Healthy and fun - Cocktails, Mocktails and Mixed drinks 🥳

HAPPY FEBRUARY 💗

Wow, how did February sneak up on us so quickly?

I love how many of you had questions and comments about my last two newsletters on Aging and Mindset, and I’ll answer them in a followup later this month.

But, today I’ve had some ideas for family and friend Valentine’s surprises running around in my head ever since New Years, that I’d like to share with you first.

Firstly, Marissa, our in-house masseuse, is offering $10 off any massage session between now and February 14th! To add my appreciation, I’ll pitch in a free 20-minute sauna session after your massage! Give yourself, or someone you love, the treat of “self-love” and enjoy these two relaxing healthy treatments. The free sauna session comes as a package only, so get your massages booked asap; you deserve it 💗🎁💗

Today, I’d like to share some of my healthy SIMPLE Valentine’s themed cocktails and mocktails with you. Some of these are in my “Eat Like your LIFE depends on it” cookbook, and I’ve been collecting some new ones too!

There’s just something sweet about a beautiful refreshing beverage that feels special. You can share these with your family, or save it for after the kiddos go to bed…. One thing for sure, you’ll love these and can serve them year-round.

Before I share these taste quenching, healthy, and beautiful drink recipes, please make sure that you read the two newsletters on ”Top Breakthroughs in Aging Research” and “How to rule your Mindset”, so that you can follow along and understand my followup tips later this month , Here.

OK, get ready to have your mouth water and start thinking about when and with who you can celebrate February with 💗

I’ve rounded up a few mixed cocktail and mocktail recipes that I have served over the years. Most can be made without alcohol and can be kid friendly; so make up a pitcher and serve them up to create a special occasion right at home.

The good news is that you don’t have to give up alcohol when socializing at celebrations to be healthy, although moderation is important. Remember that alcohol definitely can (and will) lead to weight gain, among other potentially harmful side effects; so make sure to drink alongside food, have water or club soda in between drinks and choose the right kind of booze.

Mixed cocktails tend to make those special occasions feel even more special. Unfortunately, most mixers that come with cocktails are best avoided, as they are often packed with sugar and other harmful chemicals, coloring agents, etc. And don’t forget, wine coolers and dessert liqueurs are simply packed with sugar and are a poor choice, as well.

It is better to stick with cocktails that contain only a few ingredients that are free of added sugars. Not to mention, this will improve any potential hangover you might have the next day. Some common examples of these types of cocktails include margaritas, pina coladas, mudslides and martinis. Specific mixers to avoid include sodas, syrups, diet sodas, tonic water and energy drinks (just to name a few).

Do yourself a favor and don’t ever order a mixed cocktail or beverage in a restaurant or bar. It’s just too easy to be fooled as to what the ingredients are. If you desire an alcoholic beverage, choose a glass of champagne or non-sweet wine such as a Chardonnay, Cabernet or Pinot Grigio. You’ll be much happier with your health results.

I’m sharing these special beverages with you as a fun alternative to the norm. It’s always fun to spice up our every day life and make the dull and dreary winter a bit more special when we can; enjoy!

STRAWBERRY ROSEMARY QUENCHER - serves 1

(1) Strawberry - remove the green stem and slice thinly from top to bottom to get heart shape slices 💗🍓💗

(1-2) Strawberries - muddled (smashed) in the bottom of a glass

(1) sprig of Rosemary - muddled in with the muddled strawberries

Ice - to fill the glass half full

Sparkling Soda Water (no flavoring or sweetener) - fill glass to the top

1/2 oz of Vodka (OPTIONAL)

Garnish with a leftover strawberry, rosemary sprig or straw

STRAWBERRY LEMONADE - serves 2

For the Strawberry Syrup:

• 1 1/2 Cup Strawberries Fresh or Frozen (no sugar added)

• 2 Cups Water

• 1 Tbsp of granulated Erythrotol or Swerve sweetener (Optional)

For the Strawberry Lemonade:

• 2 Tbsp Strawberry Syrup from above

• 1 Lemon

• 1 Cup Water

• Fresh Strawberries optional, for garnish

Instructions for the Strawberry Syrup

• Place strawberries, optional sweetener and water in a medium-sized saucepan.

• Set the saucepan over high heat and bring to a boil.

• Reduce heat to medium and continue to simmer until liquid is reduced by about half, 5 minutes.

• Strain out the strawberries and save the strawberry liquid.

• The strawberries can be used for a smoothie, pie, or discarded.

Instructions for the Strawberry Syrup

1. Juice one lemon and place the juice in serving glass. (About 2 Tablespoons lemon juice.)

2. Pour in the strawberry syrup and stir well.

3. Add the lemon halves to the glass, along with a handful of ice cubes, and then top with 1 cup water.

4. Garnish with additional fresh strawberries, if desired.

5. Serve immediately.

ELDERFLOWER CUCUMBER MARTINI - serves 1

This one isn’t for the kids!

Here is what you need:

• 2-3 oz vodka or gin (cucumber vodka is a popular choice as well)

• 1 oz St. Germain, elderflower liqueur

• ½ teaspoon fresh lemon juice (from a squeezed wedge)

• twist of lemon

• thin sliced cucumbers, approximately 6 slices

Start by muddling (3) cucumber slices at the bottom of your cocktail shaker.

Fill the shaker with ice and add the vodka or gin.

Squeeze lemon juice into the mixing glass from a fresh wedge of lemon.

Add the elderberry liqueur to the cocktail shaker.

Mix with a long spoon or cover and shake.

Strain into a chilled martini glass.

Garnish with lemon twist. Add remaining (3) cucumber slices.

STRAWBERRY SMASH - serves 1

• 4 Strawberries

• 6 mint leaves

• 1 cup ice

• Sparkling water (non-sweetened)

• 1/2 oz Vodka (optional)
  
  
  

INSTRUCTIONS

1. In a glass, add the fresh strawberries and mint. Muddle so the strawberries release some juice, but don't break the mint leaves too much. You can now remove the mint leaves or leave them in the glass.

2. Add optional vodka.

   Add ice

   Top with sparkling water.

   Stir.

3. Taste, and add liquid stevia sweetener , if needed.

ORANGY COSMOPOLITAIN - serves 1

• 2 oz (unsweetened) Cranberry 100% juice

• 2 tablespoons Water

• 1 tablespoon fresh squeezed Lime juice

• 3 drops Orange extract

• 1-2 drops liquid Stevia or Vanilla extract (optional)

• 1 oz Vodka (Optional)

Put all ingredients into shaker half filled with ice. Shake well.

Strain into a martini glass and garnish with an orange or lime slice.

Can be served over ice if opting for a refreshing non-alcoholic drink!

SKINNY MARGARITA - serves 1

1. Kosher salt & lime wedge, to rim the glass

2. 1 oz silver or gold tequila (optional)

3. 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice (about 1 large lime)

4. 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed orange juice (about 1/2 medium orange)

5. 1 teaspoon Orange Extract

6. 1-2 drops of liquid stevia (optional)

7. Ice

Instructions

• Rim the glass: Pour a thin layer of salt onto a small plate. Rub a lime wedge around the top edge of your glass to moisten it, then dip the glass into the salt so that it sticks, tapping all the way around. Fill the glass with ice and set aside.

• Fill a small cocktail shaker with additional ice. Add the tequila, lime juice, orange juice, and extract. Tightly close and shake vigorously for at least 30 seconds (it’s longer than you think). Taste and add liquid stevia if needed. Strain into the rimmed glass over the ice. Enjoy immediately.

Definitely can be made without Tequila as a refreshing beverage!

THE BOTTOM LINE

I hope these low sugar, low glycemic, healthy beverages will get you and your family jazzed about a special occasion or two.

Remember, mixed cocktails can be terrible for you with all the hidden sugars in fruit juices, sweet liquors and hidden ingredients!!!!

Do yourself a favor and don’t ever order a mixed cocktail or beverage in a restaurant or bar. It’s just too easy to be fooled as to what the ingredients are.

If you desire an alcoholic beverage, choose a glass of champagne or non-sweet wine such as a Chardonnay, Cabernet, or Pinot Grigio. You’ll be much happier with your health results.

I’ve shared these special mixed beverages with you as a fun alternative to the norm. It’s always fun to spice up our every day life and make the dull and dreary winter a bit special when we can.

If you have kids, or need a fun reminder of vacation, stick a little umbrella in your beverage to bring a smile or two 😀 They’re available in most grocery stores, or here’s a link on Amazon, Here…. 🥳

If you’re one to have a chocolate craving during this time of year, take a look at one of our past blogs about “All things Chocolate”, Here.

Or, if you are more of a dessert person and would prefer to make a little something sweet for a special occasion, try one of the recipes in my past blog, Here.

Don't forget to take advantage of our Massage and Sauna COMBO special.

Marissa, our in-house masseuse, is offering $10 off any massage session between now and February 14th! I’m pitching in a free 20-minute sauna session after your massage! The free sauna session comes as a package only, so get your massages booked asap; you deserve it 💗🎁💗

We are bring tools such as these to you, our patients, by using proven cutting-edge therapies to extend the health-span, life-span and years of health for everyone!

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