Cocktail of the Month: Basil Grape Crush

As someone who is always on the lookout for more ways to cut calories from my diet, I can’t help but get really excited when I stumble upon new drinks using fresh ingredients and avoiding sugary pre-made mixers. Luckily for me, I found a drink called the Basil Grape Crush. I was immediately interested in trying it, considering how good the grapes have been this summer and the endless pile of basil growing in my herb garden.

Basil Grape Crush

Yields: 1 cocktail

Ingredients:

• 2 large basil leaves
• 5-6 seedless grapes (I prefer red, but I’m sure green would work too)
• 1-2 packets of Splenda (to taste)*
• 2 shots of soda water
• 1-2 shots of your preferred vodka (depending on how potent you want the drink)
• 1 lemon wedge

*Normally one would add about a ½ ounce of simple syrup. However, I replaced it with a packet or two of Splenda.

Directions:

1. First, muddle the basil, grapes and Splenda (or simple syrup) in a glass. Then add in the vodka (1-2 shot) and squeezed lime wedge. This mixture is then poured into a shaker. Give it a good mix!
2. Grab a small cocktail glass and fill it halfway with ice. Then you can pour in your mixture. I prefer to keep the muddled grapes and basil in the drink. However, it’s definitely an option to strain them out before you pour your drink into the cocktail glass, if you prefer your cocktails without pulp.
3. Finally, pour the soda water into the glass and stir with a spoon. Sit back, put your feet up and enjoy your sweet, refreshing cocktail…guilt-free!

80 proof Vodka rings in at about 97 calories a shot. That’s going to make up the bulk of the calories of the drink. Before adding vodka, the basil/grape mixture comes in at only 24 calories. While this drink is a great summer drink because of how refreshing it sweet it is, it also a drink that isn’t going to kill your summer diets!

Not only do the colors of the muddled fruit look beautiful for an outdoor party, but also knowing that it’s healthy and full of fresh fruit can always encourage you to feel your best!

– Noori Chishti

Cocktail of the Month: Cucumber Mint Sangria

As an aspiring wine snob, I tend to prefer my wine plain. My favorite example – why add orange juice when champagne is so great on its own? Sorry to all the mimosa devotees out there…I know my view is highly controversial.  This caveat aside, I can’t get enough of this Cucumber Mint Sangria.

Sangria is always a great drink choice for the summer, and this one is especially light and refreshing. The cucumbers and mint not only look beautiful in the glass, but it’s the perfect combo for a hot summer evening. Not to mention, I was really happy to get a chance to take advantage of myherb garden again while it lasts!  It’s such an easy drink to make too, if you haven’t already been convinced.

Another great thing about sangria is that it’s a nice way for people who maybe don’t love the dryness of wine too much to still get their wine fix, as the cucumbers and sweetness make the drink much more approachable. Plus, sangria is an excellent way to take advantage of an inexpensive bottle of wine since you’re mixing together so many different delicious flavors anyway.

Cucumber Mint Sangria

Ingredients:

• 1 seedless cucumber (thinly sliced)
• 1 lime (thinly sliced)
• fresh mint
• 1/4 cup lime juice
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1 bottle of Sauvignon Blanc*

Instructions:

1. Combine cucumber, lime slices, and mint leaves in a large pitcher. You can chop the mint a bit for added flavor, but the drink tends to look prettier if the leaves are whole.
2. In a small bowl, stir together honey and lime juice until entirely combined.
3. Pour the lime juice and honey mixture into the pitcher.
4. Pour in wine and stir gently.
5. Cover and chill for at least two hours, and then serve!

*I used a Sauvignon Blanc, but any drier white would go well. You could try a dry Riesling or Pinot Grigio, but I would avoid Chardonnay because the heaviness of the flavor may not mix as well.

The Cucumber Mint Sangria is the perfect refreshing, light drink to savor in these last days of summer. At 170 calories a glass, this drink isn’t too bad if you’re worried about your diet. And if you’re looking for something even lighter, there’s always the option of topping the drink off with a bit of soda water and turning it into a spritzer!  Cheers!

-Noori Chishti