Is Cactus Water the New It-Beverage of the Summer?

Yep, we're talking about water derived from your fave plant for shelfie snaps: the cactus. And while the drink has been gaining traction on the functional beverage scene, there's only one certified-organic version you can buy: Steaz Cactus Water.

Drawn from the prickly pear cactus fruit—the vibrant red fruit that buds on top of the green cactus plant—each can contains tons of antioxidants, is naturally low in sugar and calories, and is touted for its hydrating properties and potential to reduce inflammation.

But if the word "cactus" still makes you think more "parched desert" and less "super refreshing sip I need right now," let Steaz CEO Linda Barron explain its (significant) appeal.

"We recognized a significant movement away from high sugar, carbonated beverages, as well as a growing demand for functional beverages," Barron says of the inspiration. "Cactus water has so many naturally healthful and beneficial properties, and it also tastes great."

"As more consumers see it and learn about it, cactus water is primed to gain widespread awareness and popularity."

Steaz sources the star ingredient from a certified-organic prickly pear cactus farm in Mexico, and combines it with fair-trade green tea and other natural flavors (like cucumber, starfruit, and lemon) to create the crisp wonder-beverage. And seriously: It's about to have a moment.

"Much like coconut water when it was first making its way onto grocers’ shelves, we know that there is a growing interest in cactus water and the prickly pear cactus fruit," explains Barron. "And as more consumers see it and learn about it, cactus water is primed to gain widespread awareness and popularity."

And if you're still on the fence about hopping on to the new liquid trend, consider this: Barron says the taste of cactus fruit is often described as berry-like or a combination of multiple fruits—AKA, nature's fruit punch. We'll drink to that.

Keep reading for more reasons why cactus water is about to blow up—plus two more beverages that will fuel your summer.

1. When you need an extra dose of hydration: Cactus Water

Had one too many of those overly fruity cocktails at rooftop happy hour last night? According to Barron, cactus water will come to your rescue.

"Since cactus water is incredibly high in electrolytes, as well as vitamins and antioxidants that may help the body recover faster by supporting a healthy immune system, it is thought to be an excellent natural choice for treating hangovers," she explains.

Bonus points if you actually make your cocktails with cactus water, as drinking the superfood sip at the same time as alcohol has been shown to be the best way of harnessing its hangover-preventing powers—so you wake up ready to tackle that 8 a.m. boot-camp class.

2. For a full-body detox: Steaz Iced Green Tea

The mega-antioxidizing powers of green tea—combined with Steaz's tastebud-happy flavors like dragonfruit, jasmine hibiscus, and goji blackberry—basically turn this drink into the tastiest detox ever.

"Clinical studies have shown green tea has many health benefits," notes Barron. "First, it can help remove free radicals from the body, which are known to be the root cause of aging. These can be neutralized and removed by green tea, which may lead to disease prevention and less damage of genetic material."

And free radicals—the aforementioned factor that can wreak havoc in your body—are found in fried foods and pollution. So while your sunny stroll around your neighborhood is great for good vibes, breathing in polluted air on the way? Not so much. Bringing along an ice-cold can of Steaz Green Tea (which packs 120 milligrams of antioxidants) can be a useful boost.

3. For the 3 p.m. slump: Steaz Organic Energy

Unlike your gas station-variety energy drink, Steaz's energy drinks are 100 percent organic and completely free of any questionable chemicals.

Each can provides 100 milligrams of caffeine (a little more than a cup of coffee) from natural, plant-based sources such as green tea, yerba mate, and guarana. And guarana could potentially be more effective than coffee, says Barron—because it's released more slowly to provide sustained energy (rather than that jittery coffee-induced jolt).

Yerba mate is also touted for being low on side effects while supplying a bevy of benefits such as antioxidants, amino acids, polyphenols, vitamins, minerals, and, of course, caffeine. Plus, it could even boost mental clarity with its dose of B-vitamins. Oh hey, super-charged summer.

In partnership with Steaz

Photos: Steaz