Blackberry, Mint, and Basil Summer Elixir

Summer is here and nature abounds. I find this time of year provides an excellent opportunity to enjoy nature's bounty ... in a tasty, beautiful, and nurturing cocktail. YES, that's right! I've been on a path to reduce my alcohol consumption. Habits take time to change; so my focus has been on small modifications that lead to an overall big change. I'm keeping our traditional pre-dinner cocktail with my honey. BUT, today, in my hand is a Summer Elixir. A delicious, sexy, non-alcoholic cocktail made with freshly picked blackberries, chocolate mint, Thai basil, and lime juice muddled together and topped off with sparkly lemon seltzer. My Summer Elixir is a gut- and mind-nurturing alternative. It is a fabulous small habit change on my overall journey.

Here is the recipe:

• Blackberries, four to six large berries

• Chocolate mint, six to eight inch long sprig

• Thai basil, six to eight inch long sprig

• Lime juice, about two ounces

Add these ingredients, minus the hard stems, to a cocktail shaker or sturdy glass. Muddle for about a minute. Add a handful of ice, top with the shaker lid, and shake a good 30 times (your hand should feel very cold). Have two 6 ounce cocktail glasses ready. You can add the muddled mixture directly to the glasses, or use a strainer, your choice depending on how much greenery is acceptable in your glass.

Top each glass off with several ounces of lemon seltzer; the seltzer makes it bright and gives some extra sparkle. Lime seltzer is also fabulous.

Try making this elixir for yourself. Switch up the ingredients as you see fit with what you might have on hand; strawberries or raspberries instead of blackberries, peppermint rather than chocolate mint, Genovese basil rather than Thai basil - have some fun. Either way, let me know how it turns out.

So, next time you are reaching for an after work cocktail, give this Summer Elixir a try.

I would be honored to support you in your journey to feel more energized, healthy, and ready to rock your day. Book your Wholistic Nourishment Strategy complimentary call today. Together, let's define your personal power foods!