The Christmas Cheer - festive drink ideas

How to reduce your alcohol intake over the holiday period

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An extra few drinks tend to go hand in hand with social events, especially over the holiday period. There is nothing wrong with enjoying a glass of wine or two on Christmas Day. However, it is often the lead up to Christmas that sees us catching up with friends and family, work events and other occasions in which the drinks can quickly add up.  

Having a delicious non-alcoholic option available is a great way to reduce your total alcohol intake. It will allow you to space out your drinks by alternating with a delicious but non-alcoholic choice and also keep you hydrated.

Here are two of my favourite non-alcoholic mocktails for the holiday period. Using Kombucha as the primary ingredient, this adds a tangy taste with a natural fizz. The fermentation process used to make Kombucha also leaves it with a refreshingly sweet taste similar to alcohol with very low sugar levels.

When choosing a Kombucha, be sure to check the nutrition label and aim for one with <5g sugar per 100ml. It is also best to choose one that has been kept refrigerated, as cool temperatures keep the gut healthy bacteria and cultures living.

Here are my two favourite recipes to make yourself a very merry mocktail this Christmas.

 
Lifestyle dietitian, sport dietician, nutritionists Michelle Theodosi, Erika Hung and Sarah Lombardi provide private, personalised nutrition consultation, workshop, presentation. Based in Sydney: Sylvania, Sutherland, Balmain, Birkenhead, Drummoyne,…

Passionfruit MOJO Mojito

Ingredients:

  • 2 fresh passionfruit

  • 1 bunch fresh mint

  • 1 fresh lime - cut into quarter wedges

  • 750ml MOJO Passionfruit kombucha

  • Soda water/Sparkling Water

  • Crushed Ice


Method:

  1. Squeeze the lime into the jug, then place the wedges into the bottom of the jug.

  2. Add the pulp from each passionfruit to the glass and the desired amount of fresh mint leaves.

  3. Use a muddler or spoon to mix together

  4. Fill the jug halfway with Ice

  5. Pour the kombucha over the top and stir to combine

  6. Add sparkling water to taste

 
Lifestyle dietitian, sport dietician, nutritionists Michelle Theodosi, Erika Hung and Sarah Lombardi provide private, personalised nutrition consultation, workshop, presentation. Based in Sydney: Sylvania, Sutherland, Balmain, Birkenhead, Drummoyne,…

Strawberry and Basil Chiller

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup chopped strawberries

  • 1 bunch basil leaves

  • 1 fresh lemon - cut into quarter wedges

  • 750ml MOJO kombucha strawberry and hibiscus

  • Soda water

  • Crushed Ice

Method:

  1. Squeeze the lemon into the jug, then place the wedges into the bottom of the jug.

  2. Add the chopped strawberries and basil leaves to the jug.

  3. Use a muddler or spoon to mix together

  4. Fill the jug halfway with Ice

  5. Pour kombucha over the top and stir to combine

Enjoy!

 

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