Written by UConn Dietetics Masters student Sydney Vallone
Today, there are fewer people drinking alcohol beverages because there is more public emphasis on the effects that alcohol has on people’s bodies. There are both short
term and long term effects of drinking alcohol including high blood pressure, liver disease, memory loss, anxiety, and depression. Reducing alcohol consumption helps with sleep, improves mental health, brain health, and gut health. These reasons have led to people turning towards “mocktails” which are drinks that have a similar taste and presentation to an alcoholic drink, but do not include the alcohol or the negative effects!
Here are easy, fun, and lower calorie mocktails to try out this fall!
Apple Ginger Fizz
Ingredients
3 ounces apple cider
1 ounce of freshly squeezed lime juice
6 mint leaves
1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
pinch of powdered cinnamon
3 ounces diet ginger ale
Instructions
Place apple cider, lime juice, cinnamon, apple cider vinegar, and a few ice cubes into a cocktail shaker. If you don’t have a shaker, anything with a tight lid will work, such as a mason jar, or drink bottle. Clap the mint together in your hands to release the scent and add to the shaker. Shake for about 20 to 30 seconds until ingredients are combined. Pour into a glass filled with ice and top with ginger ale. Stir gently, garnish with mint, dried citrus or a cinnamon stick, and serve.
Cranberry Orange Punch, Easy and Perfect for a Party!
Ingredients
2 (2 quart) bottles chilled cranberry juice (no sugar added but sweetened with fruit juice)
1 (1 liter) bottle chilled club soda
6 cups orange juice
oranges, thinly sliced for garnish
fresh cranberries for garnish
Instructions
Combine cranberry juice, club soda, and orange juice in a large punch bowl. Cover and chill for at least four hours. When ready to serve, float the orange slices and cranberries in the punch.
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