Rachel’s Favorite Summertime Pink Smoothie

We’re so close to Summer and that means we’re craving cold, refreshing, lighter meals and snacks.

Tropical tasting smoothies are just the thing to fuel our summer days!

Whether it’s a light meal or a quick snack, icy-cold smoothies are just the thing to keep us nourished and hydrated on a hot day.

Bonus: This smoothie tastes like dessert!

Although fresh pineapple is available year-round in most of the US, this island fruit hits its peak from March through July.

Besides being completely DELICIOUS, fresh Pineapple is packed with nutrients, antioxidants and other helpful compounds, such as enzymes that can help with digestion, fight inflammation and disease.

I like to boost the protein in my smoothies using my favorite protein powder and collagen, but you can absolutely leave it out if you wish, or substitute with Greek yogurt or cottage cheese.

Why is the Just Ingredients Protein Powder & collagen our FAVORITE option?

• The protein comes from 5 sources: 100% super high-quality grass-fed whey, pea protein, pumpkin seed, chia seeds and collagen.

• There is a lot less whey compared to normal protein powders so it may be easier on the stomach than other protein powders!

• Free from sugar, gluten, artificial sweeteners or any artificial ingredients.

Special link: Just Ingredients Protein Powder

Use this discount code: Crush

For a 10 percent discount on all Just Ingredients products, you’ll need this specific link AND the discount code.

Use ANY milk of your choice.

My personal preferences for this drink are unsweetened coconut milk, unsweetened almond milk, or unsweetened cashew milk. Any milk you have and like will work!

4 servings

Ingredients:

• 1 x 14.5oz can oz full fat unsweetened organic coconut milk or milk of choice
• 2 cups fresh or frozen strawberries
• 2 cups fresh or frozen pineapple chunks
• 1 Tbsp freshly squeezed lime juice
• 2 servings vanilla protein powder
• 2 servings collagen powder

Instructions:

Place coconut milk, strawberries, and pineapple in a blender and blend until smooth.

If you’re using fresh fruit instead of frozen fruit, you’ll want to add a few ice cubes. If you’re using frozen fruit, you don’t need ice cubes.

Add in your fresh lime juice, protein powder, and the collagen. Blend until well incorporated.

Transfer evenly into four tall glasses and serve immediately.

Enjoy!

Rachel

The post [VIDEO] Rachel’s Favorite Summertime Pink Smoothie first appeared on Clean Food Crush.

Sheet-Pan “Fried” Rice

The ultimate satisfying savory treat to be enjoyed at any meal of the day!
While this recipe is not traditional in any way, it’s REALLY good and affordable, easy way to create something tasty to fill everyone up!

In just about 20 minutes, you’ll have a simple, budget-friendly, flavor-packed meal.

So keep this recipe handy when you need to put some food on the table quickly.

You can add any additional veggies you need to use up.

Add leftover diced meat such as ham, chicken, steak, or fish like shrimp or crab, and/or additional eggs/egg whites to increase the protein, too!

It’ll turn out great!

Feel free to double this recipe for weekly meal prep. Stays great in the fridge (in sealed containers) for 4 days.

Brown rice used to be synonymous with the word “healthy” … until the low-carb revolution happened!

But guess what? It can still be an extremely healthy choice!

It’s an inexpensive whole grain packed with fiber and a long list of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

Studies also show it is linked with heart health and better blood sugar control.

Plus, it’s gluten-free.

It’s a perfect meal prep choice — just steam a pot of it and keep it in the fridge or freezer until it’s time to eat!

REFERENCE:

HealthLine

4 servings

Ingredients:

• 2 Tbsps avocado oil or toasted sesame oil

• 1/4 cup coconut aminos, tamari, Braggs liquid aminos, or low sodium soy sauce

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp ginger powder

• 1 tsp cayenne pepper or white pepper

• 1 Tbsp rice vinegar

• 2 cups cooked brown rice, at room temperature

• 10 ozs carrots, chopped

• 12 ozs sugar snap peas, chopped

• 1 red bell pepper, diced

• 1 medium yellow onion, diced

• 4 large eggs, lightly beaten

• sea salt and ground black pepper, to taste

• 4 green onions, chopped

• 1 cup frozen sweet peas, thawed

• 1/2 cup raw peanuts

Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 450 degrees f. and line a large sheet pan with parchment paper.

In a large bowl, whisk together the oil, coconut aminos, spices, and vinegar.

Add in the rice, carrots, sugar snap peas, bell pepper, and onions. Thoroughly stir to combine, then transfer evenly onto your prepared sheet pan.

Roast for 8-10 minutes.

Meanwhile, in a bowl, beat the eggs with sea salt and pepper.

Carefully remove your sheet pan from the oven and stir. Drizzle evenly with the beaten eggs, and continue to bake for 5-7 minutes, or until the eggs are cooked through.

Once the eggs are done, remove from the oven and stir in the green onions, peas, and peanuts.

Divide among 4 bowls and enjoy!

Rachel

The post Sheet-Pan “Fried” Rice first appeared on Clean Food Crush.

Refreshing Summer Drinks

Summer is a lot of people’s favorite season for a reason! Most kids are off from school, and families are planning summer vacations. It’s a wonderful time to have fun and make memories with your family and friends.

Whether you’re having a BBQ or party (check out this post for all the recipes you need for a barbecue), getting outside to soak up vitamin D and go hiking or swimming or whatever you love, or staying indoors with the AC reading or spending time by yourself, summer comes with limitless opportunities to make life great!

But summer also means you’re more vulnerable to too much sun and dehydration, so staying hydrated and cool is essential even in the heat (check out these cold treats perfect for summertime!) 

To help you avoid summer dehydration, here are thirteen incredible and refreshing drinks to enjoy this season!

1. Coconut-Raspberry Ice & Cool as a Cucumber Spa Water

These simple, healthy drinks will hydrate a large group of people.

We have a smooth coconut raspberry drink that perfectly mixes two flavors and a cucumber water that adds important nutrients like silica and antioxidants to a refreshing spin on typical water.

2. Watermelon Lemonade/Limeade

Watermelons are 92% water, so what better way to enjoy them than by creating the perfect summer drink?!

Add as much or as little lemon/lime as you’d like, depending on tartness, throw in some honey, and blend until smooth. 

3. Copycat Starbucks Pink Drink

We all have treats we love to splurge on or indulge in every once in a while.

Sure, the pink drink at Starbucks might not seem like the biggest treat, but the sugar can add up, and so can the cost.

So, I created this copycat version that is just as delicious but without all the unwanted additives and sugars.

4. Mocktail Strawberry Mimosas

I LOVE a good cocktail. And I don’t know about you, but something about a warm summer day just makes cocktails like mimosas, pina coladas, and margaritas that much tastier.

Though CleanFoodCrush doesn’t swear off alcohol completely (check out this article to read more about our take on alcohol), it’s still nice to have some alcohol-free mocktail options (that also have less sugar than the classic drinks).

So, I’ve included a couple of mocktails in this list, including this delicious strawberry mimosa! Rather than champagne, I used a mixture of fresh lime juice and sparking water to give the mocktail the tangy, fresh, and bubbly taste we’re looking for. YUM. 

5. Refreshing Homemade Blueberry Lemonade

As you can see, lemonade makes several appearances on this list.

There’s a reason for that! There’s nothing quite like a revitalizing glass of lemonade on a hot day!

This recipe takes the classic drink and gives it a fun twist.

Also, blueberries contain one of the highest antioxidant levels of nearly all fruits and vegetables and have an impressive array of fiber, vitamins, and minerals.

6. Avocado Pina Colada Mocktails

What is a more obvious summer drink than pina coladas?

I LOVE these, but I wanted a version without alcohol, so I decided to create this mocktail recipe.

Adding an avocado to a drink might seem weird, but it works!

The creaminess that makes this drink fantastic lies in the avocados, so it’s definitely worth a try! 

7. Homemade Fresh Fruit Summer Slushies

Forgo the snow-cone shack for these frosty, nutrient-packed REAL fruit slushies.

We have a raspberry green tea slushie, watermelon mint slushie, mango apple slushie, and a kiwi pineapple slushie – something for everyone!

8. Alcohol-Free Ripe Peach Coolers

If you’ve ever eaten a ripe-juicy peach picked from the tree, you know they’re a real treat – just like this mocktail peach cooler!

Peaches are best when ripe and gotten from local farmers, and thankfully, they’re at their peak May through August.

So, this is a perfect summertime drink! 

9. Frozen Whipped Coconut Limonade or Lemonade

Not only is it a perfect combo of sour and sweet, but both lemons and limes have high levels of vitamin C and antioxidants, which can help keep you hydrated when the sun is beating down!

10. Cantaloupe Orange Ginger Turmeric Juice

Cantaloupes are in the summer months, and oranges are tangy, delicious, and make for a fantastic juice flavor to mix into nearly any drink.

These two, combined with the infection-fighting ginger and the naturally anti-inflammatory turmeric, create a miracle drink!

This is a more popular juice in the winter months, as it’s great for fighting colds and flu, but it’s just as delicious when it’s hot outside.

And you can get sick year-round, so keeping your immune system strong is vital! 

11. Alcohol-Free Strawberry Margaritas

Up there with pina coladas for famous, unique, and tasty summertime drinks are margaritas!

Strawberry margaritas are a particular favorite of mine, as I LOVE enjoying a glass on the patio with a friend or two.

This recipe has all the amazing flavors but leaves out the tequila, which is helpful for those of us trying to cut down on alcohol a bit.

12. Tangy Carrot Juice

This one is slightly different from all the other drinks on this list, but I’m adding it for a reason!

Carrot juice makes a great pre-workout or post-workout fuel, and carrots are filled with nutrients and health benefits.

They’re full of vitamin A, antioxidants, and potassium and help keep your eyes and skin healthy, boost immunity, and maintain healthy cholesterol and blood sugar levels.

13. Classic Lemon Water

Okay, I know this isn’t technically a recipe, but I had to add it because lemon water is filled with impressive benefits.

It’s definitely the easiest drink from this list to make! Read about several uses and benefits of lemon water here.

If you liked this list and want even more delicious and incredibly refreshing drinks to enjoy in the summertime, check out our brand-new BBQ eBundle. You’ll find 254 Clean Eating Recipes that your family and friends will LOVE! Check it out here.

I hope you find a new favorite refreshing drink from this list that you can enjoy this summer, confident that you’re making tasty, healthy, and affordable options!

Wishing you lots of refreshment and relaxation this summer! 

The post Refreshing Summer Drinks first appeared on Clean Food Crush.

Copycat Starbucks Pink Drink

My teenage daughter LOVES the “Pink Drink” found at Starbucks.

And once in a while, I’ll stop to grab her one as a very special treat as we’re not ultra rigid at our house.

I believe it’s really important to allow favorite treats here and there, especially with our young people who are learning what balance looks like.

That being said, I think they are expensive and not something we’d want to include too often for several reasons.

I like to keep our family budget much tighter these days and I also LOVE KNOWING what ingredients are in the foods and drinks my family consumes often.

Clean, whole foods contain the most nutrients and the least amount of unwanted additives and sugar, so that is our main focus.

Many recipes found online for the pink drink contain A LOT of added sweeteners.

My version gets the sweetness from the strawberries and the pure pomegranate juice.

You’ll likely discover this recipe to be not as sweet as maybe what you’re used to – but I think you’ll really like it!

I’m enjoying the fact that my daughter liked/approved of this drink recipe and she’s getting in some extra vitamins and nutrition with mom’s “healthy” version.

We can make these together all summer long! Sydney APPROVED

Wishing you lots of refreshment and relaxation this summer along with peace in discovering your own beautiful balance between fun treats and enjoying lots of healthier and affordable options too!

4 servings

Ingredients:

• 2 cups unsweetened coconut milk

• 2 cups fresh or frozen strawberries, hulled

• 2 cups pure pomegranate juice

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Optional: 2 scoops vanilla protein powder or collagen

TO SERVE:

Additional fresh chopped strawberries and ice

Instructions:

Add all the ingredients to a high-speed blender and blend until smooth and nicely combined.

Add lots of ice and additional chopped strawberries equally among 4 tall glasses as desired and pour in your pink drink.

Enjoy!
Rachel

The post Copycat Starbucks Pink Drink first appeared on Clean Food Crush.

Quick Tex-Mex Loaded Tuna Salad

This QUICK meal packs ENORMOUS flavor *AND* an equally impressive nutritional punch!

We have high-quality protein, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates thanks to the beans and corn.

The flavors, colors, and textures happening in this bowl are impressive for such a quick meal idea!

Scoop it up into a lettuce wrap or over a big lettuce salad, scoop and eat with chips, or pile it high on a toasted slice of Ezekiel to create an open-faced sandwich. Or simply just eat it with a spoon.

This stuff is EXCELLENT to make on Sunday and keep in your fridge for quick lunches and snacks throughout the week!

Stays good in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Try this with our Homemade Mayo recipe.

4 servings

Ingredients:

• 3 x 6 oz cans tuna in water or olive oil, drained and flaked
• 1/4 cup homemade mayonnaise or plain Greek yogurt
• 1 cup frozen organic corn, thawed
• 1 x 15oz can black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 large ripe Hass avocado, small diced
• 1 red bell pepper, small diced
• 1 small red onion, finely diced
• a handful of fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
• zest and juice of 1 fresh lemon or lime
• 1 tsp chili powder, or to taste
• 1 tsp ground cumin, or to taste
• sea salt and ground pepper, to taste

Instructions:

In a large bowl add all the ingredients for your salad.

Gently stir to combine.

Add seasonings as desired to your taste, then stir gently to combine and serve.

Refrigerate leftovers in a sealed container for up to 4 days.

Enjoy!

Rachel

The post Quick Tex-Mex Loaded Tuna Salad first appeared on Clean Food Crush.

Hot Pumpkin Milk

In case this weekend’s plans involve pj’s, family, and possibly decorating for the holidays, I have a very special hot drink recipe for you to serve while creating cherished memories.

Are you a pumpkin fan? I’m not just a fan. I’m completely obsessed. COMPLETELY.

There are SO MANY reasons to add pumpkin to your diet – it’s loaded with vitamins, minerals, and plant compounds that are good for you.

PLUS … it’s low in calories and tastes great.

Here are just a few of pumpkin’s benefits: it’s good for your vision, immune health, and it may even help reduce your risk of cancer!

Pumpkin also protects your heart, lungs, and kidneys, helps battle high blood pressure and it’s good for your skin.

Eating pumpkin can keep us looking young thanks to beta-carotene that helps protect us from the sun’s wrinkle-causing UV rays = younger-looking skin.

REFERENCES

• WebMD

Canned pumpkin puree can also be a great way to get your pumpkin in. Add it to your oatmeal, desserts, baked goods, chili, smoothies, and casseroles – and you can even make delicious pumpkin pancakes.

Just make sure you don’t accidentally pick up a can of pumpkin pie filling instead because they are two completely different things!

Pumpkin pie filling and pumpkin puree often sit in cans or cartons right next to each other on the grocery store shelf. It can be easy to grab one thinking it is the other because the two products look very similar.

However, they are VERY different products!

Pumpkin Puree (that can also be made at home very easily) should say ONLY Pumpkin on the ingredient label.

Pumpkin pie filling usually has many ingredients, one of which is SUGAR.

Use ANY unsweetened/plain milk of your choice. My personal favorite for this hot drink is unsweetened coconut milk or cashew milk. Any unsweetened nut milk, coconut milk, high-quality grass-fed cow’s milk, or heavy cream all work really well here. Use what you personally like and have on hand.

Have you ever made your own whipped coconut cream? You’re in for a treat!

It’s fluffy, creamy, all-natural, and dairy-free making it the perfect touch for any treat or dessert.

Always chill your coconut cans in the fridge overnight. The coconut cream solids will rise to the top of the can in the fridge, leaving the coconut water on the bottom. You’ll need this concentrated cream found on top in order to create your fluffy coconut whipped cream. Once your can has chilled in the fridge OVERNIGHT, then you’re ready to make your treat.

Make your coconut whipped cream:

For best results set your bowl in the freezer for a while before preparing your whipped cream in it. Using a chilled bowl helps the coconut cream whip up better.

Scrape the coconut cream from the very top of the can into a large mixing bowl and add in the vanilla/almond extract and a few drops of sweetener of your choice. The cream should have separated from the coconut milk after being refrigerated overnight. We’re only using the cream, so you can use the remaining watery-milk for something else like smoothies or soup.

Whip the coconut cream with a hand mixer until fluffy, about 5 to 10 minutes. Place in fridge until ready to use. (Note: it will not be as stiff as dairy whipped cream.)

When ready to serve, add a dollop of cold coconut whipped cream to each hot pumpkin milk.

The sweetness factor is such a PERSONAL preference, so please consider this when adding in raw honey, or pure maple syrup. Depending on your taste, you may want a bit more or less.

Try this with our Homemade Pumpkin Puree

4 servings

Ingredients:

• 1 x 15oz can pure pumpkin puree, or 2 cups homemade pumpkin puree
• 4 cups milk of choice (dairy or non-dairy)
• 4 Tbsps pure maple syrup or raw honey
• 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice, or to taste
• 1 tsp turmeric powder

Optional, to serve:

• 4 dollops of coconut whipped cream (recipe and instructions above)

Instructions:

Add your pure pumpkin puree to a food processor or high-speed blender. Add your milk of choice, maple syrup or raw honey, pumpkin pie spice, and turmeric.

Pulse until smooth, then transfer to a saucepan.

Heat your pumpkin milk over medium-low heat while whisking constantly until its nice and hot just your liking and serve with a dollop of whipped cream.

Enjoy immediately in cozy mugs.

Rachel

The post Hot Pumpkin Milk first appeared on Clean Food Crush.

Homemade Kimchi

Have you tried Kimchi? Have you ever made your own?

What is Kimchi anyway?

It’s a spicy, fermented cabbage, similar to sauerkraut, but with Korean flavors such as garlic, ginger, & chilies. I like to add a spoonful to my savory meals.

So what does it taste like?!

Kimchi tastes tangy, salty, spicy, and sour! It’s very similar to sauerkraut (because they are both fermented cabbage), but kimchi is packed with different flavors and a little heat.

What are the benefits of eating Kimchi?

Kimchi is packed with nutrients while being low in calories.

The fermentation process creates an environment that allows friendly bacteria to multiply. These include probiotics, which are live microorganisms that are known to offer health benefits when consumed in large quantities.

Fermented foods such as kimchi offer probiotics, which may help prevent and treat several conditions such as:

• Gastrointestinal health

• Constipation

• The common cold

• Skin conditions

• and more

It’s noted:

A specific strain of Lactobacillus found in fermented kimchi may boost our immune system, though further research is ongoing.

Probiotics like kimchi and other fermented foods may help reduce inflammation. Studies are underway to understand its inflammation-fighting abilities, but so far – very promising.

Reference:

• Healthline

More CFC Probiotic Goodness:

• Why Probiotics are Great for Health and Weight Loss:
• Natural Probiotics:
• Health Benefits of Raw Sauerkraut:
• How To Create a Healthy Microbiome:
• Cleanfoodcrush Homemade Raw Sauerkraut:

Makes about 4 cups

Ingredients:

• 1 medium head Chinese or Napa cabbage
• 8 ozs Korean radish or daikon radish, peeled and cut into matchsticks
• 1/4 cup sea salt
• 2 large carrots, cut into matchsticks
• 4 green onions, sliced diagonally into 1-inch pieces
• 2 Tbsps gochugaru or Korean red pepper flakes
• 1-inch fresh ginger, grated on the microplane
• 1 garlic clove, grated on the microplane
• 1 Tbsp raw honey or pure maple syrup

Instructions:

Trim and discard the outer leaves of your cabbage.

Slice your cabbage lengthwise into quarters and remove the core. Chop it up into large bite-size pieces and place in a salad spinner. Wash and drain the cabbage, then give it a good spin.

Add cabbage to a large bowl then season with 1/4 cup sea salt. Toss well and allow cabbage to sit for about 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes.

Meanwhile, slice your radishes and carrots into matchsticks and slice the green onions then place in your large bowl.

Add in all of your remaining ingredients.

Add more or less pepper flakes or gochugaru depending on how much spice you like.

Toss thoroughly to combine. Cover the bowl and allow it to sit at room temp overnight.

I like to place a plate on top to weigh down the veggies in order to keep them submerged in the brine.

Transfer your kimchi into a clean jar (or several jars) together with all of the brine left at the bottom of the bowl. Keep your fermented vegetables covered/submerged in the brine.

Stays well refrigerated for up to 2 months.

Serve your kimchi with any savory meal from breakfast to dinner.

Enjoy!

Rachel

The post Homemade Kimchi first appeared on Clean Food Crush.

Homemade Almond Milk

This recipe & video tutorial is something I’ve wanted to share for several years now because I really want to demonstrate how SIMPLE it is to make your own almond milk at home.

I kept putting off creating the video and shooting the photos because it *is* so simple and just didn’t seem exciting enough LOL.

But, I want to get you excited to make your own nut milk at home!

This milk is SO DELICIOUS! The flavor is far superior to anything you can purchase at the store. Not to mention we’re skipping all the weird stuff that often gets added into premade almond milk.

Be sure to use RAW almonds not roasted almonds.

I think the tiny pinch of sea salt along with the very slight sweetness from one date is a perfect balance of flavor for this creamy milk.

You can always experiment with your own additions such as raw honey or stevia in place of the date.

Pour your fresh almond milk over your granola, blend into your smoothies + protein shakes, and add a splash to your morning coffee!

makes 8 servings

Ingredients:

• 2 cups raw almonds
• 6 cups filtered water
• pinch sea salt
• 1 pitted date
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• straining bag/nut milk bag

Instructions:

Add your almonds to a large bowl or glass container and cover with hot water. Allow them to soak for at least 1 to 2 hours.

Alternatively, you can add cold water and soak them in the fridge overnight.

Drain the water and transfer the soaked almonds to a high-speed blender.

Add 6 cups of filtered water, a tiny pinch of sea salt, a pitted date, and vanilla extract.

Process until very well blended, about 1-2 minutes.

Lay a straining bag over a large jug and pour in the blended almond mixture.

Squeeze to extract all the white nut milk.

Keep your almond milk refrigerated for up to 5 days. (Use within 5 days)

Just before serving, stir to combine again.

You can use the leftover almond meal to make protein balls, add to smoothies, or oatmeal.

Enjoy!

Rachel

The post Homemade Almond Milk first appeared on Clean Food Crush.

Refreshing Homemade Blueberry Lemonade

There’s nothing more refreshing on a hot summer day than a tall glass of cold lemonade!

This homemade Fresh Blueberry Lemonade has become a yearly Summertime tradition that all of my kids get excited about!

It’s the perfect way to cool down & slow down this summer, plus it’s made with REAL nutritive and beneficial ingredients!

Alternatively, you may use frozen blueberries for a slushier drink.

ALWAYS use freshly-squeezed lemon/lime juice from an actual fresh lemon or lime. Bottled lemon juice from the store will give your drink a strange metallic or overly acidic taste.

The sweetness factor is such a PERSONAL preference, so please consider this when adding in the honey or maple syrup. Depending on your taste, you may want a bit more or less.

How often do you eat blueberries

Did you know: blueberies contain one of the highest antioxidant levels of nearly all fruits and vegetables.

Not only that, but they have an impressive array of fiber, vitamins, and minerals.

They may reduce the risk of DNA damage, protecting against cancer and aging, and help fight diabetes.

Blueberries may stop cholesterol from oxidizing (important for heart health) and are linked to lower blood pressure. They also contain compounds that are good for brain function and memory.

Plus, evidence suggests they help prevent urinary tract infections and assist with post-workout recovery.

Eat blueberries as-is for a snack – stir them into oatmeal, yogurt, salsa, or salad – or add them into drinks and smoothies. Yum!

4 servings

Ingredients:

• 2 cups fresh blueberries
• 2 cups filtered water
• 1/3 cup raw honey or pure maple syrup
• 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice or freshly squeezed lime juice
• 2 cups ice

To garnish:

• fresh lemon wedges
• fresh lime wedges
• fresh blueberries
• fresh thyme

Instructions:

Add your clean blueberries, water, honey, and lemon juice to a high-speed blender and blend just until smooth.

To get this nice color I like to strain the lemonade through a fine mesh cloth before serving. This step is absolutely optional.

Serve with plenty of ice and garnish with lemon slices, extra blueberries, and fresh thyme sprigs.

Enjoy!

Rachel

The post Refreshing Homemade Blueberry Lemonade first appeared on Clean Food Crush.

Strawberry Mimosas

You can’t go out to a nice brunch without seeing or ordering a Mimosa these days. This traditional drink is currently gaining in popularity, and likely dates back to the 1920’s.

A Mimosa is the refreshingly simple combination of citrus (orange juice) and champagne enjoyed by many on a Sunday morning.

Picture this: Throw a backyard Sunday Brunch for all your friends this summer, and offer plenty of creative non-alcoholic drinks along with the traditional party favorites. I have a feeling this beautiful gesture will be very appreciated!

In celebration of summer and working towards healthier lifestyles, I’ve decided to create & share a bunch of “mocktails” for our website during June.

So if you’re wanting to go Alcohol-Free a bit more often, I’ve got you covered with lots of refreshing, delicious, and creative cocktail alternatives!

Let’s celebrate this beautiful life with inspired food & drinks that also leave us FEELING great!

Obviously Champagne makes up a good portion of a traditional Mimosa, but since we’re skipping Champagne more often this summer – I got creative! This mixture of fresh lime juice and sparking water gives our mocktail Mimosas the tangy, fresh, and bubbly taste we’re looking for!

What does “muddle” mean?

Muddling is a technique used for drinks to gently mash berries, herbs (like fresh mint or basil leaves), or fruit (like lemon or orange wedges), to release their juices, natural oils, and flavors. We don’t want to mash things into a complete pulp – just a few firm presses with a wooden spoon or spatula will do the trick!

ALWAYS use freshly-squeezed lemon/lime juice from an actual fresh lemon/lime. Bottled lemon juice from the store will give your drink a strange metallic or overly acidic taste.

I strongly recommend using freshly squeezed orange juice (preferably juiced by you, immediately before serving). Store bought orange juice is just not the same. For absolute best flavor, juice your own oranges.

6 servings

Ingredients:

• 3 cups freshly squeezed orange juice
• 2 cups frozen or fresh strawberries, muddled
• ice
• 2 Tbsps fresh squeezed lime juice
• 1 cup sparkling water

Instructions:

Muddle the strawberries equally into 6 glasses. Fill glasses with ice to your preference.

Divide your freshly squeezed orange juice and lime juice equally into each glass, then give each a little stir.

Top with a good splash of sparkling water and serve immediately.

Enjoy!

Rachel

The post Strawberry Mimosas (CFC Mocktail Version) first appeared on Clean Food Crush.