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Utah’s cold, dry winter weather coupled with holiday and New Year parties and dancing can quickly leave you dehydrated. This season, incorporate festive hydration stations into your holiday soiree for an interactive solution that can be enjoyed by adults and children alike. Fruits, herbs, juices, sparkling waters, and bitters come together allowing your guests to create their own unique holiday beverage.
Start with these four steps as you channel your inner mixologist:
1. Start with a simple base and always offer non-alcoholic options
Sparkling water comes in a variety of flavors and adds a festive glimmer
Unsweetened tea adds an herbal, earthy note to drinks
Sparkling wine is a great base for a holiday cocktail
Liquor and sparkling water can also be used as base
2. Add a splash of 100 percent fruit juice for flavor and color
Pomegranate juice is a beautiful ruby color
Apple cider is a sweet, seasonal option
Pear juice offers a unique twist
Sparkling juices keep things bubbly
A fresh squeeze of lemon, lime, or orange brightens things up
3. Garnish with fresh fruit and herbs for a bit of glam
Pomegranate seeds are in season and look like beautiful gems
Fresh berries look darling floating in your glass, bringing a pop of color
Basil, mint, thyme, and rosemary can be muddled* into a drink for flavor, or used as a garnish to bring a fresh aroma to your nose as you take a sip
*Muddling means pressing fruit or herbs into the side of the glass or cocktail shaker. This releases the flavor and oils from the fresh ingredient into your drink.
4. Balance flavors with a dash of bitters
Bitters bring a floral, bitter notes to balance out the sweet and sour flavors of your drink
Bitters come in many varieties, so pick a couple to offer guests a choice
A little bit goes a long way! Just a couple of drops will do
What are bitters?
Think of bitters the way you think of vanilla extract. It’s alcohol that is strongly infused with flavors from herbs, spices, fruits, roots, or really any flavorful plant. Bitters are meant to be used in tiny amounts and don’t contribute a significant amount of alcohol (just like vanilla). Bonus tip: Bitters can also be used to add flavor to your cooking.
Are you wondering how much water to drink this season?
The Institute of Medicine recommends men start with 13 cups of water per day and women start with 9 cups of water per day.
Looking for more inspiration? Try our Pear Pom Fizz mocktail recipe and get tips from our own Dietitian Ashley Quadros on KUTV.