Dehydration is a seasonal hazard. The mix of outdoor activities, inadequate fluid intake and warm temperatures can lead to headaches, vomiting or even costly hospital stays. Fortunately, it’s easy to remain hydrated without spending a lot for drinks spiked with artificial flavors, sweeteners or food dyes.

Here are recipes for elegant, healthy and thrifty summer beverages.

• “Greener” tea: Reduce your carbon footprint and hydrate your body with a pitcher of energy-efficient tea. Brew sun tea by placing two to four teabags in a pitcher. Leave the container in the direct sun for 15 to 20 minutes. Using a similar recipe, brew black tea, mint tea or other herbal flavors in a refrigerator. Add ice, honey or sugar as desired. For extra flavor, stir in fresh herbs, fruit slices or fruit juice.

• Spa water: It can be difficult to encourage younger children and teens to drink enough water during the day, especially when sodas and artificially flavored beverages seem to offer more taste. Slices of citrus fruit, however, add allure and value to plain water. The Fontainebleau resort in Miami Beach, Fla., for example, serves complimentary “spa water” to poolside guests. The popular recipe is easy to duplicate at home. Just add slices of oranges, lemons or pineapple to chilled filtered water. Cucumbers and frozen berries also add extra spice to plain water.

• Homemade soda: For physical and fiscal health, I try to limit the amount of soda in my home. As a healthier substitute, we mix carbonated water with grape, apple, cranberry or orange juice. This alternative provides more vitamins and less sugar than standard sodas.

• Dilute and go: Several drink recipes are featured in the summer issue of “The Whole Deal,” a free store newsletter offered by Whole Foods. The excellent recipes for fruit smoothies and “peach-berry iced tea,” caught my eye, but the store’s dilution recommendation is the best tip. Use ice or water to dilute fruit juices and other drinks. This strategy stretches the amount of servings and reduces the calorie and sugar count. Even the natural sugar found in fruit juices can be too much of a good thing.