It’s summer. It’s hot. And chances are, you’re feeling extra thirsty. We know drinking water can be boring, but we also know that sugar-sweetened beverages are the leading source of added sugars in the American diet.

Fortunately, when it comes to hydration and choosing between something sweet vs. plain water, there are a few healthy compromises to consider. Here are my favorites:

Flavored ice

Get a little artsy with this one. You can make beautiful ice cubes by freezing berry purees, fresh herbs, and slices of citrus. Place a small amount of berries and herbs in an ice cube tray, fill with water, and freeze. As the cubes melt in your water, they slowly release new flavors.

Frozen fruit

Freeze fresh fruit or buy it frozen—either way, adding frozen fruit chunks instead of ice to water is another smart flavor enhancer. It keeps your drink chilled and offers a healthy snack at the end.

Muddled fruit and herbs

One of the best ways to release flavor from berries and herbs is to muddle them together before adding them to water or club soda.

If you don’t have a mortar and pestle to muddle, just use the end of a wooden spoon to mash the berries and herbs together. Try strawberry and fresh basil, or blueberry and fresh mint.

Flavored low-cal beverages

For convenience sake, there are endless options of low-calorie flavored drinks on the shelf. Look for ones that offer the same antioxidants you would get from fruit.

Brands like Core have an organic line of 5-calorie drinks that contain the same amount of antioxidants as a half cup of blackberries or cherries.

Dilute sugary drinks

If juice is a must in your household, look for 100 percent fruit juice, and try diluting it with water or club soda to cut down on sugar. Squeezing a little citrus into your mix will help bring out the flavors.

Blueberry Summer Mocktail

Serves 1

Ingredients

•1.5 oz Tropical Coconut Core Organic

•1/2 oz lime juice

•3-5 mint leaves

•6-8 blueberries

•Soda water

•Garnish: speared blueberries, mint sprigs

Directions

1. In a cocktail shaker, combine all ingredients except soda water.

2. Gently muddle the ingredients. Add ice and shake to chill.

3. Strain through a fine mesh strainer into a highball glass over fresh ice.

4. Top with soda water and garnish with speared blueberries and mint sprigs.