Refreshing Summer Strawberry Drink: Summer is the season of long days, warm nights, and an abundance of fresh, vibrant fruits. Among them, strawberries hold a special place – not only for their irresistible sweetness and bright red color but also for their impressive nutritional profile. Rich in vitamin C, antioxidants, and polyphenols, strawberries support immune function, reduce oxidative stress, and promote skin health. They are also naturally low in calories, making them an ideal base for a refreshing summer beverage.
But what truly elevates this drink beyond a simple smoothie is the addition of mastic – a natural resin from the Pistacia lentiscus tree, cultivated for centuries on the Greek island of Chios. Mastic is not just a flavoring; it is a traditional remedy known for its digestive and anti-inflammatory properties. It soothes the stomach, supports gut health, and adds a unique, delicate aroma that pairs beautifully with strawberries.
In the spirit of holistic nutrition, this drink is more than a thirst-quencher. It is an opportunity to nourish your body while respecting your unique temperament. That is why we have adapted it for each of the four Hippocratic personality types – Choleric, Melancholic, Phlegmatic, and Sanguine. Whether you need cooling, warming, drying, or purifying, there is a version designed just for you.
Enjoy this delicious, personalized sip of summer!
Basic idea: Strawberries + yogurt or plant-based milk + mastic + ice.
Preparation (for all types):
Place all ingredients in a blender and blend until frothy.
1. Refreshing Summer Strawberry Drink: Choleric Variation (Hot & Dry)
Goal: Cooling, light, not too sweet, without excessive cream.
Base: 150g strained yogurt (0-2% fat) + 100ml water or almond milk (light).
Sweetener: ½ ripe banana or 1 tsp honey (a little).
Mastic: 1 tsp mastic powder (enhances the cooling effect).
Extra: Lemon zest (freshness) + a few extra ice cubes.
The Choleric should avoid: Too much sugar, honey, cream, heavy milk.
Why? They already “burn” in the summer. They need light, cooling ingredients that don’t raise their body temperature.
2. Melancholic Variation (Cold & Dry)
Goal: Nourishing, warming (despite the ice cubes), with fats and a texture that “lubricates.”
Base: 150g full-fat yogurt (5-10%, preferably full-fat strained yogurt) + 50ml coconut milk (from a can).
Sweetener: 1 tbsp honey or grape molasses (petimezi – rich in minerals).
Mastic: ½ tsp mastic (milder).
Extra: 2 tbsp ground flaxseed or 1 tbsp tahini (enhances lubrication) + cinnamon.
The Melancholic should avoid: Too many ice cubes, light milks.
Why? Because they are dry and cold. They need fat, moisture, and “richness” even in a drink. Coconut milk and tahini nourish them.
3. Phlegmatic (Cold & Wet)
Goal: Drying, spicy, light, metabolic.
Base: 100g 0% yogurt + 100ml water or homemade ginger-lemon drink.
Sweetener: Minimal honey or none at all.
Mastic: 1 tsp mastic.
Extra: ½ tsp ginger (fresh grated or powdered), 1 pinch cayenne pepper, a little cinnamon, lemon juice.
The Phlegmatic should avoid: Full-fat yogurt, milks, banana, too much honey.
Why? Ginger, pepper, and mastic “dry” and stimulate their slow metabolism.
4. Sanguine (Hot & Wet)
Goal: Cooling, purifying, with fresh, light ingredients.
Base: 150g strained yogurt (2% fat) + 50ml coconut water (or tap water).
Sweetener: 1 tsp honey or orange zest (for sweetness without sugar).
Mastic: ½ tsp mastic.
Extra: Fresh mint (finely chopped), lemon or orange juice, a little vanilla.
Should avoid: Heavy coconut milk, tahini, flaxseed, too much pepper.
Why? The Sanguine type is hot and “wet” (sweat, inflammation). They need fresh, cooling ingredients that cleanse, not heavy fats that create “noise” for their system.
Summary Table
| Type | Base | Sweetener | Extra Secret | Best Without |
| Choleric | Yogurt 0-2% + water | Little honey / banana | Lemon zest | Too much sugar, cream |
| Melancholic | Full-fat yogurt + coconut milk | Honey / petimezi | Flaxseed, tahini | Too many ice cubes, water |
| Phlegmatic | 0% yogurt + water / ginger | Minimal | Ginger, cayenne | Fats, sweets |
| Sanguine | 2% yogurt + coconut water | Orange zest | Mint, lemon | Heavy milk, tahini |
— Dr. Angeliki Makri, Clinical Dietitian, MSc, PhD, Medical School NKUA
Book an appointment at NMD Praxis to find out which Hippocratic type you are, to understand what you need for your nutrition, and to learn what your specific body requires!
