It’s Mocktail Time!
With the summer months upon us and the heat that typically comes with them, one thing that helps me feel good is staying well hydrated.
We’re big on spritzers in my home. It’s a great way to stay hydrated and have a little fun at the same time. We typically use a little Bernies Apple Cider or fresh squeezed orange juice in the amount of about ¾ sparkling water to ¼ juice.
This past year I upped my game and moved into a more complex and nutrient dense mock-tail. The citrus, herbs and ginger provide a nice bite that make them a great substitution if you’re wanting to cut back or take a break from drinking alcohol. They’re fun and satisfying to make (and to drink), have a ritualistic feel, are super satisfying and hydrating.
Traditionally, drinks often contained some form of bitters, an infused alcohol with herbs and dried botanicals that were originally used for medicinal purposes. Here is a list of nutrient dense ideas to get your creative mixology juices flowing.
Ginger juice
Lemon or lime juice
Shrubs (an herbal infused vinegar syrup sweetened with honey)
Tart Cherry Juice - contains melatonin so great to add if you need some sleep support
Pure Cranberry Juice - high in antioxidants and help prevent urinary tract infections
Pure Pomegranate Juice - loaded with antioxidants, known to fight inflammation, help lower blood pressure, increase memory and fight inflammation
Muddled mint, rosemary, basil or thyme
Raw Local Honey (optional)
Ice
Sparkling Water - my favorite is Castle Rock but I also am fond of Mountain Valley and Gerolsteiner. They all come in glass (as opposed to aluminum) and are naturally sourced sparkling water with naturally occurring minerals that most of us need.
I build my drinks as follows
Juice of ½ lime
1 - 2 tablespoons of raspberry, rose hip and hibiscus infused apple cider vinegar or use a Shrub (a shrub is an old fashioned traditional fruit concentrate, like a syrup, preserved with vinegar and used to make or flavor beverages)
1 tablespoon ginger juice
1 generous teaspoon of raw honey
1 sprig of rosemary
I take the above ingredients (I make a vinegar infusion). If you purchase a shrub they are sweetened and you can omit the honey). If using honey, let sit for a minute or two and stir, the acid will help dissolve the honey. If you wanted to add a fresh herb, you would do so at this step… you can muddle it a little to release it’s oils and flavor.
Cover with ice
Add sparkling water
Enjoy!