juices, there are plenty of options. Take a look at these:

Cucumber mint water: Just slice a cucumber and fresh mint into a pitcher of cold water and let it chill in the fridge for an hour.
Iced hibiscus tea: Steep dried hibiscus flowers, then chill and serve over ice with a bit of honey.
Cold green tea with lemon: Brew green tea, let it cool, and add a squeeze of lemon. Serve over ice for a light antioxidant boost.
Sparkling limeade: Mix fresh lime juice with sparkling water and a touch of maple syrup.
Chia fresca: Stir chia seeds into cold water with lemon juice and a bit of sweetener. Let it sit for 10 minutes until the seeds swell. It’s a traditional Mexican drink that offers fiber and hydration.
Homemade lemonade: Squeeze fresh lemons into cold water and add just enough sugar or honey to balance the tartness. Serve over ice for a classic summer drink that’s bright and refreshing.

You don’t need complicated recipes to stay cool and feel good in the heat. Whether it’s a two-ingredient batido or a pitcher of infused water, these drinks offer simple ways to stay refreshed without relying on processed sugar or store-bought blends.