Nora's Naturals Holiday Edition: Festive Cocktails with Benefits

Fa la la la la, la la la la. It is Friday and I am in a cheery mood! This holiday season has been such a blessing to me. Spending time with my family and friends, singing carols in the car and baking cookies have been filling my weekends.

In the kitchen, I have also been enjoying a variety of my holiday cocktails at happy hour. A perfect way to end my work week. All of this merriment makes me want to share this holiday deliciousness with you! Read below and watch the videos to give these holiday cocktails a try and spice up your holiday season.

Cranberry Sauced

Benefit: Immune strengthening cranberries contain high levels of vitamin C and phytonutrients to fight free radicals and lower inflammation.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz vodka

• 1/2 cup club soda

• 1/4 cup cranberries

• 1/2 cup unsweetened cranberry juice

• Splash of orange juice

• 1 tbsp orange zest

• 2 tbsp honey

Instructions

1. Combine all ingredients with 1/2 cup of ice in a shaker.

2. Shake for 30 seconds and pour into a fun glass.

3. Add the whole cranberries from the shaker (option to soak in vodka ahead of time).

4. Option to add additional orange zest to the top.

Beauty Bubbles

Benefit: Beauty boosting pomegranates contain B6, potassium and polyphenols essential for cellular turnover- brightening skin and strengthening hair.

Ingredients:

(Similar setup to Cranberry Sauced)

• 2 oz vodka

• 1/2 cup club soda

• 1/4 cup pomegranate seeds

• 1/2 cup fresh lemon squeezed

• Splash of pomegranate juice

• 1 tbsp lemon zest

• 2 tbsp honey

Instructions

1. Combine all ingredients with 1/2 cup of ice in a shaker.

2. Shake for 30 seconds and pour into a champagne glass.

3. Add the pomegranate seeds from the shaker (option to soak in vodka ahead of time).

4. Option to add additional lemon zest to the top.

Vacay Ready

Benefit: Fat burning fiber in the blood oranges slows down blood sugar spike and regulates digestion.

Ingredients:

(One large batch)

• 2 bottles of cabernet or pinot noir

• 2 cups sliced strawberries

• 2 cups apple juice

• 4 cloves

• 2 cinnamon sticks

• 1 lemon cut into wedges

• 1 lime

Instructions

1. Combine all ingredients in a pitcher.

2. Let the mixture sit in the refrigerator overnight to let the flavors seep into the wine.

Irish Exit

Benefit: Energy enhancing coffee contains chlorogenic acid; an antioxidant that increases circulation and decreases insulin secretion (essential to lower insulin for weight management and sustained energy).
Ingredients

• 2 oz bourbon

• 8 oz Nora's Naturals Coffee

• 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream

• 1/4 cup coconut cream

• 2 tbsp coconut sugar

• 1 tsp cinnamon

• 1 tsp nutmeg

Instructions

1. Combine all ingredients in a blender for 30 seconds.

2. Serve hot.

3. Optional: add whipped cream on top.

The Performance Pickup

The Performance Pickup

As we head into fall, it seems that our schedules just keep getting busier and busier. While some individuals may thrive having an on-the-go schedule, others may feel overwhelmed trying to keep up. 

At times I myself feel exhausted at the end of my week, no matter how fun and exciting it may be. In order to pick me up and make sure I am fueling my body with enough energy, I love making this awesome smoothie to help me recharge. Here are the ingredients below!

STAR INGREDIENT: WALNUTS

Why: Walnuts are high in omega 3 fatty acids, which protect the brain and improve cognitive health.

Their high levels of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals also improve mental alertness. The properties of walnuts also protect against inflammation which can effect the brain.

INGREDIENTS:

1/2 cups frozen blueberries

1/2 cup frozen raspberries

1/4 cup raw walnuts

1 scoop plant based protein powder 1 cup almond or coconut milk

1 tablespoon hemp seeds 2 teaspoon honey

Take all of your ingredients and blend them together. After that, pour the smoothie into a glass and enjoy!