Are you addicted to soda? If you’re like most of my friends, the answer is a reluctant yes. It’s astonishing how many of us are addicted to these sweet, bubbly drinks. Who wouldn’t want to sip them all day? An ice cold soda on a hot day is pretty close to taste perfection, but unfortunately it’s not very nourishing for the body. As you probably know, sodas today generally consist of High Fructose Corn Syrup, carbonated water, caffeine, and flavorings.
If you want to kick your soda habit, I recommend drinking water first when you’re thirsty. Then, replace your first soda of the day with a drink like the one below or kombucha. Remember, slow changes make the difference. You can do it!
Raspberry-Strawberry Cooler
You can use frozen and thawed berries if you can’t find fresh ones.
Serves 4
2 cups raspberries
2 cups strawberries
1 lemon, sliced 1/4 inch thick
1 vanilla bean (split, seeds scraped, pod reserved; or 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract)
1/4 cup honey
4 cups seltzer
Place raspberries, strawberries, lemon, vanilla bean, and honey in a heatproof bowl over a pan of simmering water. Cook until berries have released most of their juices, about 12 minutes.
Strain mixture through a fine sieve, pressing gently with the back of a spoon. Discard the solids. Cool completely. Mixture will keep for one week in the refrigerator.
To serve: Pour 1/4 cup syrup into 4 ice-filled glasses. Top each with 1 cup seltzer. Serve with lemon wedges.
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I rave about myself every night at the dinner table, “Honey, can you believe I made this??” And it’s all thanks to you!! (and teaching me that organic butter is welcomed and embraced! No more fat free, yay!!
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Carrie,Perfect timing! My parents are coming and my mom's been told by her doctor to cut out the soda. She hates water, so I'm making this today for her!
What a beautiful and refreshingly light summer drink!
I drink soda maybe 3 times a year at best…1. because I was raised to drink water instead and 2. I don't like the way it makes me belch! But…of course….out of those 3 days I really do enjoy a cool, bubbly soda. There's something fun about getting that bubbly feeling in your throat. I definitely love your alternative recipe and hope to make it soon!Thanks!-Gail
I don't think I have tried using honey in a drink before. Love the idea!
I couldn't agree with you more. I too have posted on the disaster that traditional soda is to mankind. I'll choose your berry cooler over that junk any day
Fizzy and fabulous. How I'd love a glass right now.
I have never thought of making my own soda before probablly because I don't drink a lot of soda. As a kid mom encouraged us to drink water and the habit just stuck. This looks delicious and perfect for my tropical weather.
Your blog is beautiful! Definitely adding you to my blogroll. I'm all about organic. Thanks for more inspiration : )
very nice post… i am not into sodas and hate when the family visits because they leave tons of them in my fridge
I live in Charleston,SC where it gets swelteringly hot in the spring and summer months, and I love that this drink keeps you hydrated (because of the seltzer) yet is tasty and beautiful enough to serve at a party!
Carrie – this is so yum! I would make ice pops with this and forget the spritzer. I am going to try this for my annual 4th of July bake sale! Yay – new inspiration! x
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