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Gut Healthy Berry Mocktail: Recipe & Benefits

  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 1 serving 1x

Description

A refreshing and gut-friendly berry mocktail packed with antioxidants and probiotics. Perfect for a healthy and delicious treat!

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup mixed berries (fresh or frozen, such as blueberries, raspberries, strawberries)
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened cranberry juice
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar (with the mother)
  • 1 tablespoon raw honey (or maple syrup for vegan option)
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, plus extra for garnish
  • 1 cup sparkling water or club soda
  • Ice cubes
  • Optional: Lemon or lime wedges for garnish

Instructions

  1. Combine mixed berries, cranberry juice, and spices: In a medium saucepan, combine mixed berries, cranberry juice, ground ginger, and ground cinnamon.
  2. Simmer the Mixture: Place the saucepan over medium heat. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally. Reduce the heat to low and let it cook for about 10-15 minutes, until the berries break down and the mixture thickens slightly.
  3. Muddle the Mint: While the berry mixture is simmering, gently muddle the fresh mint leaves in a separate small bowl.
  4. Strain the Berry Mixture: After simmering, remove the saucepan from the heat. Using a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth-lined colander, strain the berry mixture into a bowl or jar. Press down on the solids with a spoon to extract as much juice as possible. Discard the solids.
  5. Add Honey and Apple Cider Vinegar: Stir in the raw honey (or maple syrup) and apple cider vinegar into the strained berry base. Make sure the honey is fully dissolved.
  6. Cool the Berry Base: Allow the berry base to cool completely. You can speed up the cooling process by placing it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes.
  7. Prepare Your Glass: Fill a glass with ice cubes.
  8. Add the Berry Base: Pour about 1/4 cup of the cooled berry base over the ice. Adjust the amount depending on how strong you want the berry flavor to be.
  9. Add the Muddled Mint: Add the muddled mint to the glass.
  10. Top with Sparkling Water: Top the glass with sparkling water or club soda. Leave about an inch of space at the top.
  11. Stir Gently: Gently stir the mocktail to combine the ingredients. Be careful not to over-stir, as this can cause the sparkling water to lose its fizz.
  12. Taste and Adjust: Taste the mocktail and adjust the sweetness or tartness as needed. If it’s too tart, add a little more honey. If it’s too sweet, add a squeeze of lemon or lime juice.
  13. Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh mint leaves and a lemon or lime wedge. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

  • Berry Variations: Experiment with different berries like blackberries, cranberries, or goji berries.
  • Fruit Additions: Add peaches, plums, or apples to the berry base for added sweetness and complexity.
  • Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or fresh ginger slices while simmering the berry mixture.
  • Gut-Healthy Smoothie: Blend the berry base with yogurt or kefir for a probiotic-rich smoothie.
  • Herb Infusion: Infuse the sparkling water with herbs like rosemary or thyme.
  • Make Ahead: The berry base can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Sweeter Mocktail: Use a flavored sparkling water (berry or citrus) for a sweeter drink.
  • Cocktail Version: Add a shot of vodka, gin, or rum for an adult version.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes

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Find it online: https://www.sweetbananachef.com/gut-healthy-berry-mocktail/