Mindful Mocktail Event with the Campus Dietitian
It's that time of year when we focus on all things health—whether it’s getting more active at the gym, eating healthier or breaking a few bad habits as we start the new year. That’s why I’m excited to share some Mindful Mocktails with you to support a healthier approach to drinking!
These fun and flavorful mocktails pack a little spice and plenty of health benefits—without any guilt afterward. Mix the ingredients and serve in a fun glass to make the experience extra special.
Join us for a free event this Friday, January 31, 2025, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. in the Mountainlair, in front of Hatfield’s! You’ll get to sample four different varieties, take them to go and chat with me, the campus dietitian, and our nutrition students. We’ll be happy to answer your questions about the health benefits of the ingredients or general nutrition topics.
If you’d like to try these at home, check out the recipes below to host your own Mocktail event! Interested in learning more? Schedule a session with the campus dietitian to discuss your nutrition goals, including nutrition counseling and managing allergy concerns.
Mindful Mocktail Recipes
Strawberry Lime Mocktail Margarita
Packed with vitamin C and a touch of fiber from the strawberries, this sparkling mocktail supports your immune system and promotes gut health. Plus, its tropical vibe will instantly transport you to a warmer climate, giving your mood a refreshing boost. For an extra gut-calming benefit, use ginger beer. Sweeten with honey or agave syrup for balanced blood sugar if desired.
Ingredients:
- Ice
- 3-4 medium fresh strawberries
- 0.75 ounces lime juice
- 1 tablespoon honey or agave syrup
- 2 ounces orange juice
- Club soda, sparkling water or ginger beer to taste
- Flaky salt for rim
Instructions:
- Rim a glass with flaky salt and fill it with ice.
- Blend the strawberries or muddle them in a sturdy glass until evenly mashed.
- Place the muddled strawberries, lime juice, honey and orange juice in a cocktail shaker and shake with ice.
- Pour into the glass and top with ginger beer, club soda or sparkling water to taste.
Stress Busting (Adrenal) Mocktail
Perfect for supporting overtaxed adrenal glands, this functional mocktail is ideal if you consume a lot of caffeine (more than two cups of coffee per day) or if your stress levels are higher than you'd like. It helps soothe and refresh your adrenals, promoting better sleep, hormone balance and a calmer nervous system. The vitamin C from the limes, along with the beneficial minerals and electrolytes from the salt (mineral or sea salt is best), supports immunity and helps maintain a balanced pH—hello, energy! Meanwhile, the creamy and refreshing coconut milk provides a healthy dose of good fats.
Ingredients:
- Ice
- 1/3 cup lime juice
- 1/3 cup coconut water
- 1 pinch sea salt
- Sparkling water, peach, watermelon or other favorite
- Splash of coconut milk
Instructions:
- Place all ingredients in a cocktail shaker and shake with ice (or mix in a glass).
- Calm the stresses of the day and enjoy!
Citrus Basil Smash Mocktail
Need a boost of vibrancy to combat the snow and cold? This vitamin C-packed mocktail is here to brighten your day! It supports collagen production, helps ward off pesky colds and invigorates your taste buds. The basil adds an antioxidant-rich punch, while the agave or honey provides a balanced dose of healthy carbs to keep you energized.
Ingredients:
- Ice
- 1/2 tablespoon monk fruit sweetener (or honey)
- 1 tablespoon water
- 10 basil leaves (plus more for garnish)
- 1 mandarin (or orange), juiced
- Half of a lime, juiced
- Citrus sparkling water
- Garnish: mandarin slice
Instructions:
- Mix all of the ingredients in a glass.
- Refresh and enjoy!
Sleepy Time Mocktail
Struggling to fall asleep or calm your system before bed? Stress, poor diet and endless homework or studying can take a toll on your sleep quality. This functional mocktail is designed to support a regular, consistent sleep routine, leaving you with more energy and focus. Magnesium from the chocolate or an added supplement promotes restful sleep, while the phytonutrients and flavonoids in tart cherry juice help boost the production and utilization of tryptophan and melatonin—key players in relaxation and better sleep.
Ingredients:
- Half a cup of tart cherry juice (chilled)
- Lime-flavored sparkling water/soda (chilled)
- 1-2 teaspoons of honey simple syrup
- 1 tablespoon of magnesium powder (or pair piece of dark chocolate on side for magnesium)
Instructions:
- Mix all of the ingredients in a glass.
- Enoy your very own nighttime remedy for longer, healthier sleeps!