Thirsty? 3 ice-cold, healthy summer drinks you can grab on the go

Text & photos by Melissa Donald

When the temperature rises, so does the need to stay hydrated. If you're out and about around Louisville this summer and craving a refreshing drink, try picking up one of these:

Panera Bread's Mango Smoothie

Panera Bread’s Mango Smoothie:
One of our editor’s favorite summertime drinks, this mango smoothie is a real treat. Light and creamy, this summertime favorite includes mango, banana, orange juice, and vanilla yogurt and is full of vitamins C, B6, and B12. These vitamins are known to support the immune system and increase energy. There are many Panera Bread locations in town.

Starbucks Iced Green Tea

Starbucks Iced Green Tea:
Ask for this mild, flavored green tea with a hint of mint to be unsweetened, and you’ll have a refreshing drink with no sugar and no calories. Green tea is high in antioxidants and helps fight and prevent cell damage, aids in improving blood flow and lowering cholesterol, helps keep blood sugars stable, and has been proven to keep the working-memory area of the brain active. Grab an iced green tea at Starbucks, or buy your favorite green tea and create your own iced tea at home. Add a slice of lemon for extra vitamin C and to help your body absorb the healthy compounds of green tea. Starbucks has several locations in town.

Lifebar's The Healer

Lifebar’s The Healer:
This powerhouse smoothie is full of antioxidants and has added protein, recovery, and immune-building properties. Blueberries give this drink its color, and it also contains banana, vanilla, and ginger. Almond milk is recommended for this smoothie, and I also added some local honey for a sweetener. Stevia and Agave nectar are other sweetener options. Located on Bardstown Road and in the St. Matthews Rainbow Blossom store, Lifebar is adding a third location in the Middletown Rainbow Blossom scheduled to open in spring 2015.