Mocktails and Detox Sodas: A Break Before the Holidays

Let’s say goodbye to soft drinks and cocktails for a few weeks, and welcome homemade detox sodas and mocktails.

It can start as simply as mixing fresh seasonal fruits, mineral water or any soda-type mixer and aromatic herbs. Maybe even a touch of agave honey!

But before sharing our inspiring ideas and recipes with you, let’s understand what detox means and the benefits it offers. Detoxification eliminates toxins from the body which can allow our bodies to recharge and find a better balance. Creating a habit of detox periods throughout the year can bring numerous direct benefits. Resting your body from the intake of synthetic additives and alcohol, and hydrating with nutrient-rich natural beverages can lead to revitalization, noticeable inside and out.

Some Benefits of a Liquid Detox

• Increased energy

Abstaining from high-calorie drinks that produce fatigue and heaviness can make you feel lighter and more vigorous.

• Bright, clear complexion

Ingesting more nutrients through fruit and vegetable juices will make your skin shine.

• Better hydration

Incorporating naturally-hydrating ingredients with plain drinking water, mineral water or low-sugar sodas can help maintain a higher level of hydration. Being well-hydrated improves sleep quality, cognitive functions and mood.  

•  Improved digestion

Eating vegetables rich in fiber promotes a balanced intestinal microbiota.

• Weight loss

Eliminating processed food and drinks with added sugars often sheds unwanted pounds. 

• Greater consciousness

 A detox practice that includes drinking healthier beverages may elevate your palette, increase your repetoire and promote a more conscious relationship with the drinks you choose to consume.

Detox Drinks: Healthy and Cleansing

These healthy drinks help eliminate toxins from your body via urine or sweat. For this reason, most are made with plain drinking water, or carbonated water, which is essential for daily hydration.

These drinks are also packed with fruits and vegetables, rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Red fruits in particular, such as strawberries, raspberries, blackberries and blueberries, make a great choice because of their high concentration of antioxidants. These ingredients strengthen the immune system and provide fiber to the body.

A third key ingredient in detox sodas are herbs and spices. Your best allies may be ginger, turmeric, basil, rosemary and peppermint. The anti-inflammatory qualities of these plants and roots are powerful.

Incorporating other drinks such as green and white tea is another way to give your detox drinks a boost. In addition to improving your metabolism, it will fill you with antioxidants that delay aging and improve cellular oxidation.

Finally, a touch of apple cider vinegar or kombucha can help with weight loss and benefit your digestive health.

Mocktails: Healthy Imitators

These great cocktail copycats offer a refreshing and tasty alternative to consuming alcohol.

Increasingly, these drinks are offered at social events, restaurants and bars for those who, for health or other reasons, want to consume a non-alcoholic drink that tastes as delicious and satisfying as a traditional cocktail.

We leave you with two recipes designed by David Ampudia, the brand ambassador for House of Tequila, so you can join the trend before year’s end.

Mocktail Recipes

Honolulu Sour

A fresh, fruity and tropical cocktail with spicy and vinegary notes from the tepache.

Ingredients:

• 60 ml pineapple juice
• 45 ml pineapple tepache*
• 15 ml lemon juice
• 15 ml cinnamon syrup
• 1 pinch ground black pepper
• Pineapple wedge and mint sprig to garnish
  
  

Preparation:

Add all the ingredients to a shaker with plenty of ice and shake vigorously. Serve in an old fashioned glass on the rocks, and garnish with the pineapple wedge and mint sprig.

*If you do not have tepache, substitute natural pineapple juice and add 5 ml of apple cider vinegar.

Aranciata Expresso

A mid-afternoon aperitif cocktail with a perfect balance between citrus and spice; light but with character.

Ingredients:

• 180 ml San Pellegrino Aranciata
• 30 ml espresso coffee
• 5 ml agave honey
• 1 orange slice and a cinnamon stick to garnish
  
  

Preparation:

Mix the espresso with the agave nectar and set aside. Fill the highball glass with ice, add the soda and cut with the coffee to form a floating layer. Garnish with an orange slice and cinnamon stick.