NETTLE, CUCUMBER & MINT FAUX-JITO
HERBAL SIPPERS
Herbal sippers are drinks that you can enjoy with or without alcohol. I have developed herbal sippers for those who would like to enjoy summer drinks while also receiving the amazing benefits that herbs have to offer. This nettle, mint and cucumber faux-jito will help to cool you off in the summer heat and quench your thirst.
Cucumbers are cooling in nature, cleansing, can help reduce inflammation in the stomach, aid digestion and purify the skin. Cucumbers are 95 percent water, making it a perfect vegetable to help cool you down in the summer heat. They are high in fibre, calcium, Magnesium, iron, vitamin C, beta-carotene, tocopherols and squalene. You can apply cucumber juice to your skin to help heal sunburns, insect stings, poison ivy, and inflammation to insect bites!
Nettle (urtica dioica) is a herb you can find in the wild or grow in your garden. Nettle has a wide range of nutrients including, calcium, potassium, glucosamine, beta carotene, vitamin K, all essential amino acids, fatty acids and polyphenols and so much more. This herb is beneficial to help build and purify blood, reduce inflammation and deeply nourish the body.
Mint (Mentha arvensis) Is another herb you can often find growing wild in North America or you can cultivate in your garden. Mint and peppermint contain menthol which is what gives your that warm/cold feeling on your skin and in your mouth. Mint is high in salicylic acid, Vitamin C, manganese, potassium, antioxidants and many phytonutrients. It is beneficial for mouth sores or toothaches, intestinal pain, IBS, motion sickness, inflammation, immune system and so much more!
Serves 4
INGREDIENTS:
2 medium cucumbers
1 tsp dried nettle
1 handful of fresh mint
2 1/4 cups water
carbonated beverage of your choice
ice
METHOD:
Slice 1 cucumber thinly and set aside
blend 1 peeled cucumber and 1/4 cup of water in a high speed blender and blend until smooth
Bring 2 cups of water to a low boil and pour over top of the nettle and mint
Let sit for 15 minutes to extract all of the flavours and nutrients
Let cool and strain
MAKING THE SIPPER:
Add two slices of cucumber to the sides of each glass
Fill the glasses with ice cubes
Add 1/4 cup cucumber juice
Add 1/4 cup nettle & mint tea
Top the glasses with your favourite carbonated beverage
Add a sprig of fresh mint
ENJOY EVERY SIP
Considerations:
Do not use nettle or mint if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
Do not use nettle if you have a dry constitution as it is a diuretic and be very drying to the body
Consult your health practitioner if you are taking blood thinners, diuretics or have diabetes before consuming nettle
Do not drink mint if you have acid reflux disease