4 Festive Non-Alcoholic Drinks Perfect for St-Patrick’s Day

image

 Since I greatly reduced my alcohol consumption, I realized how much drinking  felt almost mandatory during most holidays, most of them anchored in a boozy tradition.

And St-Patrick’s Day is certainly no exception. Out of all of the booze-laden parties, the most drunken has proven to be St-Patrcik’s Day. It is the party of the year, a celebration of all things green, with endless parades, house parties, pub crawls and drunken sing-alongs. 

 Since I follow a low-alcohol diet (not to mention plant-based), I usually tend to feel a little boring with my tall glass of water.

 This year, I will come prepared. I will feel festive! And I would like to help you, too!

On this special day, I allow myself a tiny bit of alcohol (a little high-quality organic wine never killed anyone), but for the most part, I will be sipping on the super-yummy, alcohol-free drinks I suggest below. Pouring these drinks in beautiful glasses such as wine, Champagne or Martini makes them that much more fun.

 Happy and Healthy St-Patrick’s Day to all!

 1. Green Juice or Smoothie

Is there any better time of the year to have a yummy green juice? I think not. With your tall green drink in hand, you will look and feel better than any drunken leprechaun I’ve ever met.

It is always preferable to make your own green juice or smoothie at home, (see below for my fave) where you can save cash and select your own top quality organic  ingredients. Of course, any organic store-bought green drink will do just fine. Just make sure all ingredients are organic and that the sugar content is in check. 

 St-Patrick’s Day Green Smoothie

Yield: 2 servings

    1 avocado

   1/2 banana

   1 cucumber

   a handful of kale or romaine or spinach

    coconut water (or purified water)

   a sprinkle of cinnamon or some cacao (optional)

 1. Blend ingredients in a high-powered blender.

2. Kombucha

 One of my favorite party drinks, Kombucha is a probiotic, raw food that aids digestion and boosts the immune system with its enzymes and Vitamin B. With a nice fizz, it is fermented tea that tastes and feels delicious and festive. It even looks like Champagne! The Chinese have been using it for 2000 years and refer to it as “The Tea of Immortality”. Good enough for me!

 My absolute favorite flavor is anything ginger.

 

 3. Coconut Water (so vacation-y)

 Fresh Coconut Water (not to be confused with coconut milk) is one of the healthiest foods you can put in your body. With its elevated electrolyte content, it is highly hydrating and contains many vitamins and minerals your body will thank you for.  Plus, it is super refreshing at a hot, Irish party. I avoid canned coconut water  and make sure I buy 100% Coconut Water with no added anything. With a twist of lemon and few strawberries popped-into a martini glass, you got yourself a party!

 4. Pomegranate Juice

  Pomegranates are low-sugar fruits rich in vitamins C, E and whole range vitamin Bs and minerals. They are alkalizing and anti-inflammatory.  Need more? They also contain lots of antioxidants and flavonoids (all the healthy stuff in red wine, without the damaging alcohol). Because of all of these amazing qualities, I drink Pomegranate juice every single day, midsummer or not. For an added festive feeling, I like to add a little pear nectar or mix it with some Kombucha. I buy 100% pomegranate juice, not from concentrate.

 

Jivan Dios is a holistic therapist specializing in trauma and Family Constellation. She lives and works in Stockholm, Sweden and on the island of Crete, Greece.

 Visit her at www.opentherapy.se

Dios
Couples Counseling, Family Constellations Facilitator and Meditator