Sober-ish for the new year?

With the new year upon us, comes the endless list of health challenges to make drastic changes to our lifestyle in hopes for a new remake of ourselves. After all we have a completely clean slate and a fresh new calendar, right?

I personally like to make goals and work on new health changes in the fall when my schedule starts to firm up after summer vacations. Kind of the theme of back to school, back to health, even though my youngest is 19!

There’s a new trend this year called sober-ish, and I really like it! The curiosity around cutting out alcohol cold turkey after a season that may have been filled with excess and way too many parties has become a regular in January. While it sounds like a great idea to cut out alcohol completely for the month of January, it might be a set up for failure for most of us. But what if we had a more moderate approach that also could be more sustainable in the long run? Cutting back, trying new ideas, and having an exploratory attitude. That’s something I can get behind!

If this is attractive to you, here are a couple of recipes that you might like to try on your journey.

Freeze-Dried Strawberry Citrus Sparkler

The Freeze-Dried Strawberry Citrus Sparkler is a vibrant and refreshing mocktail that brings together the sweet, tangy flavors of citrus and strawberries. The freeze-dried strawberries add a concentrated sweetness and vibrant color, while the citrus juices provide a refreshing tang. This mocktail has a refreshing citrusy flavor with the added sweetness and vibrant color of freeze-dried strawberries! Top the drink with some crushed strawberry powder for a beautiful display!

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup freeze-dried strawberries
• 1 tablespoon honey or agave syrup (optional)
• Juice of 1/2 lemon
• Juice of 1 orange
• 1 cup sparkling water
• Ice cubes
• Fresh mint or lemon slices for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the strawberry mixture: Crush the freeze-dried strawberries into a fine powder using a blender, food processor, or by placing them in a ziplock bag and crushing them.
2. Mix the ingredients: In a pitcher or shaker, combine the strawberry powder, lemon juice, orange juice, and honey/agave syrup. Stir or shake well until the strawberry powder dissolves into the liquid.
3. Assemble the mocktail: Fill a glass with ice cubes, pour the strawberry citrus mixture over the ice, and top with sparkling water or club soda. Stir gently.
4. Garnish and serve: Top with pieces of dried strawberry.

Ginger Orange Mocktail

Get ready for a zesty and revitalizing drink that perfectly blends the warmth of fresh ginger with the bright, sweet flavor of freshly squeezed orange juice. A homemade ginger syrup adds a spicy kick, balanced by the citrusy tang of lemon juice and the natural sweetness of honey or agave nectar. Topped with sparkling water, this mocktail delivers a refreshing fizz that elevates its bold flavors. Garnished with orange slices and fresh mint, it’s a vibrant, energizing drink perfect for any occasion, offering both a refreshing burst and a soothing warmth.

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup fresh ginger, peeled and sliced
• 1/2 cup fresh orange juice (about 2 oranges)
• 2 Tbsp ginger simple syrup: made with 1/2 C water, 1/2 C sugar, and 1/3 C fresh ginger slices
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1-2 cups sparkling water or club soda
• Ice cubes
• Orange slices and fresh mint for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Make the ginger simple syrup: In a small pot, add the ginger slices, sugar, and 1/2 cup water. Bring it to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. Strain the ginger syrup and discard ginger pieces. Syrup can be stored in refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
2. Prepare the mocktail: In a pitcher or glass, combine the fresh orange juice, lemon juice, and the ginger syrup.
3. Assemble the drink: Fill a glass with ice cubes, pour in the orange and ginger mixture, and top with sparkling water or club soda. Stir gently.
4. Garnish and serve: Garnish with orange slices and fresh mint for a pop of color and extra flavor.

Hope these become favorites for you too!

Remember, be kind to yourself and keep taking steps. If you need a partner on the journey, I’ll be here for you, just reach out.