Guilt-Free Healthy Mocktails for Summer

It’s time for BBQ’s and backyard sitting. The fireflies are blinking, and friends stay well past sunset. I know that I am constantly writing about how chiropractic care aids in healthy living, but it’s time that I branch over into lifestyle choices too!I’m excited to share a few of my favorite non-alcoholic, healthy drink options to enjoy all summer long. Typically, mocktails are full of food-coloring, naturally flavored, high-sugared mix-ins or sodas. But who wants their pretty drink to add pounds to their waistline, throw off their gut bacteria, or make them feel overall 'icky'? It’s not always easy to make good food choices, but if you can have a few healthy drink recipes to pull out, it’ll make you feel better about the treats you indulge in!When creating a non-alcoholic ‘mocktail,’ you’ll want to keep it simple. Avoid anything with processed simple syrup (sugar), drink mixes, juices (not fresh-squeezed), or concentrated juices. These add ingredients that are not needed, calories you don’t want, and are a recipe for a painful belly. Just stick with seltzer, whole and fresh fruits (juiced fruits are good!), and fresh herbs. Trust me, you can create a drink worth Instagraming with just a few healthy ingredients.You can create your own non-alcoholic drink using any of the following, or you can try one of my favorites:• Mineral water• Pomegranate juice• Unsweetened cranberry juice• Pressed juice (no sugar added, not from concentrate)• Acai berry juice• Kombucha• Green tea• Coconut water• Pieces of whole fruit or vegetables• Fresh herbs like mint and basil• Spices• Citrus peelsThe Watermelon Mint TwistAccording to Nutrition Stripped, “Watermelon is incredibly hydrating — it’s actually got more water content than most fruits. It’s also a great source of electrolytes and has essential nutrients, vitamins, and antioxidants. Plus, watermelon takes well to a variety of herbs and is naturally sweet so you don’t need to add any sweeteners to enhance its flavor.”• 1 bottle of pressed watermelon juice• 1 tablespoon freshly juiced lemon• 2 mint leavesGo ahead and add a cube of cut watermelon to your glass! Cranberry Mock-Mimosa• seltzer• cranberry juice (pressed and unprocessed)• thyme• fresh cranberriesWith this drink you get the light bubbles on your tongue with the easy cranberry and smooth thyme. It’s pretty and delicious! Strawberry Orange Mango Kombucha• 2 16- ounce bottles Original Kombucha unflavored• 2 cups 100% orange-mango juice• 1 ripe mango peeled, pitted, and chopped• 2 cups fresh strawberries choppedIf you haven’t given kombucha a chance yet, go ahead and try it. The health benefits are amazing, and it’ll add the perfect fizz to your mocktail.