· By Lauren Benbassat
4TH OF JULY RECIPES + COCKTAILS WITHOUT THE GUILT
Summer time: our favorite time of year! Full of sun-tanning, grill-outs and beers by the pool. The 4th of July is coming up, which can mean a day full of over-indulging. Hot-dog eating contests, unlimited buffets, and “how many glasses of rosé have I had?!” The idea is to celebrate the 4th with balance in mind—so we don’t wake up the next day feeling bloated with a two day hangover.
While we’re all about enjoying life and all its delicious treats, we believe that balance is key. Whether you’re hosting a party or attending one, we’ve put together a few of our favorite healthy recipes and mocktails—so you can party it up and feel great!
Watermelon, Mango & Mint Salad
1/4 Watermelon
3 Mangos
4 Sprigs of Mint Leaves
1 Tbsp Honey
Cut watermelon into 1 inch cubes. Remove peels from mango, slice and dice into 1 inch cubes. Take 4 full sprigs of mint, trim and roughly chop. Toss watermelon, mango and mint together in a bowl. Drizzle with honey overtop.
Summer Orzo Pasta with Fresh Basil
2 cups uncooked orzo
1 cucumber
2 cup cherry tomatoes
½ cup of pitted kalamata olives
2 lemons, zest and juice
½ cup fresh basil leaves, thinly slice
Grated parmesan cheese
Olive Oil
Salt & Pepper
Boil 4 quarts of water, add 1 Tbsp of salt and cook orzo until al dente. While pasta is cooking, prep the veggies. Cut cucumber lengthwise into quarters, and cut horizontally into 1/2 in slices. Slice cherry tomatoes and olives in halves. Strain orzo and let cool. Zest and juice lemons. Mix orzo, cucumber, tomatoes, olives, lemon zest, and lemon juice all together in a bowl. Drizzle with olive oil, and add salt & pepper to taste. Add grated parmesan cheese (or feta if preferred). Slice fresh basil into thin slices and top pasta before serving.
Elderflower Mocktail
1.5oz Muddled Cucumber
1.5oz Lemon Juice
1.5oz Elderflower Cordial
Shake with Mint
Elderflower Tonic (regular tonic works too)
Muddle 3 pieces of cucumber with 1.5oz Elderflower Cordial. Then add 1.5oz Lemon Juice. Toss in 5 mint leaves. Add ice. Shake. Double strain into a coup glass. Top with Elderflower or regular tonic.
Ginger Berry Mocktail
Fresh Blueberries (frozen works too)
Fresh Limes, juiced
Basil
Muddle 1.5oz Ginger Syrup with a small handful of blueberries. Add 1.5oz of lime juice and 4 medium sized basil leaves. Add ice. Shake. Do not strain. Pour directly into a collins glass and top with Ginger Beer.
We hope you have a happy, safe and healthy 4th of July!