Peach Bellini Mocktail

Brunch is a weekend staple, and if you're anything like me, it's something you look forward to every week. If you're looking to make your next brunch date with the girls a little less boozy, don't be afraid to try alcohol alternatives like this Peach Bellini Mocktail! Whether you're going alcohol-free, or you're looking for something to sip between cocktails, this mock Bellini is a definite crowd pleaser. ?

Ingredients

1/4 cup apple juice

1/4 cup peach juice

1 wedge lemon juice

Agave nectar, honey or simple syrup (to taste)

Sparkling water

Apple or peach slice for garnish (optional)

Directions

Add apple, peach and lemon juices to a champagne flute. Heat agave syrup (or simple syrup/honey) and stir in. Top off your amazing mocktail with sparkling water. To finish, wedge the apple slice on the rim.


Strawberry Basil Spritzer

As far back as Roman times, strawberries have been used to alleviate inflammation, reduce fever, cure gout, improve bad breath, and more! When combined with basil (which has both antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties) and lime, this tasty treat becomes a powerhouse of health benefits.

Ingredients

2 cups strawberries (hulled and quartered, plus a couple of sliced strawberries for garnish)

¼ cup basil leaves + several sprigs for garnish (can substitute mint)

½ cup cane sugar

2 limes, juiced + I lime in thinly sliced rounds

Club soda/seltzer water

Ice

Directions

Place the strawberries and basil in a glass serving bowl or pitcher. Sprinkle sugar over it and lightly smash the ingredients together, softening the strawberries and slightly crushing the basil leaves. Lightly is the operative word here—you don’t want to turn this into a pulp!

Pour lime juice, gently stir, and allow to sit for a least a few minutes. If serving in individual glasses, place a few ice cubes in each glass and spoon the mixture over the ice with bubbly water. Garnish with sliced strawberries, lime round, and a sprig of basil. If serving in a pitcher or bowl, gently combine the strawberry mixture with ice and desired amount of bubbly water, and float the garnish on top.


Grapefruit & Rosemary Mimosa

As you've probably noticed, I've become a big fan of infused simple syrups! They're a great way to add depth to an otherwise simple drink. This Mimosa inspired mocktail uses rosemary syrup (one of my favourite herbs, rosmary is great for stimulating focus and memory), but the possibilities for other combinations are endless!

Ingredients

Mocktail

2 tablespoons Rosemary Simple Syrup

1/2 cup of grapefruit juice

Club soda/seltzer water

Grapefruit and rosemary to garnish

Simple Syrup

1/2 cup water

1/2 cup sugar

3 sprigs fresh rosemary

Directions

Simple Syrup

Bring sugar and water to a boil (this happens quickly!) with rosemary stirred into it. Stirring often, boil for 1 minute or until sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat, place into fridge and let sit for 30 minutes. If possible, run the liquid through a sieve or cheesecloth. Chill before use.

You can also make simple syrup in the microwave by placing the mixture in a glass tupperware container and heating it at 30 second intervals until sugar is fully dissolved.

Mocktail (per 1 serving)

Put about 2 tablespoons Rosemary Simple syrup (recipe above) into a champagne glass. Fill the glass about 1/2 full with chilled grapefruit juice. Top with chilled club soda/seltzer. Garnish with rosemary and fresh grapefruit.


Cucumber Lime Agua Fresca

This drink happens to be one of my favourite (and so simple!) recipes drawn from my adopted country of Mexico. The humble cucumber, which is the featured ingredient in this drink, is high in vitamin K, B vitamins, copper, potassium, vitamin C, and manganese. Cucumber has been said to relieve stress, improve skin, have anti-inflammatory properties, and contains the antioxidant flavonoid quercetin, which is believed to prevent histamine release—perfect for allergy season! Combined with lime, another antioxidant powerhouse that can aid digestion, this drink is a wonderful antidote to any overindulgence.

Ingredients

4 cups chopped peeled cucumber

2 cups water

2 to 4 limes, juiced (depending on preferred tartness)

2 to 4 tablespoons agave (depending on preferred sweetness)

Directions

Blend all of the ingredients, strain, and serve over ice. You can float thinly sliced cucumber with the peel still on and lime rounds, as an elegant and easy garnish.

Serves 4 (this recipe can be easily doubled or tripled!)