5 Ingredients: Cranberry Spritzer
During holidays or big family gatherings, the adults sip on wine or cocktails and the kids drink juice, but my 7-year-old son complained that he wanted something more (and I refuse to buy soda). That’s how this cranberry spritzer was born.
Seltzer, sparkling water or club soda gives beverages a soda-like feel without all the sugar (or fake sugar). I grew up on seltzer, so that’s what I prefer to use. With no calories, caffeine, artificial colors, preservatives or sweeteners, this is my kind of ingredient! Use more seltzer if you like your beverage a little less sweet.
Always use 100% juice to ensure the least amount of added sugars. Read the label to make sure your juice also contains 100% vitamin C. Because it's easily destroyed during the processing, many companies add it back in to their juices. For different flavors you can also try apple cider or orange juice.
I love the clover honey that I picked up at my farmers' market a few months ago -- better still, local honey is linked to lowering the incidence of allergies. As an alternative, sweeten your spritzer with agave syrup.
A thinly sliced orange adds pizazz to your drink and some extra vitamin C. If you’re more in the Christmas spirit, add a handful of refreshing mint leaves for a red and green combination that everybody will love.