10 Coolers That Won't Make You Overdose on Sugar

As we slide into March, summer seems determined to make an early comeback. Just a short walk in the sun feels like a trek across the Thar desert and iced water never tasted so good. But sometimes, you need more than just water.

Mint and lemon are your best friends

What you DON'T need is the unnecessary sugar rush that you get from most packaged juices and soft drinks. So we've decided to round up 10 really cool non-alcoholic (because you need hydration, not dehydration) and low-on-sugar thirst quenchers for hot and sticky summer days.

1. Fruit Infusions

Use an infuser bottle (just add some diced melon or other fruit into the inner compartment) to infuse fruit flavours into water and top with fruit ice-cubes.

2. Iced Jasmine Green Tea

Prepare a light brew of jasmine green tea and mint leaves in water that's just short of boiling. Add lemon juice, honey and mix well. Serve chilled, over ice.

3. Cucumber and Lime

Blend pureed cucumber with lime juice. Add soda on top and garnish with a wedge of lime.

4. Litchi Melon Fizz

Combine fresh/unsweetened litchi and watermelon juice with some lemon juice and mint leaves. Muddle the mint leaves to release juice. Garnish with a lemon wedge.

5. Melon Coconut Tango

Stir and shake pureed watermelon, coconut water and a dash of lemon juice. Sprinkle cumin powder on top and serve chilled.

6. Citrus Ginger Mimosa

Muddle ginger slices with the juice of one orange. Add rosemary sprigs and garnish with orange slices.

7. Virgin Bloody Mary

Grind ripe tomatoes and basil leaves. Use a sieve to get rid of the pulp. Pour it into a shaker, along with some lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, hot pepper sauce, salt and pepper. Shake well and pour into a glass.

8. Peach Mojito

Blend peach juice with some lemon juice and mint. Shake well and serve over ice cubes.

9. Mango Planter's Punch

Blend together mango puree, pineapple juice and orange juice, along with some lemon juice. Add some soda and stir well. Serve chilled with cherries for garnish.

10. Plum Passion

Combine ripe plum puree with kokum juice and lemon juice. Add salt and pepper and blend well. Strain into glasses and serve chilled.