12 Clean Drinks Better than Soda

Hydrate without the sugar crash and find your new favorite!

Hey there! Amy here. Let’s be real—cutting out soda can feel like giving up your best bubbly friend. I get it. I used to reach for a can of soda when I needed a pick-me-up, a mid-afternoon “treat,” or something to sip during a Netflix binge. But eventually, I realized my energy crashes, bloating, and constant sugar cravings were all pointing to one culprit: that fizzy little can I kept cracking open.

If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Whether you’re cutting out soda to lose weight, reduce sugar, or just feel better in your body, the key is to swap—not suffer. That’s where these clean drinks come in. They’re refreshing, easy to make, and actually do something good for your body (like hydrate you and pack in vitamins instead of just empty calories).

These are my go-to clean drink recipes when I want something that tastes fun but still supports my wellness goals. Grab your favorite glass, maybe toss in a few fancy ice cubes, and let’s make hydration feel like a treat—not a chore.

Clean Drinks for Clean Habits

Ditch regular and diet soda. Instead, nourish your body with our healthy drink recipes below. Your body will thank you—and so will your taste buds.

1. Watermelon Chiller with a Hint of Mint

This one’s summer in a glass. Just blend, sip, and chill—it’s light, hydrating, and so refreshing on a hot day.

Try it here: Watermelon Chiller with a Hint of Mint

2. Refreshing Red, White, & Blueberry Lemonade

This healthy beverage is bright, festive, and full of real fruit—not food coloring. Serve it at your next cookout and watch it disappear.

Try it here: Refreshing Red, White, & Blueberry Lemonade

3. Hot Pink Cooler

Yes, it has beets. No, it doesn’t taste like dirt. The combo of citrus and ginger gives it a zingy twist that totally works.

Try it here: Hot Pink Cooler

4. Strawberry Lemonade

Just sweet enough and made with real strawberries. This one’s a classic with a clean twist.

Try it here: Strawberry Lemonade

5. New Southern Style Sweet Tea

You get all the Southern charm, none of the sugar crash. It’s sweetened with honey or maple syrup so you still get that cozy vibe.

Try it here: New Southern Style Sweet Tea

6. Iced Sencha Tea with Peaches and Lime

This tea is light, fruity, and a little earthy. The fresh peaches and honey give it just the right amount of natural sweetness.

Try it here: Iced Sencha Tea with Peaches and Lime

7. Healthy Lemon-Ginger Sparkling Water

A fizzy, refreshing drink with a digestive boost. Perfect when your stomach needs a little love.

Try it here: Healthy Lemon-Ginger Sparkling Water

8. Strawberry, Lime, and Basil Smash

Sweet, citrusy, and herbaceous in the best way. This one feels fancy without the effort.

Try it here: Strawberry, Lime, and Basil Smash

9. Mango and Kiwi Shake

Tropical and creamy, this smoothie hits all the right notes. And bonus—it’s loaded with vitamin C.

Try it here: Mango and Kiwi Shake

10. Orange Passion Smoothie

This dreamy smoothie is light, sweet, and full of superfoods. No sugar, no dairy, just pure deliciousness.

Try it here: Orange Passion Smoothie

11. Ginger, Lime, and Mint Flavored Sparkling Water

Only four ingredients and so satisfying. It’s like a spa day for your taste buds.

Try it here: Ginger, Lime, and Mint Flavored Sparkling Water

12. Bahama Splash

Baby spinach in a smoothie? Don’t knock it till you try it. The mango and Greek yogurt make this one taste like a tropical treat.

Try it here: Bahama Splash

Clean Drink Recipes: Q&A

Can these healthy drinks replace soda completely?

Absolutely. These are satisfying, naturally sweet, and won’t leave you crashing an hour later like soda does.

Do I need a juicer or fancy blender?

Not at all. Most recipes just need a standard blender or a mixing spoon—and maybe a strainer if you’re feeling fancy.

Can I add alcohol to any of these?

You do you! Just be mindful—adding vodka to your strawberry basil smash is fun, but not exactly “clean eating.” 😉

How long can I store these drinks?

Most are best fresh, but you can store smoothies for a day or two in the fridge. Anything water-based will last a few days in a sealed jar.

What if I don’t like one of the ingredients?

Swap it out! Use honey instead of maple syrup, skip the basil, or toss in a different fruit—these are super flexible.

You’ll Also Love these Healthy Beverages…

• Zingy Pink Grapefruit Soda – Just the right balance of tart and sweet
• Homemade Honey Lemonade with Fresh Mint – A summer staple
• 30-Day No Soda Challenge – See what happened when we gave it up
• Reishi Mushroom Chai Tea
• How To Brew Kombucha At Home

Be sure to also follow us on Facebook and Pinterest for more great recipes!

A Final Sip from Amy

I hope this list inspires you to find a soda-free favorite (or a few). Swapping soda doesn’t have to mean giving up flavor or fizz—it just means choosing options that love you back. Whether you’re kicking off a clean-eating journey or just trying to hydrate better, these drinks are a great way to start.

Sip happy,
Amy Wagner