Ditch the juice for these healthy, non-alcoholic drinks (RECIPES)

Dec 20 2017, 12:22 am

With temperatures continuing to soar this summer, a cool refreshment is at the top of everyone’s minds. But not all backyard parties need booze — especially when kids are around.

It can often be difficult to find non-alcoholic drinks for the kids to sip on that don’t contain high-glucose corn syrups, caffeine and artificial ingredients. So why not mix up something fresh, healthy and delicious that the entire family can enjoy? Here are three kid-friendly batched cocktail recipes to try your hand at this summer season.

1. Pink Lemonade

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Justin Taylor/Vancity Buzz

This refreshing lemonade is made with real fresh fruit and uses only honey as a sweetener. The tea provides it with a “fruit punch” element, and is loaded with antioxidants (and no caffeine).

Ingredients

  • 2 bags Tealeaves Mountain Berry Tea
  • 1 L chilled still or sparkling water
  • 250 mL fresh-squeezed lemon juice
  • 175 mL honey water (one part water; one part honey)

Method

  • In a 2-litre pitcher, add water, tea bags, lemon juice and honey water.
  • Add ice, and throw in a few lemon wheels for garnish.
  • Stir, and enjoy immediately.

2. Citrus Spritz

Justin Taylor/Vancity Buzz

Justin Taylor/Vancity Buzz

This delicious, citrusy drink come loaded with tonnes of flavour, and absolutely no added sweeteners. Just what the doctor ordered.

Ingredients

  • zest of one lemon
  • zest of one lime
  • zest of one orange
  • 15 large mint leaves
  • 2 L soda

Method

  • In a punch bowl, add soda, mint and citrus zest.
  • Add ice cubes, and stir.
  • Serve in your favorite punch glasses.

3. Royal Gardener

Justin Taylor/Vancity Buzz

Justin Taylor/Vancity Buzz

This is a non-spirited version of a Pimm’s Cup — a famous summertime libation popular in the UK and North America.

Ingredients

  • 4 decaffeinated orange pekoe teabags
  • 1 english cucumber, sliced in coins
  • 10 large strawberries, quartered, stem removed
  • 15 mint leaves
  • 3 slices of fresh ginger, peeled and chopped
  • 250 mL fresh lime juice
  • 175 mL honey water* (one part water; one part honey)
  • 1 L sparkling water
  • 500 mL chilled still water

Method

  • Add tea bags to a 2-litre pitcher, along with still water.
  • Place in a refrigerator overnight (or for 12 hours), and remove tea bags.
  • Add cucumber, strawberries, mint, ginger, lime juice and honey water.
  • Add ice, and top with sparkling water.
  • Stir and serve.
DH Vancouver StaffDH Vancouver Staff

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