The one thing I love about summer is being able to sit on our back deck, enjoying the sun while also enjoying a refreshing summer beverage.
Now Christine and I have been known to enjoy the occasional glass of wine or two, but if the right summer cocktail comes along, who are we to say no 😉
And did you know you can enjoy a summer cocktail with health benefits..Beverages with benefits, we call them. What could you add to your drink to give you some health benefit…Kombucha, our favourite probiotic drink.
What is Kombucha?
Kombucha, for those who have never had it, is a fermented drink made from black or green tea with the help of a ‘scoby’ (symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast)..Sounds yummy doesn’t it??!! I won’t get into the full science behind fermentation but it is a natural process that yields healthy bacteria beneficial to our gut health.
Once the fermentation process begins, you can add natural and fruit flavorings to enhance this drink. The fermentation process will make this drink ‘fizzy’. So for those who like the carbonated drinks, this a great healthier alternative.
Benefits of Kombucha
With kombucha, (or ‘buch’ as some call it), being fermented it is full of natural bacteria which is so helpful for our digestive systems.
It is known that a healthy gut is very beneficial to a healthier you!
Kombucha also has antioxidants which come from the black or green tea as well as some B vitamins.
Now kombucha may not be for everyone but I have incorporated this fizzy drink into some summertime fun that might just change your mind.
For these recipes I have used our favorite local brand True Buch. These can be made with alcohol or without, your preference.
The Mojito
The mojito, originated in Cuba, is a refreshing drink made of five ingredients (mint, lime juice, white rum, sugar and soda water). I don’t know about you but to me is just screams sun and summer. There are many ways to make a mojito but here are my steps to a healthier version:
- In a tall hi-ball glass place 8-10 mint leaves
- juice of 1/2 a lime
- get out the muddler, (a tool used to smash and mix cocktail ingredients) and slightly bruise the mint leaves
- add some ice to the glass
- add a tbsp of simple syrup **see note below**
- if making with a little alcohol, this is where you would add some rum
- top with True Buch Mint Mojito kombucha
- garnish with a slice of lime and a few mint leaves
NOTE: to make simple syrup – 1:1 ratio of water to sugar and heat until the sugar has dissolved. Cool and store in the refrigerator.
Cherry Limeade (adapted from Vanilla and Bean)
When its cherry season this is a great syrup to have on hand and can be made to use up those last few cherries..It is also great as a drizzle over ice cream :). Easily stored in the refrigerator.
- 1 cup of pitted cherries
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/3 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
- 2 tsp lime zest
Add all to a sauce pan and bring to a boil. Simmer and cover for 15 minutes. Cool and add to a blender. Blend until smooth. At this point you could strain the solids out but I choose to skip this part because the cherry skins are great antioxidants. (Another health benefit to this drink).
Add 2 oz of syrup to a glass with ice. This is where you could add a splash of vodka or not, your choice. Top with True Buch Ginger kombucha. Garnish with a lime slice, mint sprig and a cherry.
NOTE: You can even mix these up by making a cherry mojito. Omit the simple syrup from the mojito steps and add 2 oz of the cherry syrup to the mojito instead. So yummy!
Whatever your summer beverage of choice is, we hope you get the chance to sit, relax and enjoy the summer.
Cheers!!
Danni
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