Summer is here, which only means one thing – it’s time for mocktails, social gatherings, and of course, sun! I always look forward to this time of year where I can socialize under the sun, finally come out of hibernation, and try out new recipes using fresh seasonal produce. For many, summer social gatherings revolve around one thing and one thing only – alcohol. All the Wine, all the cocktails and all the beers.
With so much of popular western culture built around summer boozing and binging in beer gardens, wine and champagne bars, there’s very little discussion on just how harmful alcohol is to the body, especially when consuming under the scorching sun!
Think about it, alcohol is one of the most dehydrating liquids on the planet, so consumption in high volumes lowers the body’s tolerance for heat and causes the body to lose more fluid through urine, resulting in dehydration. Now, here at Ankha Azzura, we have a no judgment zone policy, so if you enjoy a glass of wine with your charcuterie, do you. But just know, in reality, drinking wine or cocktails under the scorching sun can impact your wellness journey negatively – for instance, dry and aging skin, nausea, fatigue, sweatiness and even negative feelings of depression and anxiety.
So why not swap your cocktail for a healthy mineral mocktail, a drink that can help boost your health, energy and even your mental wellbeing. Below, I have a list of top healthy mocktail recipes for you to try this summer 2024.
Watermelon Mint Magnesium
- Magnesium is an important mineral that’s abundant in the body and involved in over 600 enzymatic reactions. Solutions of magnesium citrate are effective saline laxatives used for relieving constipation. Furthermore, it can promote better sleep, reduce anxiety and improve bone health.
Ingredients
• 1 tsp Organika Soothe Magnesium Citrate in Watermelon & Mint
• 1 1/2 cups filtered or sparkling water
• 3 sprigs of mint, roughly torn
• 1/2 tsp grated ginger
• Squeeze of lime
• Garnish: mint leaves
Cinnamon-Spiced Orange & Thyme Mocktail
Thyme is an herb from the mint family and is a culinary staple. That said, it may also provide numerous health benefits, such as fighting acne, regulating mucus, fighting infections, and more.
Ingredients
• ½ cup (120 mL) water
• ¼ cup (60 mL) maple syrup
• 4 sprigs fresh thyme
• ½ tsp ground cinnamon
• 2 Tbsp (12 g) freshly grated ginger
• ½ lemon, juiced
• 2 cups (222 g) ice cubes, plus more for shaking
• 2 cups (480 mL) orange juice
• 2 cups (480 mL) ginger ale
Green Tea Matcha Martini Mocktail
Matcha is popular in health stores and coffee shops, available as matcha shots, lattes, teas, and desserts. Like green tea, matcha comes from the Camellia sinensis plant. Studies of matcha and its components have unearthed a variety of benefits, showing that it can help protect the liver, promote heart health, and even aid in weight loss.
• Matcha powder.
• Non-alcoholic gin.
• Citrus juice.
• Sweetener.
• Fresh mint for garnish on your glass.
• Ice cubes
Ginger Hibiscus Mocktail
Hibiscus is high in antioxidants and offers many potential benefits. In particular, it may help promote weight loss, reduce the growth of bacteria and cancer cells, and support the health of the heart and liver.
• Hibiscus tea
• Fresh lemon or lime juice
• Something gingery like this ginger syrupor ginger beer
Healthy Coconut Refresher
A refreshing way to enjoy your daily intake of an essential mineral. This healthy mocktail includes one key ingredient which is zinc!
Zinc is an essential nutrient found in a variety of plant and animal foods, along with supplements. It plays a key role in skin health, immune function, and cell growth and may protect against acne, inflammation, and other conditions.
• ½ Cup Pineapple Juice
• ¼ Cup Coconut Milk
• 1 Serving MaryRuth’s Liquid Ionic Zinc
• Pineapple Slice (for garnish)
Sources: Healthline.com
