Mocktails: How & Why

Why do we need alternatives to alcohol?

We all know that drinking “too much alcohol” can have negative consequences to liver health, brain function, cardiovascular health and hormone regulation. We are now learning, even moderate or small amounts of alcohol can create negative impacts on health.

• Even 1 drink of alcohol for women (that’s 6oz of beer, 4oz of wine, or 1 oz of liquor) lowers sleep quality by 25%. Two drinks lowers sleep quality by 40%.
  At first, you may experience more deep sleep. But as your liver starts to metabolize, or process, the alcohol while you sleep you experience more N1 stage sleep, the lightest stage sleep, causing frequent wakings. Over time this contributes to immune, metabolic and cardiovascular dysfunction because the body is not able to carry out cellular restoration functions while sleeping.

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• A study published in the American Journal of Gastroenterology in Oct 2020 found that even 1 drink per day significantly increased the risk of liver damage, or cirrhosis, compared to long-term abstainers. Worth noting: this study found risk of liver damage was significantly higher in female bodies when having just 1 drink per day.

Don’t worry, there’s good news!

Even after years of consistent alcohol use, the liver can bounce back and regain its function. Studies suggest that if you are a light, or occasional heavy drinker (about 4-5 drinks per week), 30 days is enough time for liver function to improve.

Meaning you can see improvements in skin, digestion, energy, mood, cognition and sleep quality in just 4 weeks!

.What are Adaptogens?

Adaptogens are plants or plant compounds that help to modulate (modify, alter or exert effects over) the Immune & Central Nervous System. These compounds generally help to support optimal functioning and increase our body’s tolerance, or resistance, to all kinds of stress including physical, chemical and biological. Due to their ability to help us manage stress on a physiological level, these compounds can often induce feelings of relaxation and calm.

You can use adaptogens and adaptogenic herbs to create fun, tasty, and medicinal drinks that serve as alcohol or caffeine alternatives.

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What is a mocktail?

A mocktail is a cocktail where the alcohol has been substituted for non-alcoholic ingredients or has been omitted.

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So how to get started?

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Some common adaptogenic plants:

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Recipes:

• Start with sparkling water and stir in fresh squeezed grapefruit, lime, orange or other fruit to taste
• Stir in crushed mint and basil if you prefer. Optional: Add an ounce or two of pineapple juice.
• Add 1 serving* of holy basil tincture, lemon balm, or lavender
• Add ½ serving* of Kava in times of high stress

*Servings will change depending on product and brand

• 1 Tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 Tablespoon unsweetened chocolate, chopped
• 1 Tablespoon maca powder
• 1 1/2 Tablespoon sweetener to taste
• 2 Cups unsweetened vanilla nondairy milk
• 1/8 teaspoon Himalayan pink salt

We added all ingredients to a crockpot to warm up together. To make single servings warm your milk in a pot on the stove, stir in all ingredients and use an immersion blender. OR add all ingredients to a blender then pour into a pot to warm up on the stove.

• For 1 serving, add 1 Tsp each of Maca & Reishi powder and 1 Tbsp cacao powder.
• Mix with non dairy milk of choice, and 6 oz decaf coffee, Rasa, roasted Dandelion, roasted Chicory, or other coffee alternative
• Use whisk or immersion blender to blend powder and liquid ingredients.
• Add cinnamon and/or sweetener of choice to taste.

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• Choose 2 of the following teas: lavender, lemon balm, chamomile
• Brew to instructions and then add Calm magnesium powder

Very relaxing

6.Pear Cucumber Cooler

• 1 can San Pellegrino Limonata
• 2 shots cucumber juice
• ½ pear, peeled
• 3-5 crushed mint leaves
• ½ lemon, juiced
• 1 serving lemon balm tincture, and/or 1 serving Kava tincture

Peel cucumber and puree in a blender with ½ pear, peeled and cored. Strain through a fine mesh strainer or pour through tea strainer. Crush mint leaves
with the back of a spoon. Juice ½ of a lemon. Pour together, stir. Mix in a serving of lemon balm or kava tincture.

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  2 oz pure pomegranate juice

  1 oz pure pineapple juice

.5 oz fresh lime juice

2 oz sparkling water

1 serving ashwagandha tincture and/or 1 serving kava tincture

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Our favorite herbalists and products:

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Temperature of teas

*Note: 212F is considered a full boil

See a full chart here: https://artfultea.com/blogs/101/tea-brewing-temperature-guide
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Tools for loose leaf tea:

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Before you go:

Questions about how to stop drinking? Finding it harder to stop drinking than you thought?

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Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us for guidance or support on your healing journey!

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All the best,

Kelly Price-Brewer

Wellness Coach

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Aug. 19, 2024