Healthy, fun and beautiful drinks for all the family!
What more could you want for your summer entertaining?!
I have been looking forward to writing about this for a while now. I think it’s a brilliant way to demonstrate what my version of being healthy is – it’s about supporting and promoting your health in a deprivation-free way, finding alternatives to the usual sugar-laden, nutrition-lacking, processed foods and drinks we are so often surrounded by. I love eating and enjoying meals and drinks with friends, it’s one of my favourite things in life. As some people still think that healthy eating is something boring and restrictive, some beautiful summer cocktails with healthier ingredients is a great place to start!!!!
Mocktails made with fresh ingredients are another great way to enjoy a drink with friends and boost your health at the same time! They also make it easy to treat the kids too. For the best combination, make the mocktail for everyone, with the alcohol as an optional add-in for those who want it. Easy, fun, delicious!! Let’s see how to build a healthier drink:
Instead of using plain water, try some infused water that you can make in advance, or sparkling water (I hear that SodaStreams are back!!), unsweetened tonic water, freshly squeezed juices, and iced fruit teas. Here’s an idea for some infused water: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Tzz8A9w8iA&feature=youtu.be
So much of the appeal of cocktails comes from the presentation and we can make our drinks pretty and have less throw-away decorations by using a large ice cube, a salt rim or an impressive glass. Plant-based garnishes will make your drink really special too. Try:
Herbs (mint, sage, rosemary), berries (strawberries, blueberries), fruits (pineapple, cherries, citrus wedges) and more …. edible flowers, olives, celery…. Just get creative!
And if you’re using straws, opt for re-usable ones!
Here’s an idea you can try:
LEMON SPRITZER
Serves 4
2 tablespoons honey, preferably local
1 cup water
⅓ cup fresh lemon juice
2 teaspoons fresh lemon zest, preferably organic
2 tablespoons fresh mint, torn
2 tablespoons fresh basil, torn
2 thyme sprigs
2 teaspoons ginger, finely grated
1 large lemon, thinly sliced
2 cups sparkling water
Optional Adults-Only Add-In: 100ml vodka
Add honey and water to a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir frequently until honey dissolves.
Remove from heat and cool for 5 to 10 minutes before pouring into a jug. Add fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, fresh herbs, ginger, and lemon slices. Add vodka, if using. Stir gently to combine and place in the refrigerator to chill.
Immediately before serving, pour sparkling water into jug and stir to combine. Pour into glasses filled with ice and serve immediately. If you don’t want bits of herbs in the drink, pour into serving glasses over a strainer. Enjoy!
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Beautiful photos by Pooja Chaudhary and Francesca Hotchin on Unsplash
