The holiday season is a special time of year, so why not give yourself and your guests something special to drink at your get-togethers? These refreshing mocktails will also help you stay hydrated as you celebrate the season.
Citrus spritzer
The best drink for hydration besides water might be fruit-infused water, which makes a refreshing citrus spritzer a great alternative to plain water! Plus, citrus is in peak season during the winter months, so it’s the ideal time of year to experiment with the flavors of oranges, grapefruit and lemons.
Try this easy to make blood orange mocktail for an afternoon pick-me-up:
Combine eight ounces of blood orange juice, one tablespoon of honey and one-half teaspoon of vanilla in a mason jar. Shake the mixture until blended. Divide the juice into two glasses and top each with lime-flavored sparkling water and a slice of blood orange.
Winter sangria
Sangria may be more of a summer drink, but this twist turns it into a holiday treat. Plus, sangria has lots of fruit, which is great for hydration.
You’ll start by roasting the fruit: two oranges, two grapefruits and one cup of cranberries for 30 to 40 minutes in a 400-degree oven. While the fruit roasts, boil 16 ounces of pomegranate juice and one cup of orange juice. Pour the juice over a chai tea bag and let it steep for five minutes. Then, add the roasted fruit to the juice and let everything chill for at least two hours.
Peppermint julep
This take on the classic mint julep is non-alcoholic and bursting with minty goodness.
Pour one ounce of peppermint simple syrup into a glass. Add one cup of crushed ice and top it off with lemon-lime flavored sparkling water. Garnish the drink with fresh mint leaves, a candy cane or crushed candy canes.
Warm tea and cider punch
If cinnamon and spice aren’t your thing, try this version of apple cider made with English breakfast tea.
Pour six cups of apple cider into a saucepan and bring to a boil. Then simmer until the cider reduces in half. Turn off the heat and add eight English breakfast tea bags and one sliced lemon. Let the liquid steep for four minutes. Serve warm.
The holiday season is around the corner, and the best gift you can give yourself is health!
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