Take a break and rehydrate with these delicious summer mocktails
There’s something so special about Britain in the sunshine – the green grass, the blue skies, flower beds in full bloom. We’re a colourful country, even if grey is a shade that out-stays its welcome each winter. So, it’s no surprise that each year as the sun shines down, our social lives become a little busier.
You may be hosting a party and providing the refreshments, perhaps you’re a guest looking to bring along something. Maybe you’re just making a drink for you and your partner to enjoy with a BBQ. Yes, you may have your favourites, but this summer, we challenge you to try something new. We challenge you to experiment in the kitchen and let your taste buds come alive with flavour
and excitement.
Of course, we’re not expecting you to create something from scratch (there’s still a recipe coming!) but when making a new dish or drink, take a moment to acknowledge the flavours. Have you tasted something like this before, or is it totally new? Listen to the ice clink against the glass and watch the condensation drip slowly down its side. Take a sip – do you have that “ahhh” moment as the refreshing liquid touches your tongue?
This summer, enjoy the food and drink you consume. Make memories that will make you smile fondly, and laugh as much as you can. There’s no better feeling.
Here, you will find four drinks recipes, suitable for children and adults alike.
For nutritional support, visit nutritionist-resource.org.uk
Elderflower Fizz
Makes 1
Ingredients
Elderflower cordial (50ml)
Apple juice (100ml)
Method
In a wine glass, mix one part elderflower cordial with two parts apple juice. Add plenty of ice and top with sparkling water. Mix well and garnish with a slice of apple.
Honey Peach Mocktail
Makes 1
Ingredients
1 peach
Clear honey
Ginger ale
Method
Slice and crush half a peach. In a glass, add the peach, plenty of ice and a drizzle of honey.
Mix together and top with ginger ale.
Watermelon and Mint Cooler
Makes 1
Ingredients
Fresh mint leaves
Watermelon (1/2 cup)
Sparkling water
Method
In a tumbler, add the ice and mint leaves. Smash fresh watermelon and add to the tumbler. Top with sparkling water and mix well.
Strawberry and Lime Refresher
Makes 1
Ingredients
Lime juice (25ml)
Strawberries (1/2 cup)
Sparkling water
Wedge of lime to serve
Method
Blend the lime juice and strawberries. Add plenty of ice and top with sparkling water. Garnish with a lime wedge and a strawberry.
Our Nutritionist Says…
As well as being delicious and refreshing, making your own drinks is a great way of avoiding unwanted artificial ingredients, while boosting your nutrient intake.
Elderflower has been used as a traditional remedy for colds and to support immunity. Thought to have anti-inflammatory properties, it may help protect against health conditions, such as arthritis.
Watermelon also boasts anti-inflammatory properties; the juicy fruit is high in lycopene, an antioxidant with anti-cancer activity, and is shown to benefit heart health. Plus, watermelon is 91% water, so eating the fruit or drinking the juice is a great way to keep hydrated during the warmer days.
The strawberries, peach and lime juice in these recipes are high in vitamin C, an important antioxidant with many health-promoting effects, including fighting free radicals and promoting healthy skin.
Personally, I can’t wait to try the thirst-quenching Watermelon and Mint Cooler this summer!
Kate Dimmer is a registered nutritional therapist and registered nutritionist who is passionate about using nutrition and lifestyle to support good health and wellbeing. To find out more about Kate, visit katedimmer.com
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