matcha mojito

 

happy WEEKEND! summer is going by so quickly, i can't believer there is only a few more weekends before back to school season begins. i plan to spend august poolside with a killer cocktail in hand & this matcha mojito will do the trick. it features the traditional mojito flavours such as mint & lime, but with an added earthiness from aiay'a cluniary grade matcha. the best matcha for mixing into recipes (think baking, smoothies + cocktails) as the flavour comes through strong even when mixed with other bold ingredients. a garnish of fresh summer berries is entirely optional, but i just love the added pop of colour!

cheers! xo

ingredients

  • 1/4 teaspoon aiay's culinary grade matcha
  • 2 teaspoons boiling water
  • 1 tablespoon turbinado sugar
  • 1 ounce lime juice, freshly squeezed
  • 6 to 8 fresh mint leaves
  • 2 ounces white rum
  • club soda, to finish
  • sprig of mint, to garnish
  • wedge of lime, to garnish
  • raspberries, to garnish (optional)

directions

  • in a small mixing bowl whisk together the matcha & water until the matcha is fully dissolved.
  • to a cocktail glass add the sugar, lime juice & mint leaves. muddle together to infuse the rum with the mint.
  • fill glass with ice. add the rum & matcha mixture. stir to combine & finish with a splash of club soda.
  • garnish with mint, lime & raspberries.

whiskey plum smash

 

plums, peaches, apricots, nectarines.. it is stone fruit season!!!! i have been baking nonstop with the fresh fruit i have picked up at the farmers market. aside from the classic galettes, pies, crumbles & crisps, stone fruit can be worked into refreshing cocktails too! the whiskey plum smash gets its name from literally "smashing" the sweet plum flesh. i opted to infuse it with fresh mint, but fresh thyme or rosemary would be amazing too! i just love the ombre effect the drink has when topped with the clear fizzy sparkling water. instead of regular sparkling water, i opted to use zevia's cucumber lemon sparkling water. it is very lightly sweetened with stevia & has subtle cues of cucumber + lemon flavours. nothing over powering, just extra refreshing! this cocktail would work great with any stone fruit you can get your hands on. enjoy it now while we are in the heart of the dog days!

ingredients

  • 3 plums, peeled & sliced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh mint
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 4 tablespoons raw honey
  • 4 ounces whiskey
  • 4 ounces zevia's cucumber lemon sparkling water
  • ice, for serving
  • sliced plums, for garnish
  • fresh mint, for garnish

directions

  • using a muddle mash (smash) together the plums, mint, lemon juice and honey until smooth.
  • evenly dispurse plum mixture between two cocktail glasses.
  • add whiskey & stir until incorporated.
  • fill glass with ice & finish off with a big splash of zevia!
  • garnish with sliced plums and a sprig of mint if desired.

lemon + ginger cola winter elixir

 

today's recipe is for anyone who gets sick as often as i do in the winter months! even though i work from home, i still can't seem to escape all the colds floating around outside. this drink is my twist on a vintage elixir that used to be served hot back in the day. it is a natural remedy for anyone suffering with a cold, sore throat, flu & upset stomach. the classic recipe calls for boiling coca-cola, ginger & lemon together, steeping it & drinking it hot. it sounds a little weird to boil something carbonated, so i thought i would turn it into a refreshing drink! but if you want to enjoy it warm, i won't stop you. i made it calorie free by using a sugar free cola made by zevia. it is naturally sweetened with stevia & has no colouring added to it which is why it is CLEAR! clear cola! so cool. i also added mint to freshen things up & add one more naturally healthy ingredient to the mix that soothes stomachs. stay healthy friends!

p.s. exlixir or not, this drink would make for a killer ginger cocktail! just add a shot of rum or vodka to the mix.

ingredients

  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1-2 mint leaves, chopped * 1/2 cup zevia cola
  • ice, for serving
  • lemon slice, for garnish

directions

  • in a large glass muddle the ginger, lemon juice & mint leaves together.
  • pour in zevia & shake.
  • strain over a fresh glass filled with ice.
  • garnish with a slice of lemon.