Keep It Clean with Mocktails (Episode Three)
Happy Thursday, friend!
This week’s episode is shorter than last week’s - because I’m keeping it spirit free! I know we’ve all been cooped up in the house for the last few weeks and more than likely, been enjoying our fair share of wine, beer, and hard liquor. And for those who don’t drink, expecting or just had a baby, you just might be tired of plain water or fruit juice. So, to push us out of our comfort zone (and to give our livers a break), I’ve come up with two “Wine Mocktails” that you can make with some of your favorite fruits right at home. (I promise, I’ll be back with the wine next week.) Cheers!
MOCKTAIL #1 - Juicy Fruit Sangria
Now, if I were making real Sangria, I’d use a delicious Spanish table wine like Rioja or Tempranillo, and add an ounce of Henny for a kick. But, since this is a yummy mocktail, I’m keeping it clean and cute. And feel free to add any of your favorite fruit here, too!
Ingredients (for one pitcher)
1 bottle of sparkling red grape juice
1 cup of frozen blueberries
2 medium oranges (sliced)
4 limes, two for juice and two for quartering
4 red apples, cut into chunks
Directions: Slice your oranges and limes, chop your apples and dump your cup of frozen blueberries into a pitcher. Add a full bottle of sparkling grape juice. Stir. Put in the refrigerator for an hour to allow flavors to marinate. Serve in wine glasses garnished with an orange slice and enjoy!
PAIRS WELL WITH - Mexican food; a bomb ass charcuterie board.
MOCKTAIL #2 - Mango-Lime Spritz
Next, I’ve taken the traditional white wine spritzer and flipped it and reversed it. Again, if I were making this cocktail with wine, I would for sure use a New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc - similar to the one I shared in Episode One.
Ingredients (for one pitcher)
1 bag of frozen Mango
6 limes; four for the juice and two for slicing
A small nub of fresh ginger root (grated)
1 bottle of sparkling water (any brand)
2 cups of ice
Directions: Drop your frozen mango and two sliced limes into a pitcher. Squeeze four limes into the pitcher, too. Pour your bottle of sparkling water into the pitcher. Grate a small nub of ginger on top and stir. Pop in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to marinate. Serve in a wine glass garnished with a slice of lime and enjoy!
PAIRS WELL WITH: Parmesan-crusted french fries, Avocado toast or guacamole and chips.
