Food

Thirsty? Why spend money on marked up store-bought bevvies when you can make them at home? Try these frugalista-approved drink recipes—your wallet will thank you!

By Amrita Singh

Blended Iced Coffee

Forget the lineups and jacked up prices. Channel your inner barista and blend your own frozen pick-me-up!

1 cup extra-strong brewed coffee (instant is fine), cooled
3/4 cup whole milk
3 tbsp sugar (or sweetener, to taste)
2 cups ice
Pinch of xanthan gum

• Blend all ingredients together until smooth.

Store-bought: up to $5 ea.
Frugalista drink: $0.35 ea.

Aloe Vera Juice

Many people drink aloe vera juice for better digestive health. In fact, some say it also helps soothe joint pain and detoxify the body.

1 aloe vera leaf (homegrown or store-bought)
water

1. Cut off base of the leaf and trim away side spikes. Let leaf sit upright in a container for 30 minutes so that the bitter sap drains from the leaf. (The amount will depend on the aloe variety you're using; there may not be any.)
2. Once drained, fillet the leaf by removing the top layer to reveal the gel inside. Scoop the clear gel into a container. (Be sure to make use of all that great gel left clinging to the leaf on your hands and face!)
3. Fill a pitcher with water and add gel from the leaf. Let it stand in the fridge for 8 hours so that the water infuses with the aloe vera. Strain water into another pitcher, drink and enjoy!
4. Refill the main pitcher with more water and let it infuse with the remaining gel. Repeat until gel dissolves completely.

Store-bought: up to $20
Frugalista drink: $5/leaf

Electrolyte Drink

Whether you're young or old, when sickness strikes, replenishing your system with electrolytes is key. Save yourself a trip to the drugstore with this recipe, courtesy of the World Health Organization.

1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp baking soda
8 tsp sugar
1 L water

• Mix all ingredients together in a pitcher; store in fridge or on counter. Drink one cup when watery diarrhea strikes. Follow up with the BRAT diet: Bananas, Rice, Apples and Toast.

Store-bought: up to $10/bottle
Frugalista drink: $0.25/litre