Mocktails are cocktails that look and mostly taste like regular cocktails, but without the alcohol. They can be great alternatives to enjoying a festive drink while allowing you to still say no to alcohol. Which is a good thing from a health perspective.
If you're the mixologist, you have control of what's in the drink. You can eliminate processed sugars and instead have fun using fruits, fruit purees, and exciting (and heath-promoting) flavors like fresh ginger and cinnamon.
Dress up your glasses with garnishes such as:
Citrus wedges or rinds
mint
Sage
Rosemary
Cherries (not maraschino)
Olives
Celery
Strawberries & other berries
Pineapple
Cucumber
Edible flowers
The following recipe will lift your spirits with this delightful Slow Cooker Cranberry Apple Cider. 100% cranberry and apple juices is infused with ginger and cinnamon spice and no added sugar. This cider will warm you from the inside out. This drink great on ice as well.
Enjoy the delicious taste along with the aroma that will permeate your home as it slowly mulls!
RECIPE
Ingredients:
2 cups cranberry juice (100 percent juice) 2 cups organic apple juice (100 percent juice) 2 cups water 2 cinnamon sticks 5 whole cloves 3 star anise 1 inch fresh ginger (peeled, sliced) 2 medium organic apples (cored, sliced) ½ cup fresh cranberries
Directions:
1. Add everything to the slow cooker.
2. Cover and cook on high for 2 hours or low for 4 hours.
3. Strain the liquid through a strainer or skip straining and serve hot with the fruit and enjoy (the fruit will be very soft)! If you prefer a cold drink then transfer the liquid to a pitcher, cover, and place in the refrigerator for 4 hours or overnight. If serving immediately, serve over ice.
Makes approximately 48 ounces.
Notes:
Substitutions Instead of cranberry juice and cranberries use pomegranate juice and pomegranate seeds. Use ground cinnamon and ginger in place of the sticks and fresh ginger root (would recommend stirring in ½ teaspoon of each, tasting and adjusting as needed).
Storage If storing in the refrigerator, remove the whole apples and cranberries from the liquid. Store the liquid in an airtight container or pitcher for 5–7 days.
#mocktail #cocktail #nonalcohol #festivedrink#cranberry
Recipe obtained from Food Revolution Network, Ocean Robbins