Raw Energy In A Glass - Part 2

Happy Holidays, Everyone!  Since many of you are doing a bit of holiday entertaining these days, I thought I'd share with you one of my favorite raw food "mocktail" recipes:  Bloody Bella Daiquiri.  The name may not say "Christmas", but the drink is gorgeously red and absolutely delicious!  Hope you enjoy it.  You can find it, and many other nutritious raw food drinks in my latest book, Raw Energy In A Glass.

What The Heck Are "Mocktails"?

I knew you'd ask, so let me explain . . . They're fashionable, alcohol-free, healthful versions of your favorite cocktails.  Mocktails are perfect for social celebrations, intimate gatherings, or anytime you want a light, refreshing raw drink.

Stimulating to the senses, a colorful feast for the eyes, and tantalizing to the taste buds, mocktails are not just for teetotalers or health nuts, but can be enjoyed by all, including children.  They improve your health and vitality and keep you looking and feeling your best no matter how many you drink.  Can't say that about a vodka tonic, can you?

Bursting with raw ingredients that contain vitamins, minerals, simple carbohydrates, and a whole range of therapeutic phytonutrients, my mocktail recipes are absolutely delicious drinks with which to toast your good health.  Cheers!

Bloody Bella Daiquiri

For all you Twilight movie fans out there, here's a luscious, blood-red drink that Bella might present to her eternal vampire love, Edward.  Makes an excellent "red holiday" (Halloween, Christmas & Valentine's Day) party beverage for kids - they love the color!  Adults do too!  Chock-full of health-promoting antioxidants and vital minerals, it's especially good for those of you suffering from painful arthritis or iron-poor blood.  If you desire an edgier adult drink, add a splash of quality dark rum, organic champagne, or vodka.

Ingredients:
- Juice of 5 blood oranges
- Juice of 1 medium lime
- 2 cups frozen cherries
- 1/4 cup raw honey, raw agave nectar, or maple syrup
- 1 cup of ice, cubed or crushed
- 1 teaspoon natural vanilla flavoring
- Pinch of sea salt
- Lime slices or mint sprigs, for garnish (optional)

Directions:

1. Put the orange juice, lime juice, cherries, honey, ice, vanilla, and salt in a blender and blend on high until the consistency is that of a smooth, silky slushy, 20 to 30 seconds.

2.  Serve in two beautiful, chilled glasses.  Garnish each glass with a slice of lime or mint sprig, if desired, and perhaps a pretty straw.

Yield:  2 servings

A good source of:  bountiful antioxidants, vitamin C, folic acid, potassium, magnesium, iron, silicon, natural sugars, and fiber

NOTE:  Portions of this blog (including the recipe) were excerpted with permission from Raw Energy In A Glass by Stephanie Tourles (Storey Publishing c2014).