Ok… while I am not advocating adding these Cocktails to your weekly routine, on special occasions it can be fun to indulge a little with something that at least appears to be healthy. Bars around the country are jumping on the cold-pressed juice craze bandwagon and are now offering detox-savvy green juice cocktails to their menus, with an exaggerated nod to token green leaf cleansing superstars, such as kale, wheatgrass, and spinach.
These two recipes are simple-syrup free and feature a green leaf juice or puree that offers incredible health benefits, even while you’re boozing…. again the key is to keep this to a limited and only occasional indulgence; better yet these can be easily converted to a fun non-alcoholic mocktail!
Please keep in mind that if you are still struggling with health issues, digestive challenges or weight loss… it is best to avoid alcohol and go with the a mocktail version!!
Pineapple-Basil-Kale Smash
Serves 1
Ingredients
• ½ cup fresh pineapple, chopped into chunks
• 5 basil leaves
• 1 ½ ounces rye ( or clear alcohol)
• 1/4 ounce kale juice
• Extra fresh basil leaves and pineapple for garnish
Directions
Muddle the pineapple and basil leaves in a cocktail shaker until it is well mashed and resembles a puree. Fill the shaker with ice. Add the rye and kale juice. Shake for about 30 seconds.
Spinach Margarita
Serves 3
Ingredients
• 1 cup white grape juice
• 2 ounces tequila
• 2 ounces triple sec
• Juice of 1 lime
• 1 cup fresh spinach leaves
• 2 cups ice
Directions
Add all the ingredients to a high-speed blender and blend until smooth and slushy in appearance. Serve in salt-rimmed glasses.
Be Well,
Donna Stephens
BCN, CPHN, LDHS
