Drinks

July 3, 2017

Sparkling Rosé Floats

Just in time for the Fourth of July, and all summer festivities in fact: Sparkling Rosé Floats! I would hardly call this a recipe, because it is an easy “throw all the ingredients together” type of drink. Quick to make, and refreshing-which is the perfect combo for the long, leisurely days of summer where you would rather be outside than mixing drinks in the kitchen.

This idea started out as a joke between my sister and I. She knows I have a love for rosé and she loves that it is National Ice Cream Month, so what better ingredients to combine for a festive treat? This recipe was born on a whim, proving that some of the best things result from a crazy, spontaneous idea. I’ve never been a fan of a root beer float, but I can get behind a rosé float for sure!

If rosé isn’t your thing, or if you prefer not to drink, a mocktail version could be made simply by omitting the alcohol and using more sparkling water. Or, get an extra boost of probiotics by using kombucha as a bubbly base for the ice cream, like my sister did.

I wouldn’t call this the skinniest drink you could enjoy, (celebrate, relax, savor the drink), but if you are feeling a festive float, this recipe is amazing for two reasons:

The rosé is cut with sparkling water, so it takes longer to sip the drink, while also helping to hydrate you (hydration is key when drinking). You will end up feeling like you are consuming a larger volume while cutting calories from alcohol.
The portion of ice cream is only 1/2 cup, so your ice cream intake is automatically controlled (as compared to the temptation of eating out of the pint). Scoop 1/2 cup into your glass, and enjoy. Too much ice cream in a glass of rosé is not a fun thing. The ratio is important. This is a beverage, not an alcohol-infused scoop of creamery. 😉

Time to defrost the ice cream and chill the rosé! Pro tip- To keep drinks cooler longer, freeze fruit and use as ice cubes in the glass. Add just before scooping in the ice cream.

Sparkling Rosé Floats

Serves 4

1 bottle of your favorite Rosé (I used Summer Water)

2 cups sparkling water (I used Sprindrift Raspberry Lime for a fun flavor combo)

1 pint vanilla ice cream (I keep it dairy-free with GoBeyond Organic Vanilla)

Strawberries, for garnish

In four glasses, split rosé evenly. Top off with 1/4 cup sparkling water, then add a scoop (one fourth of a pint) of ice cream. Garnish with strawberry and enjoy!

I hope you have a magical Fourth of July. Any fun plans?? Cheers!

XO,

Alexandra

June 24, 2017

Lemon+Mint Summer Smoothie

Summa summa time! Hands down my favorite time of the year. Everyone relaxes a bit (which I def need to do), the days are longer, and there is a feeling of freedom and adventure in the air. When it’s hot outside and beach days are on the horizon, my go-to snack or meal becomes the smoothie. It’s quick, easy, and oh-so refreshing. Plus, what’s cuter than toting a little mason jar or tumbler to a beach picnic? (Nothing)

Ice cold lemonade, lemon sorbet, or even a little limoncello are all reminiscent of the sunshine days of summer. Add a little mint, and it’s like the cooling cherry on top. In the summer, I love to eat foods that help prevent bloating, keep skin looking fab, and obviously keep you cool in the heat. This smoothie does all three! Time to pull out the umbrella straws!

The way we are using lemon in this recipe might be a littttle unconventional, but hear me out. We use the whole lemon (except for the seeds). I’m talking rind, pith, everything. Why you ask? Well the external parts of the lemon are seriously full of nutrients! Once the lemon is all blended up, you won’t even be able to tell that the whole fruit was used.(No funky texture or bitter aftertaste like you might expect). When life gives you lemons, instead of making lemonade, you should make this smoothie! Let’s break down the benefits below.

Lemon: Crazy-potent source of vitamin C (even more in the peel!) which is great for quenching free radicals and promoting healthy collagen production #foutainofyouth. It contains plant nutrients like quercetin and limonene that act as antioxidants, preventing inflammation. Limonene has also been studied for its anti-cancer properties. Quercetin fights inflammation linked to many chronic diseases, from heart disease to diabetes. Citrus fruits are one of the best sources of quercetin, and most of it is found in the peel and pith. How many times have you squeezed a lemon for its juice then thrown away the peel? Wash it well, go for organic if possible, and then use the whole thang in this recipe!

Blueberries: One of the most potent food sources of antioxidants. Research shows they have anti-cancer properties. Other benefits include memory-boosting, anti-aging, and overall anti-inflammatory goodness. That gorgeous dark color holds powerful polyphenols like anthocyanins, which are great for disease prevention and beautiful skin.

Mint: Freshens breath, soothes the stomach, and promotes digestion. If you have tummy woes, mint is your friend. If you are someone who gets a “gurgly stomach” or nausea, mint is great to incorporate into your diet, and this smoothie is an easy way to do so.

If the body-loving benefits of this smoothie aren’t enough, it just tastes like an indulgent lemon bar or one of those Italian lemon shortbread cookies. So. good. I’m thinking these would make amazing popsicles to enjoy poolside…just sayin’! I would also whip this one up post-workout, and add a little tahini for some healthy fat. How rad that this doubles as post-workout fuel AND dessert?! What more could you ask for?

Lemon+Mint Summer Smoothie

Serves 2

1 cup frozen blueberries

1/2 cup mint leaves, packed

1/2 lemon, seeds removed, skin on

2 scoops protein powder

1 cup flax milk (or other non-dairy milk of choice)

2/3 cup water

Put all ingredients into blender. Blend on high for 30 seconds. Enjoy!! Easy peasy lemon squeezy!

What’s your favorite smoothie combo? What are the foods that you love to have every year that are just the epitome of summer? For me, summer isn’t complete without watermelon, homemade gazpacho, lots of fresh guacamole, plus a little zesty lemon flair on everything. And all the “al fresco” dining of course!!

Talk soon!

XO,

Alexandra

October 19, 2016

Winter Antioxidant Smoothie

Amongst all the stress that gets thrown at us this season-holidays, shifts in the weather, school and work deadlines- (I know, I just began to admit to myself that summer is definitely over), our bodies can take some major blows. All that stress causes oxidative damage and inflammation, which truly is the root cause of most diseases. However, even plain ol’ day to day life, certain foods, and exercise can also lead to oxidative damage/inflammation and buildup of free radicals in our body. That’s why it is so essential that we nourish ourselves with antioxidant-rich and anti-inflammatory foods when we can.

I want you to note this, also. More antioxidants does not always mean better. Many research studies show that too much of this good thing can actually cause harm! So no need to stock up on expensive antioxidant supplements- get your dose of antioxidants from whole food sources…which brings me to this smoothie!

If you are feeling run-down and lackluster, this smoothie is perfect to add into your rotation. It is so full of nutrient-rich ingreds that I will breakdown below. A little bonus: not only is this recipe gonna work wonders for your insides neutralizing all those free radicals and bringing down that inflammation, it’s gonna be beautifying, too. Think of it as a brightening, anti-aging face mask that you drink 🙂 . In this case, you are what you eat, which means you will be deliciously refreshed both inside and out! If you find no other reason to drink this smoothie, do it because it is dang tasty!

So let’s talk ingredients, shall we?

Pomegranate seeds: Our wintery jewel in this smoothie! This fruit is brimming with antioxidants and polyphenols. It’s truly one of the OG superfoods before acai came on the scene. Plus, one pom contains 40% of your daily vitamin C needs, which is crucial if you want youthful, glowing skin.

Cacao nibs/powder: you are gonna notice a trend here, but say hello to even more antioxidants! This is the cacao bean (where we get chocolate) in a very minimally processed form. There should only be one ingredient: cacao! Cacao is rich in polyphenols, is a good source of many nutrients including iron and magnesium, and it’s a major mood booster that has been shown to raise serotonin levels.

Flax seeds: These are a great source of anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids. Plus they are a great source of fiber and…antioxidants! Purchase them ground (or grind your own), because that makes it much easier for our body to absorb the nutrients. As an FYI to make it easier when you are navigating the store, ground flax seeds are the same as “flax meal”.

Chia seeds: More fiber, more omega-3 fatty acids, more antioxidants. Are you surprised? Can’t go wrong with a spoonful of chia and plenty of water to help improve digestion, too. Chia seeds absorb tons of water, so they help to make the smoothie thick in texture.

Matcha green tea powder: Ahhhh yes, this whole leaf green tea that is ground into a powder is all the rage now. As someone who has been consuming matcha for the past decade, I sometimes feel like a matcha connoisseur who has been waiting patiently for this to catch on. Been trying to get people to have this green drank for a verryyy long time. Matcha is full of EGCG, a type of polyphenol that has very high antioxidant activity. Plus that bright green color means it’s full of chlorophyll, which increase the blood’s capacity to deliver oxygen throughout the body. Love it!

Ready to get a serious antioxidant boost? Recipe is below!

Antioxidant Beauty Smoothie

Serves 2 as a snack, 1 as a meal

Ingredients

1 cup pomegranate seeds

1 1/2 cups milk of choice (I used unsweetened flax milk)

1 scoop protein powder- helps with satiety and stabilizing blood sugar levels

2 Tbsp cacao nibs

2 Tbsp cacao powder

1 Tbsp flax seeds

1 Tbsp chia seeds

1 tsp matcha green tea powder

Put all ingredients in blender, then blend it up, baby!

What are some of your favorite smoothie ingredients? I love smoothies, but sometimes in the winter they can seem a little “summery”, which is why I like to shift toward adding warming spices like cinnamon and nutmeg and Fall/Winter produce like pumpkin, pomegranate, and persimmon!

Talk soon! Let me know what posts/recipes you are interested in as we approach sweater weather and the “season of indulgence”.

XO,

Alexandra

May 3, 2016

Pink-o de Mayo: Refreshing Hibiscus Mocktail

Just in time for Cinco de Mayo, I’m comin’ atcha with a refreshing beverage you can sip while you munch on guacamole and fish tacos. This mocktail is the perfect drink to serve up for all of your summer entertaining because the color is gorgeous (instagram worthy), and it is totally hydrating. I call it the “Pink-o de Mayo”! Who could turn down a pink drink that looks this enticing?!

Where, oh where does the intense color come from, you ask? Why, that would be the hibiscus flowers! Hibiscus flowers come from the hibiscus plant (obvi), and they are typically sold in whole, dried flower form. The dried hibiscus flowers can then be steeped in hot water to make tea or the base of a traditional Mexican drink called Jamaica, or Agua de Jamaica. Hibiscus flower tea is actually consumed around the world, and even dates back to ancient Egypt where it was the pharaoh’s bev of choice. Yep, we are throwing it wayyy back today with these hibiscus flowers!

The hibiscus flowers have a tart, cranberry-like flavor, which makes them an unexpected yet divine addition to a fancy little spritzer. If you are feeling extra spicy, you can even use the whole flowers in anything from soups, to smoothies, to salsas. Added bonus: hibiscus flowers are a source of vitamin C and antioxidants, too! #plantpower

Some preliminary studies have also shown that drinking hibiscus tea may help to reduce blood pressure in those with moderate hypertension. (Look’s like the ancient Egyptians were on to something). But even without conclusive scientific evidence about the benefits of consuming hibiscus flowers, they make for quite a refreshing beverage, and I can’t think of a better drink to pair with Cinco de Mayo fare.

Make yourself a big pitcher of Pink-o de Mayo, and drink to your health! This mocktail is extremely low in calories, has zero added sugar, and keeps you hydrated, unlike sugary mixers and margaritas. A senorita’s gotta keep her skin glowy, right? All you need are some pink flamingo straws, and you will be sipping pretty.

Pink-o de Mayo

Serves 4

1/4 cup hibiscus flowers (also called jamiaca)- you can find them online or in an ethnic market
2 cups water
1 medium lime, another for garnish
12 blackberries
About 3 cups sparkling water

In advance: On the stove over medium heat, bring water up to a low boil, and add hibiscus flowers. Turn off heat, and let flowers steep for about 5 minutes. Strain the liquid, and chill in the refrigerator.

To assemble the mocktails: muddle 3 blackberries in the bottom of a glass with the juice of 1/4 of a lime. Add about a 1/2 cup of chilled hibiscus tea to the glass, and stir. Top off with sparkling water. Add a garnish of lime and a festive straw, and you’re ready to “cheers”!

Happy Cinco de Mayo!! Tell me what your plans are, and what is your must-have Cinco de Mayo food? Mine is probably guac. The avocado love runs deep.

XO,

Alexandra

March 14, 2016

Shamrockin’ Smoothie

Who’s ready for St. Patrick’s day??? Funny childhood story: every year growing up,my sister and I would place our slippers at the end of our bed the night before St. Patty’s Day. (Disclaimer: we are not Irish in the least bit). In the night, the leprechaun, aka our mom, would stuff our slippers with little goodies and treats! We thought the leprechaun left presents in the slippers of all the children, but come to find out, none of our friends ever had this experience!! I remember one year, my sister got goo in her slippers, and I still got presents! Just goes to show you, it always pays to stay on the good side of a leprechaun 😉

While we are talking about St Patrick’s Day traditions, let’s get right to a fan favorite and the recipe inspiration of the day: the Shamrock Shake. The OG Micky D’s Shamrock Shake clocks in at 530 calories and 73 grams of sugar. That’s for a small!!! That’s more than 18 teaspoons of sugar, people! Curious about what gives the shake its neon glow and minty flavor? Why that would be the Shamrock Shake syrup, with a not-so-magical list of ingredients:

High Fructose Corn Syrup, Corn Syrup, Water, Sugar, Natural Flavor (Plant Source), Xanthan Gum, Citric Acid, Sodium Benzoate (Preservative), Yellow 5, Blue 1.

Now that’s a list of ingredients unfortunate enough to make a leprechaun cry. Let’s not make any leprechauns cry this year, and stick to something more wholesome and nutritionally dense, shall we? Enter my Shamrockin’ Smoothie, the green juice-loving, yoga-doing cousin of the Shamrock Shake. The recipe for this Shamrockin’ Smoothie is creamy, satisfying, and minty, of course! It basically makes you feel like you’ve found your very own pot of gold, and now you drink all of your smoothies out of it. #tumblergoals

Just being real here: I have never had an actual Shamrock Shake. So while I can’t claim that this smoothie will taste like the real thing, I can claim that it’s darn delicious and wayyyyyyyy more nutritious.

Don’t be scared by this list of ingredients. There is no food coloring involved in this recipe, unless you count the glorious, natural color that come from mint, spinach, and avocado. Wait- spinach, mint, and avocado? Alexandra, are we making a salad or what?! Trust me, you cannot taste the spinach, and the avocado adds creaminess like you wouldn’t even believe. Plus, why not boost the nutrition of our smoothie with some vitamin-rich leafy greens, and some healthy monounsaturated fats? Ya feel?

Shamrockin’ Smoothie

Serves 2-3

Ingredients:

1 medium frozen banana
1 small avocado
1 cup spinach
1 cup mint
1 1/2 cups milk of choice
a few drops of peppermint extract– adjust depending on how minty you like it
1/2 cup ice to use as needed to adjust frothiness to your liking
optional garnish- a few mint leaves, cacao nibs

Add all ingredients to blender except for ice and peppermint extract. Blend it up on high until smooth. Taste, then add ice if you want a lighter, frothier smoothie, and add a few drops of peppermint extract for that strong, minty flavor!
If you want those smoothies Instagram-ready, top with a few mint leaves and a sprinkle of cacao nibs. Happy sipping!

Tell, tell: Do you have any fun (or weird) St. Patrick’s Day traditions? Even though my mom is not living in my apartment, I am still putting my slippers out at the end of the bed. You never know, maybe an actual leprechaun will step in this year 🙂 ! Have a fab, very green week!

XO,

Alexandra

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