Cool Off With These 5 Collagen-Boosting Summer Drinks

Published Aug 26, 2018

It’s no secret that collagen plays an essential role in hair, skin, nail, and joint health, so it’s crucial that you integrate this fountain-of-youth protein into your diet. Chances are, if you’re not already following a collagen regimen, you’re not getting enough through your regular diet alone.

After testing several collagen supplements, we discovered that the easiest and most delicious way to up your collagen intake is through collagen powders that mix into liquids. We love Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides, which is an unflavored collagen powder sourced from grass-fed cows. The powder is odorless and flavorless, making it an easy addition to your morning smoothie or afternoon matcha. Here, we tried out some collagen-infused summer drink recipes courtesy of Vital Proteins to give you a tasty way to get your collagen.

Pomegranate Collagen Spritzer

This spritzer actually has nutritional value, and we think it tastes better than the traditional summer cocktail! Pomegranate juice is loaded with antioxidants, so mixing it up with some sparkling water and collagen powder makes for a very healthful summer sip. We recommend chilling the sparkling water in the fridge before mixing for an extra-refreshing experience.

Ingredients:

• 2 scoops Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides

• 1 cup water

• 1⁄4 cup pure pomegranate juice

• Sparkling water

Mix the first three ingredients, stirring until the collagen powder is fully dissolved. Add a splash of sparkling water to taste.

Lemon Raspberry Protein Smoothie

After a long day of rigorous activity under the summer sun, this invigorating fruit smoothie is the perfect pick-me-up. The creamy coconut and banana consistency meets with an antioxidant-rich blend of protein, raspberries, and lemon to replenish depleted energy stores. We like to add unsweetened coconut flakes on top for an added tropical zing! Sip in the morning, after your workout, or anytime you’re craving a healthy surge of energy.

Ingredients:

• 1 scoop Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides 

• 1.5-2 cups coconut milk

• 1 frozen ripe banana

• 1/2 cup frozen raspberries 

• 1-2 tbsp fresh lemon juice

• Top with unsweetened coconut flakes (optional)

Blend the first five ingredients in a blender until creamy. Top with coconut flakes if desired.

Strawberry Lemonade Collagen

This refreshing take on classic summer lemonade packs a major peptide punch. Complete with 2 scoops of collagen, organic lemonade, strawberries, and sparkling water, this grown-up version of a childhood favorite will not only bring flashbacks of your youth, but also leave your skin looking and feeling younger. It’s a win-win!

Ingredients:

• 2 scoops Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides  

• 1⁄2 cup cold water 

• 1⁄2 cup organic lemonade

• 1-2 muddled strawberries 

• Splash of sparkling water

• 1 lemon slice 

Mix the first four ingredients, stirring until the collagen powder is dissolved. Add a splash of sparkling water and garnish your glass with a lemon slice.

Green Gut Health Smoothie

We think this uplifting green smoothie is the perfect get-up-and-go drink! The juice-like consistency contains rich greens and citrus that goes down like a shot of liquid energy. The pineapple and coconut water blend nicely to deliver a tropical taste that effectively masks the spinach flavor, if you’re not a fan. We recommend adding a ripe frozen banana for added sweetness and creaminess.

Ingredients:

• 1 Scoop of Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides

• 1.5 oz Farmhouse Culture Classic Gut Shot  or kombucha

• 1 handful fresh spinach

• 1⁄2 cucumber, chopped

• 1⁄2 cup frozen pineapple

• 5 sprigs cilantro

• Juice of one lime

• 1⁄2 cup ice

• 1⁄2-1 cup coconut water (to taste)

• 1⁄2 frozen banana (optional, for a sweeter/creamier smoothie)

Blend the all ingredients in a blender until creamy.

Red Velvet Smoothie

What’s summer without a little chocolate? Ice cream sundaes are delicious indulgences, but this decadent smoothie is packed with protein and nutritious veggies. The creamy consistency and hints of cocoa mimic a chocolate milkshake, minus any refined sugar. The reddish hue comes from naturally sweet beets—if you don’t have any fresh beets, you can also sub in one tablespoon of beet powder. So, go ahead and have dessert everyday!

Ingredients:

• 1 scoop Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides

• 1/3 cup Greek-style or non-dairy yogurt

• 2/3 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk (or milk of choice)

• 1/3 cup of beets (preferably steamed and pre-frozen)

• 1 Tablespoon of cocoa powder

• 1 Tablespoon of coconut butter

• 1 Teaspoon of maca  powder

• 1 Teaspoon of vanilla

• Pinch of salt

• 1/4-1/2 cup ice (to taste)

Blend all ingredients in a blender, adding ice until you reach your desired consistency.