Summer in all its radiance -- and sticky sizzle -- is here, but there's no need to sweat it. Instead, take a cue from scorch-weather pros in Miami, Los Angeles, and the Caribbean, where neighborhood juice bars balance the season with cool ranging from cold coconut milk sipped from the shell to frozen shakes made with exotic fruits such as papaya, starfruit, and mango.

Beneath the glare of urban skyscrapers or tucked away in rural hamlets, these fresh-juice bars are famous for refreshing the eyes as well as slaking a parched palate. Pastel storefronts, usually open-air, feature walk-up counters framed by rows of chilled fresh fruit and vegetables waiting to be blended, stirred, and shaken. Wherever you come across one, stop in: They offer healthy alternatives to soft drinks, alcohol, and coffee. Fresh juice tends to be low-fat, high in vitamins A and C, and a rich source of cancer-fighting antioxidants.

And these smoothie-type beverages -- pumped up with ice cream, frozen yogurt, or milk and inspired by old-fashioned Spanish juice drinks called batidos -- are definitely something you can try at home. All you need are a trip to the market and a countertop blender.