Strawberry-Mint Soda is made by making syrups with water, sugar and either mint leaves or strawberries and then combining that with seltzer. (Courtesy of America’s Test Kitchen) Healthful, delicious drinks aren’t limited to smoothies, although I appreciate that almost any fruit and many vegetables can be snuck into those […]
Click here to view original web page at www.marinij.com
Healthful, delicious drinks aren’t limited to smoothies, although I appreciate that almost any fruit and many vegetables can be snuck into those blended beauties, and they still taste good. But powerhouse beverages reach beyond blender-whirled concoctions.
The chefs at America’s Test Kitchen put their heads together and tried a variety of techniques to perfect recipes that are easy to prepare, creating libations that showcase fruits and vegetables. “The Complete Guide to Healthy Drinks” (America’s Test Kitchen, $27.99) is loaded with drinks that showcase a vast variety of flavors and textures. They contend that making them from scratch offers more control over ingredients choices and in the process reduces costs.
Yes, some of these thirst-quenchers are smoothies, but others are juice combos, teas, kombuchas, infused waters and broths. Have a swig.
Strawberry-Mint Soda
By mixing and matching soda syrups, custom blends can be created to satisfy anyone’s sweet tooth. The already sweetened herb and berry syrups combine with seltzer to create a colorful drink that tastes like sparkling, cool strawberry. Once the ingredients are in the glass, it is important to stir the drink gently, to avoid knocking out all the bubbles.
The syrup recipes yield enough to make 16 drinks. Syrups can be stored airtight in the refrigerator for up to 1 month.
INGREDIENTS
Herb Syrup with Mint: 3/4 cup sugar, 2/3 cup water, 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves
Berry Syrup with Strawberries: 3/4 cup sugar, 2/3 cup water, 1/2 cup mashed strawberries
For each drink:
1 cup seltzer or sparkling water
2 teaspoons Herb Syrup with Mint
2 teaspoons Berry Syrup with Strawberries
2 halved fresh strawberries, small sprig of fresh mint to garnish
DIRECTIONS
1. Prepare Herb Syrup with Mint: In a small saucepan combine sugar and water. Heat on medium heat, whisking often until sugar dissolves, about 5 minutes (do not boil). Remove from heat and add mint. Allow it to cool. Drain through fine sieve, discard solids.
2. Prepare Berry Syrup with Strawberries: In a small saucepan combine sugar and water. Heat on medium heat, whisking often until sugar dissolves, about 5 minutes (do not boil). Remove from heat and add strawberries. Allow it to cool. Drain through fine sieve, discard solids.
3. Position one or two halved strawberries in an ice-filled glass. Add seltzer, 2 teaspoons Herb Syrup with Mint, and 2 teaspoons Berry Syrup with Strawberries. Stir gently to combine. Garnish with a small sprig of fresh mint.
Source: “The Complete Guide to Healthy Drinks” from America’s Test Kitchen ($27.99)
Orange Creamsicle Smoothie
For many, the ice cream truck’s Creamsicle Bar is a childhood favorite. In this smoothie version the concoction is boosted with nourishing ingredients. A fresh orange brings vitamin C, while a large carrot delivers some sweetness, bulk and nutrients — plus that lovely orange hue. A banana and plain yogurt add a velvety texture.
Yield: 2 servings
INGREDIENTS
1 cup ice
1 orange, peeled, quartered
1 ripe banana, peeled, halved crosswise
1 large carrot, peeled, shredded
3/4 cup plain dairy yogurt or plant-based yogurt
1/4 cup water, plus extra if needed
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
DIRECTIONS
In order listed, add all ingredients to blender and process on low speed until mixture is combined but still coarse in texture, about 10 seconds, scraping down sides of blender jar as needed. Gradually increase speed to high and process until completely smooth, about 2 minutes. Adjust consistency with extra water if needed. Serve.
Source: “The Complete Guide to Healthy Drinks” from America’s Test Kitchen ($27.99)
Super Acai Smoothie
Acai berries, loaded with antioxidants and vitamins, are one of the most talked-about superfoods. In this smoothie they add an intense berry flavor edged with a vibrant tart personality.
Frozen acai puree is sold in natural food stores and many supermarkets, as well as online.
Yield: 2 servings
INGREDIENTS
1 cup ice
3.5-ounce package frozen acai puree
6 ounces cauliflower florets, cut into 1-inch pieces (2 cups)
1 ripe banana, halved crosswise
1 cup pomegranate juice
Water, if needed
DIRECTIONS
In order listed, add all ingredients to blender and process on low speed until mixture is combined but still coarse in texture, about 10 seconds, scraping downs sides of blender jar as needed. Gradually increase speed to high and process until completely smooth, about 90 seconds. Adjust consistency with water if needed. Serve.
Source: “The Complete Guide to Healthy Drinks” from America’s Test Kitchen ($27.99)
Cucumber Water with Lemon and Mint
Yield: 6 to 8 servings
INGREDIENTS
8 cups water, divided use
12 ounces cucumber, thinly sliced, divided use
1/2 thinly sliced lemon
3/4 cup fresh mint leaves
For serving: ice
DIRECTIONS
1. Combine 1 cup water and three-quarters of the cucumbers in an 8-cup liquid measuring cup or large bowl. Add lemon slices and mint leaves. With a potato masher or muddler, muddle until broken down and all juice is expressed, about 30 seconds. Add enough water to make 4 cups, about 3 cups. Cover and refrigerate until flavors meld and mixture is chilled, 30 minutes to 1 hour.
2. Strain into a pitcher using a fine sieve, pressing on solids to extract as much juice as possible. Discard solids. Stir in the remaining 4 cups of water. Add reserved cucumber. Water can be stored in refrigerator for up to 1 day. Serve in ice-filled glasses.
Source: “The Complete Guide to Healthy Drinks” from America’s Test Kitchen ($27.99)
Zest: Food & Drink.
Your guide to the latest Marin & Bay Area dining news, recipes, local food events, and more.
