The Sober Curious Movement is a lifestyle shift that encourages people to rethink their alcohol consumption, prioritizing well-being without sacrificing enjoyment. This movement was born from awareness of the growing evidence of alcohol’s long-term health effects, which include increased risks of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, liver disease, cancer and mental health issues. [1] A 2023 JAMA study also revealed that daily alcohol intake, even just small amounts, could increase your risk of all-cause mortality. [2]
As the Sober Curious movement continues to grow, more people are seeking non-alcoholic beverages that deliver both taste and wellness benefits. Herbal tea mocktails are the perfect alcohol-free alternative that blends the aromatic richness of herbal teas with inventive mixology. These refreshing creations cater to those who want to indulge in flavorful drinks without compromising their health or social experience.
Health benefits of Herbal Mocktails
Herbal teas have long been celebrated for their health-supporting properties. By incorporating them into mocktails, herbal teas, along with fruit juices, provide a vibrant, healthful twist on traditional cocktails, boosting their nutritional value while injecting a range of health benefits.
Some key benefits of drinking herbal mocktails include:* [3]
· Provides potent antioxidants and other beneficial phytonutrients – Herbs are naturally packed with active compounds, or phytonutrients, that can help protect cells from oxidative damage.
· Naturally hydrating – Unlike alcohol, herbal mocktails can help replenish fluids and lost electrolytes, thanks to the high amounts of essential minerals found in herbs and fruits.
· Easy on the stomach and alcohol-free – Because herbal mocktails are non-alcoholic, they won’t overwhelm your digestive system or cause damage to your gastrointestinal tract like alcoholic drinks do. [4] Certain herbs, like ginger, peppermint, and chamomile, are even said to soothe the stomach.
· Low in sugar and calories – Herbal mocktails typically combine herbal teas, extracts, or tinctures with freshly squeezed fruit juices, so there’s no need to add sugar for sweetness. This means they are significantly lower in sugar and calories than cocktails, making herbal mocktails a healthier choice.
· Naturally uplifts mood – Many herbs are endowed with natural properties that promote relaxation and mental clarity. Some examples include chamomile, lavender, and adaptogens like ashwagandha. Incorporating these herbs into your mocktails is a great way to support a positive mood naturally.
Healthy Herbal Mocktail recipes to try this summer
Refreshing and fruity herbal mocktails are some of the best hydrating beverages to serve on a hot summer day. Whether you’re with family or friends, herbal mocktails can be a great (and healthy!) complement to fun summer activities or even just casual conversations.
Here are some fun herbal mocktail recipes to try this summer:
Pineapple Turmeric Mocktail with Dandelion
Pineapples are one of the best fruits to enjoy on a hot summer’s day. With their high water content (about 86%), pineapples can help keep you hydrated and even provide plenty of essential nutrients, such as vitamins B1, B2, B6, B9 and C and minerals like iron, magnesium, manganese and potassium. [5][6]
Pineapples, like turmeric and dandelion greens, are also a good source of potent antioxidants. Combine these healthy ingredients to create a refreshing, antioxidant-rich summer drink like this Pineapple Turmeric Mocktail with Dandelion. [7]
Ingredients
2 cups fresh pineapple chunks
¼ teaspoon ground ginger
¼ teaspoon organic turmeric or 1 teaspoon Groovy Bee® Liposomal Curcumin + Resveratrol
8 leaves dandelion greens (washed, trimmed and torn into 1-inch pieces)
1 dropper (1 mL) Groovy Bee® Organic Dandelion Leaf and Root Liquid Extract
2 cups pink grapefruit soda
Crushed ice
Instructions
1. In a medium-sized bowl, press the pineapples using the bottom of a heavy measuring cup until crushed. Add ginger and turmeric and mix well.
2. Divide your dandelion greens among 4 glasses. Use a wooden spoon or muddler to muddle gently, then top each glass with ¼ of the pineapple mixture.
3. Pack the glasses with crushed ice then pour ½ cup grapefruit soda into each glass. Add 1 dropper Groovy Bee® Organic Dandelion Leaf and Root Liquid Extract and/or 1 teaspoon Groovy Bee® Liposomal Curcumin + Resveratrol and enjoy.
Groovy Bee® Organic Dandelion Leaf and Root Liquid Extract is carefully extracted using organic cane sugar alcohol, distilled water and organic vegetable glycerin for maximum potency and optimal nutrient preservation. Dandelion Leaf and Root Liquid Extract expertly delivers the wholesome goodness of organic dandelion leaves and roots in a convenient format that makes it easy to incorporate into a healthy daily routine.
Groovy Bee® Liposomal Curcumin + Resveratrol is one of the best supplements for supporting optimal overall health! Specially formulated for superior absorption, each 1-tsp. serving of this premium formula delivers roughly 200 mg of pure curcuminoids from turmeric root extract and 75 mg of pure resveratrol from Japanese giant knotwood root.
Both liquid supplements are non-GMO, made in the USA and extensively lab tested for glyphosate, heavy metals and microbiology.
Groovy Bee® Organic Dandelion Leaf and Root Liquid Extract and Groovy Bee® Liposomal Curcumin + Resveratrol are available at the Health Ranger Store.
Green Tea Mojito mocktail
Green tea is a popular drink made by steeping the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant in hot water for 3 to 5 minutes. Green tea is rich in antioxidant catechins that are known for their many health-supporting properties. [8]
Refreshing and soothing, green tea is highly recommended by health experts as a nourishing everyday drink that can contribute to your daily fluid intake. In fact, despite containing caffeine, research shows that green tea is just as hydrating as non-caffeinated beverages – the perfect antioxidant-boosting drink to help you beat the heat! [9]
Green tea is a wonderful base to use when making fun and healthy non-alcoholic summer drinks, such as this Green Tea Mojito Mocktail. [10]
Ingredients
4 cups water
4 single-serving bags of green tea
1 dropper (1 mL) Groovy Bee® Organic Glycerin-Based Green Tea Tincture
32 to 40 sprigs of fresh mint (set aside another 4 sprigs for garnishing)
2 cups ice cubes
1 cup 100% white grape juice
½ cup juice from fresh limes (about 4 medium-sized fruits)
1 medium lime, cut into 4 wedges
Instructions
1. In a small saucepan, bring water to a boil and remove from heat. Add the green tea bags and let steep for 4 minutes. Discard the tea bags and let the tea cool for 30 minutes before pouring into a pitcher. Refrigerate until chilled.
2. Once ready to serve, divide the fresh mint leaves among 4 glasses. Muddle the mint leaves (but don’t mash into a pulp) using a muddler or wooden spoon several times to release their juices. Add the ice.
3. Mix the white grape juice, lime juice and green tea together. Add Groovy Bee® Organic Glycerin-Based Green Tea Tincture for more benefits. Pour the mixture into the glasses and garnish each with a lime wedge and fresh mint leaves. Enjoy.
Specially formulated to support good overall health, Groovy Bee® Organic Glycerin-Based Green Tea Tincture from the Health Ranger Store offers the full nutritional benefits of organic green tea in a convenient and easy-to-use liquid format. Each 1-mL serving of this potent liquid tincture provides around 750 mg of organic green tea leaf herb extract. Made from organic green tea leaves, our premium organic green tea tincture is carefully extracted using distilled water and organic vegetable glycerin to help preserve the beneficial nutrients and retain maximum potency.
Groovy Bee® Organic Glycerin-Based Green Tea Tincture contains no alcohol or GMOs and is thoroughly lab tested for glyphosate, heavy metals and microbiology.
Ashwagandha mocktail with Coconut and Orange
Ashwagandha, also known as “Indian ginseng,” is derived from the dried roots of the Withania somnifera plant. This remarkable herb has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic Medicine to support good overall health and well-being. Ashwagandha is known for its potent antioxidant properties that can help protect healthy cells from free radical damage. [11]
A powerful adaptogen, studies suggest that ashwagandha contains natural compounds that work together to support a healthy stress response. Ashwagandha doses used in clinical trials varied from 240 to 1,250 milligrams (mg)/day of extract – the dosage currently recommended by experts. Aside from helping reduce stressful feelings, ashwagandha has also been shown to support deep and restful sleep. [12]
Experience the wholesome goodness of ashwagandha by making this nourishing Ashwagandha Mocktail that also features ginger, oranges and coconuts. [13]
Ingredients
1 to 2 dropperful Groovy Bee® Organic Ashwagandha Liquid Extract
1 cup coconut water
½ cup freshly squeezed orange juice
¼ teaspoon ginger powder or a few slices of fresh ginger
Juice from ½ lime
A handful of ice cubes
Fresh mint leaves and an orange slice for garnish
Instructions
1. In a shaker or mixing glass, combine the coconut water, orange juice, powdered ginger and lime juice. Stir or shake well to mix. If you’re using fresh ginger, muddle the slices in a tall glass first before adding the other ingredients.
2. Fill a tall glass with ice cubes and pour the juice blend. Add Groovy Bee® Organic Ashwagandha Liquid Extract and stir briefly.
3. Garnish with fresh mint leaves and orange slice. Enjoy.
To help you experience the full nutritional benefits of ashwagandha, the Health Ranger Store is proud to introduce Groovy Bee® Organic Ashwagandha Liquid Extract. Specially formulated to support good overall health, this premium organic ashwagandha liquid extract is extracted using organic cane sugar alcohol, distilled water and organic vegetable glycerin to help preserve the beneficial nutrients of ashwagandha root and retain maximum potency.
Groovy Bee® Organic Ashwagandha Liquid Extract is non-GMO, non-China, certified organic and thoroughly lab tested for glyphosate, heavy metals and microbiology.
Elderberry and Echinacea Sparkler with Ginger and Lemon
Elderberries are the tiny, dark-colored fruits of the Sambucus nigra shrub, a relative of honeysuckle. One of the most commonly used medicinal plants in the world, elderberries were once prescribed by folk healers to support overall health.
Elderberries owe their deep purple and black hues to their high concentrations of anthocyanins, which are potent antioxidants that can protect against oxidative stress. Elderberries also contain plenty of dietary fiber, calcium, potassium, phosphorus, copper, iron, zinc and vitamins A, B and C. [14]
Like elderberries, echinacea, particularly, the pale purple coneflower Echinacea purpurea, is an incredible herb with a long history of use as traditional medicine. Incredibly popular as a dietary supplement, echinacea is widely used to support optimal health and wellness.
Echinacea also boasts high amounts of potent antioxidants, such as flavonoids, phenolic acids, caffeic acid, rosmarinic acid, alkamides, polysaccharides and vitamin C. These natural compounds not only allow echinacea to protect cells from oxidative damage but also support the body’s natural defenses. [15]
Experience the wonderful benefits of elderberries and echinacea by combining them in this fizzy Elderberry and Echinacea Sparkler that also features the power of ginger and the citrusy goodness of lemon. [16]
Ingredients
2 teaspoon Groovy Bee® Organic Elderberry & Echinacea Extract
2 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
¼ teaspoon fresh grated ginger
Crushed ice
Sparkling or tonic water
Frozen or fresh blueberries for garnish
Instructions
1. Combine Groovy Bee® Organic Elderberry & Echinacea Extract, lemon juice and ginger in a tall glass. Mix well.
2. Fill the glass with crushed ice. Top it with sparkling or tonic water and garnish with blueberries. Enjoy.
Groovy Bee® Organic Elderberry & Echinacea is a potent formula that offers the combined benefits of organic elderberry and echinacea extracts in a convenient liquid format. Specially formulated to support optimal health, this premium dietary supplement also contains trace minerals, triple-distilled water and organic glycerin (from organic mustard seed).
Groovy Bee® Organic Elderberry & Echinacea from the Health Ranger Store contains no gluten or GMOs and is certified organic. It is also non-China and thoroughly lab tested for glyphosate, heavy metals and microbiology.
Lion’s Mane Citrus Smash
Functional mushrooms have been used for hundreds of years in Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to support good overall health and well-being. Hericium erinaceus, also known as lion's mane, is considered one of the best functional mushrooms at doing this job.
Lion’s mane is loaded with a unique combination of bioactive compounds, including polysaccharides, bioactive peptides, beta-glucans and potent antioxidants. [17] It is also a good source of dietary fiber, protein, carbohydrates, potassium, zinc, iron, selenium, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, copper and manganese.
You can take advantage of the nutritional benefits of lion’s mane by incorporating it into this fruity and festive Lion’s Mane Citrus Smash mocktail. [18]
Ingredients
½ cup cranberry juice
¼ cup freshly squeezed orange juice
1 tablespoon lime juice
20 drops Groovy Bee® Organic Spagyric Lion's Mane Mushroom Liquid Tincture
½ cup sparkling water or ginger beer
Ice
Rosemary sprigs, oranges slices or fresh pomegranate for garnish
Instructions
1. In a shaker or large glass, combine cranberry juice, orange juice, lime juice and Groovy Bee® Organic Spagyric Lion's Mane Mushroom Liquid Tincture. Stir or shake well to mix.
2. Fill 2 glasses with ice and pour the juice mixture evenly into each glass. Top with sparkling water or ginger beer to add some fizz.
3. Garnish with rosemary, fresh pomegranate and/or orange slices. Enjoy.
To help you incorporate lion's mane mushroom into your daily routine, the Health Ranger Store is proud to introduce Groovy Bee® Organic Spagyric Lion's Mane Mushroom liquid tincture. Made with Organic Lion's Mane Mushroom (Hericium erinaceus), organic cane ethanol and water, this spagyric liquid tincture offers the full nutritional benefits of organic lion's mane mushrooms in a convenient liquid form.
We use a unique spagyric extraction process that preserves the mushroom's beneficial nutrients and retains maximum potency. Groovy Bee® Organic Spagyric Lion's Mane Mushroom liquid tincture is non-GMO, certified organic and thoroughly lab tested for glyphosate, heavy metals and microbiology.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to treat, cure or diagnose any diseases.
References
[4] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
[6] https://www.medicalnewstoday.com
[8] https://health.clevelandclinic.org
[10] https://recipes.heart.org
[11] https://www.frontiersin.org
[13] https://www.thehealthymocktail.co.uk
[15] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
[16] https://www.healthline.com
