TGIF: Healthy Weekend Cocktail Recipes

Happy Friday!

I don't know about you but I am ready to enjoy the weekend and along with it a light cocktail or two. Usually I limit my alcohol intake because it tends to give me a headache but when I do indulge these are my go-to drinks. I've also included some "mocktail" options below in case you're not of legal drinking age.

Prosecco/sparkling wine:
Bubbly is the perfect drink when you want something light. It only has 60-80 calories per glass and 1-2g of sugar. If sparkling wines are too dry for you, try adding the juice from a couple fresh, ripe berries. I like blackberries or blueberries personally.

Grapefruit Wine Spritzer
1 oz of pinto grigio
2-4oz of Polar brand ruby red grapefruit sparkling water. You could use any brand just as long as it doesn't contain artificial flavors or sweeteners. I have sampled many sparkling waters and I find the Polar brand to have the most flavor.
**Another good idea is to make a carafe of this and add in ripe ruby red grapefruit slices. Let it sit in the fridge for a few hours and it will taste extra delicious.

Kombucha Wine Cocktail
1/2 bottle of GTS Trilogy kombucha or 8oz home-brewed kombucha.
2 oz of blush or white wine of choice

Raw Margarita aka "Skinny" Margarita
1.5 oz tequila
Juice from 1 lime
1 tsp of agave nectar
seltzer water and ice
Salt for the rim (optional)
If you're going to have a margarita this really is the best way to go. It's light, refreshing, and very low on the glycemic index. My husband makes the best raw margaritas.

Classic Mimosa
3 oz sparkling wine, champagne, or prosecco
Fresh juice from 1-2 oranges. Try to stay away from pre-packaged juices as they usually contain extra sugar.

X-rated Martini
1 oz X-rated vodka (a vodka infused with blood orange, mango, and passion fruit flavors)
2 oz champagne
A little fresh raspberry juice
Raspberry to garnish.
This is one of my all-time favorite cocktails. They serve it at a lounge I used to frequent in college called Room 38.  Man, I miss that place.


Mocktails
By the way, I am not endorsing underage drinking. Your time will come so don't rush it. :)

Mock Ipanema
8oz Ginger ale
A few mint leaves
Crushed ice
~Add a silly straw or fun umbrella!

Mock Champagne cocktail
Sparkling white grape juice
2 fresh raspberries


As always drink responsibly and listen to your body. Everything in moderation.


I hope you enjoyed this post and have a great weekend!

How To Tuesday: Make Your Own Kombucha

Hello lovelies.

Today I am sharing my method for making Kombucha. Kombucha is a probiotic tea made from a mushroom culture. If you've never seen a Kombucha culture it may look a bit scary, like something from a science lab, but it is completely safe. Drinking Kombucha regularly helps balance the PH in your body. This is especially important if you consume alcohol or coffee. Kombucha also aids in digestion, is high in antioxidants, and boosts energy levels. It has also been said that Kombucha prevents grey hair and helps relieve depression, but those statements have not been evaluated but any medical organization. If you have serious health concerns or are pregnant you should consult your doctor before drinking Kombucha.

I started drinking Kombucha because I was experiencing mysterious stomachaches that not even my doctor could figure out. I tried over the counter medicine and nothing worked so I decided to search for a natural remedy.  I've found drinking Kombucha has really helped regulate my digestive system. I rarely have those horrible stomach pains or cramps anymore.  I also notice a definite increase in energy and an elevated mood when I drink Kombucha.


What You Need to Get Started: 
1 Gallon glass jar or container. Never use plastic to brew Kombucha.
32 oz of filtered water
Extra filtered water to top off brew
4-7 tea bags. Organic non-flavored tea is best. I like to use black tea. It is best to only use one type of tea per SCOBY. You can always add flavors in the second fermentation.
1 cup of sugar
Dish towel or cloth
Rubberband
Kombucha SCOBY (the culture)
1 cup starter tea. Usually cultures will come packaged in this liquid. If you get a SCOBY from a friend just ask them to include some of the tea.
Vinegar for sanitizing Kombucha container


Steps for Successful Brewing: 

1. Sanitize the glass container with vinegar. Do not use soap as it will kill the Kombucha culture.

2. Bring 32 oz of water to a boil and add your tea bags. Let the tea brew for about 10 min. Remove pot from heat.

3. Stir in the 1 cup of sugar.

4. Let the tea cool slightly and then add it to your glass jar or container.

5. Gently place your SCOBY into the tea mixture along with about 1 cup of the starter tea.

6. Add cold filtered water on top, leaving about 1-2 inches of room.

7. Place the cloth over the opening of the jar and secure it with a rubber band.

8. Sit the jar in a dark, warm place in your home.

9. Check your brew everyday for signs of mold. Mold is uncommon but if your culture develops mold you have to throw the whole brew out and start over with a new culture.

10. After 7 days taste the Kombucha. If your brew is too sweet let it brew for a few more days. If it is too tart decrease your brew time in the next batch. For too tart or vinegary tasting batches you can add some fruit juice to them to even out the taste.  A good brew will be slightly carbonated and you will be able to see strands of yeast developing.


This is the basic recipe for making Kombucha. After you have brewed the Kombucha you can put it in separate glass jars or bottles for a second fermentation. Simply add fruit and let it ferment for 24-48 hours.  My favorite fruits to add are pineapple, strawberries, and blueberries. You could also add a little 100% natural fruit juice as a flavoring.

If you need a starter SCOBY let me know in the comments section as I always have extra cultures and I would be happy to send you one.

Happy Brewing!

C

How To Tuesday: Cure A Stomach Ache Fast!

Hello Friends.

Today I wanted to share with you a really easy, yet effective way to cure a stomach ache. My stomach has been bothering me lately and I find this little concoction works really well.

As you can see there is a bottle of the obvious generic antacid tablets which I always keep on hand. They work well to cure a minor upset stomach but for a more serious stomach situation I turn to my spice pantry.

If you don't already have crushed mint in your spice collection I highly recommend it. When my stomach starts getting sassy with me I like to add 1/2 tbsp-1tbsp of crushed mint to 16-20 oz of green tea. This Green Tea Kombucha by Yogi Teas is a particular favorite of mine and the Kombucha adds extra digestive benefits.

If your stomach is feeling especially icky you can also add a sliver of fresh ginger to the tea.

Side Note: I have seen peppermint and ginger oils sold in health food stores. Adding 1 drop of each the peppermint and ginger oil in your tea or hot water will provide the same relief. You need to make sure you are purchasing oils meant for consumption and not aromatherapy oils.

The Science Behind It All

This combination of ingredients is no accident of experimentation. All three have very specific properties which promote stomach ache relief and digestive health.

Peppermint is a natural carminative which stops bloating and gas. It can also relieve indigestion by calming any excess of acid in the stomach.

Ginger contains ginergols and shogoals which relax intestines, eliminating nausea and cramps. It is also a mild anti-inflammatory and promotes healthy circulation within the body.

Kombucha is an ancient remedy but has recently gained popularity for its probiotic benefits. Kombucha contains good bacteria which helps your stomach more easily breakdown hard to digest foods and harmful yeast. The carbonation can have a similar effect to drinking a Sprite for a stomach ache, but without all the nasty chemicals and sugar.

The next time your stomach starts aching, fear not. The cure is right in your cupboard.



Be Well,

C







Sources:
http://health.howstuffworks.com/wellness/natural-medicine/herbal-remedies/peppermint-herbal-remedies.htm

http://health.howstuffworks.com/wellness/natural-medicine/herbal-remedies/using-ginger-to-treat-upset-stomach.htm

http://www.foodrenegade.com/kombucha-health-benefits/