3 Mocktails to Ring in the New Year
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As you build healthy goals for the new year, toast your health and the dawn of 2024 with these celebratory mocktails. Countless studies have documented how alcohol weakens and suppresses your immune system. Start the new year off right with festive, delicious drinks that have all the taste and fun of a champagne cocktail, but with added health benefits that boost the wellness of your body, mind, and soul.
Each of these mocktail recipes are versatile, allowing for adjustments in sweetness or tanginess according to personal taste. Not only are these refreshing beverages bursting with flavor, but they’re also rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to support your health from the inside out.
Virgin Mojito
Both lime and mint are versatile ingredients that can be incorporated into various dishes, beverages, and even skincare routines to reap their health benefits. Whether used together in a refreshing drink or separately in culinary dishes, they offer a flavorful addition while contributing to overall health and well-being.
For example, limes are a great source of vitamin C, which supports the immune system, aids in collagen production, and acts as an antioxidant, helping to combat free radicals. Like other citrus fruits, limes contain antioxidants that can help neutralize free radicals in the body, potentially reducing the risk of chronic diseases.
Meanwhile, mint has been traditionally used to aid digestion by relaxing muscles in the digestive tract, reducing symptoms of indigestion, bloating, and gas. Just like lime, mint also contains antioxidants that help protect the body from oxidative stress and damage caused by free radicals.
6-8 fresh mint leaves
1 tablespoon sugar or simple syrup (adjust to taste)
1/2 lime, cut into wedges
1/2 cup club soda or sparkling water
Crushed ice
Lime slices and mint sprigs for garnish
In a glass, muddle the mint leaves, sugar or simple syrup, and lime wedges to release the mint oils and lime juice.
Fill the glass with crushed ice.
Pour the club soda or sparkling water over the ice and stir gently.
Garnish with a slice of lime and a sprig of fresh mint.
Berry Sparkler
Berries are packed with antioxidants like anthocyanins, flavonoids, and polyphenols, which help combat oxidative stress, reduce inflammation, and protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. Not only that, but berries have been associated with a reduced risk of heart disease. That’s in part due to the antioxidants and fiber in berries, which may help lower bad cholesterol levels, improve artery function, and lower blood pressure.
1/2 cup mixed berries (strawberries, raspberries, blueberries)
1 tablespoon honey or agave syrup (adjust to taste)
1/2 cup sparkling water or soda
Fresh lemon juice (optional)
Ice cubes
Berries or lemon slices for garnish
In a blender, blend the mixed berries and honey or agave syrup until smooth.
Strain the berry mixture through a fine-mesh sieve to remove seeds (optional).
Fill a glass with ice cubes and pour the strained berry mixture over the ice.
Add a splash of fresh lemon juice if desired.
Top up with sparkling water or soda and stir gently.
Garnish with a few whole berries or a lemon slice.
Pineapple Ginger Mocktail
Alcoholic cocktails increase inflammation. This mocktail does the exact opposite!
Pineapples are loaded with essential vitamins and minerals like vitamin C, manganese, vitamin B6, folate, and thiamine. But what you really want is bromelain, a mixture of enzymes found in pineapple. These enzymes may aid digestion by breaking down proteins and reducing inflammation in the gut. It can help alleviate digestive issues and reduce bloating.
Ginger is also a powerful anti-inflammatory ingredient. Combined, you’ll be toasting to a 2024 full of enhanced vitality and energy!
1 cup pineapple juice
1/2 cup ginger ale or ginger beer (for a spicier option)
1/4 cup coconut water
Squeeze of fresh lime juice
Pineapple wedge or mint sprig for garnish
Ice cubes
In a shaker or pitcher, combine the pineapple juice, ginger ale or ginger beer, coconut water, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice. Stir well.
Fill glasses with ice cubes.
Pour the pineapple ginger mixture into the glasses.
Garnish with a pineapple wedge or a sprig of mint.