The Art of the “Mocktail”

For a girl who loves the occasional glass of wine or margaritas with the ladies, the idea that I could not drink alcohol for months, even years, was hard to swallow (gulp).  During chemo, I was not to drink at all.  My doctor said my liver could either process alcohol, or process chemo.  Point taken. 

Lucky for me, I had two secret weapons to help me through that.  First, SuperHubs is a very creative guy.  He whipped up non-alcoholic drinks for me that were delicious and satisfying.  Second, my mom and her fun-loving attitude helped me to spin things a different way.  Her opinion was, you can feel like you are drinking if you put it in a fun glass and add some great garnish, straws or stir sticks. I have found this to be true.

Now when I am out to dinner with my hubby or catching up with friends, I just ask for whatever I am drinking “in a fun glass with a garnish.”  That’s not to say I don’t have alcohol once in awhile, but I no longer feel like I am missing out on anything when I don’t drink.

We have created a Sultry Sangria-Lite, a Pear Fake-a-tini, and a Lime Cucumber Cooler (see below), which you can find in our Health+Wellness section.  Please take a look and give “mocktail-ing” a try!

Nicole’s Lime-Cucumber Cooler

Our friend Nicole helped us create this beauty. Think of this as a “spa” drink at home.  Non-alcoholic and refreshing!

1 cup sparking orange-flavored water

1 cup coconut water

1 lime, juiced

1 small Persian cucumber, peeled and sliced

¼ cup mint leaves

1 large basil leaf

1 tsp agave syrup

1 cup crushed ice

Slice of lime and sprig of mint for garnish

DIRECTIONS:

 Peel and slice cucumber.  Muddle lime and agave in the bottom of the glass with a wooden pestle or back of a wooden spoon to get a good syrup.  Add mint and basil leaves and lightly muddle.  Add the rest of the ingredients and top with ice.  Use mint and lime to garnish.

© 2013 Group G Enterprises, LLC