Antioxidant-Packed Cocktails Perfect For Summer
From mojitos to cosmos, these fabulous and flavorful recipes are new, fresh-squeezed takes on the classics. (Photos: Amie Valpone)
Pineapple Mojito
Add a healthy boost to your cocktail with fresh mint leaves and lime juice. Mint brightens up any drink and is a powerful source of antioxidants. Pineapple and limes are soaring with vitamin C, which is vital to the function of a strong immune system. Pineapple is also rich in manganese and contains bromelain, which has been linked to healthy digestion.
INGREDIENTS
¼ cup pineapple juice
4 teaspoons rum
2 teaspoons fresh lime juice
1 teaspoon simple syrup (mix equal parts sugar and water until dissolved)
1 cup seltzer water, plus more if needed
Handful of fresh mint leaves
Handful of crushed ice
DIRECTIONS
Crush the mint leaves in the bottom of a glass. Add ice, rum, lime juice symptom syrup and seltzer; mix to combine and serve chilled. Serves 1.
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Orange Grapefruit Margarita
Tart and tangy with underlying sweetness, this margarita is perfect for a spring cocktail, when grapefruits are in season. Amp up your margarita with an extra dose of Vitamin C by adding freshly squeezed orange and grapefruit juice. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that boosts your immune system while reducing inflammation.
INGREDIENTS
¼ cup freshly squeezed orange juice
¼ cup freshly squeezed grapefruit juice
4 teaspoons tequila
2 teaspoons simple syrup
2 teaspoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
2 teaspoons freshly squeezed lime juice
Salt, to line the rim of the glass
DIRECTIONS
Pour ingredients into a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake and strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Serve chilled. Serves 1.
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Pomegranate Raspberry Cosmopolitan
Make a healthier cosmo by adding fresh pomegranate juice and raspberries. Pomegranates are nutrient-dense, antioxidant rich fruits that have immune-supporting effects. Raspberries are rich in Vitamin C, manganese and fiber; they’re also loaded with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory phytonutrients.
INGREDIENTS
¼ cup pomegranate juice
4 teaspoons vodka
3 teaspoons flavored liqueur
3 teaspoons fresh lime juice
3-4 fresh raspberries
DIRECTIONS
Pour ingredients into a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake and strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Serve chilled. Serves 1.
By Amie Valpone
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