Summer Mocktails

Healthy, alcohol-free beverages that offer a fresh herbal buzz are easy, delicious and feel indulgent…but in all the right kinds of ways.

Below I offer three recipes that are so healthy they should really be called tonics.

 Lemon balm is in season now and is an incredibly safe herb for the entire family that promotes serious relaxation. The grapefruit and ginger combination is delicious and is also thought to be cleansing and energizing. Lavender and lemon is mellow, sweet and provides a relaxed herbal buzz. So whichever your pleasure, you’ll feel not only hydrated but calm and relaxed with these delicious and healthy drinks. Enjoy and be well!

LEMON BALM AND CITRUS WATER

-    1 large bunch of fresh lemon balm (If not available brew lemon balm tea and follow package directions. My favorite brand is Traditional Medicinals.)

-    orange slices

-    water

Place all ingredients in a large beverage container and allow to brew for several hours. Drink cold over ice or at room temperature.

GRAPEFRUIT AND GINGER MOCKTAIL

-fresh-squeezed grapefruit juice

-small piece of fresh ginger

-sparkling water

-sweetener of choice (optional)

 Pour fresh grapefruit juice into a glass. Peel fresh ginger and use a microplane to finely grate. Start by adding a pinch of ginger to juice and taste, add more if desired. Top with a splash of sparkling water and sweetener, if desired.

LEMONADE with LAVENDER

-1 tbsp dried lavender flowers

-8 oz boiling water

-1 Meyer lemon

-honey (raw and local if possible)

 Pour boiling water over lavender flowers and allow to steep for 15-20 minutes. Strain out lavender and add the juice of 1 whole Meyer lemon. Add honey to taste. I like drinking it quite sweet. Serve hot or cold.