Ginger Sage Paloma Mocktail

Limiting alcohol consumption is one of the healthiest lifestyle changes one can make to maintain overall health and weight, particularly throughout the holiday season. Unfortunately, alternatives like non-alcoholic mocktails can be deceptively high in calories from sugar. This recipe is a lower calorie, lightly sweetened yet flavorful alternative to maintain your health during the holiday season.

Yield: 1 mocktail

Ingredients

Sage Ginger Syrup:

• 1/2 cup water
• 1/4 cup honey or brown sugar
• 1-inch fresh ginger, sliced
• 1/3 cup fresh sage leaves
• 1 star anise

Paloma:

• 1 ounce grapefruit juice
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 6 oz grapefruit sparkling water (or ginger kombucha, such as Gingerade by GT’s)
• pomegranate arils, for garnish

Instructions

1. To make the sage ginger syrup, bring 1/2 cup water, honey, ginger, sage, and star anise to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, simmer for 1-2 minutes, then remove from the heat. Let cool for 10 minutes. Store in a glass jar in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
2. Fill your glass with ice. Add grapefruit juice and lime juice. Add 1/2-1 tablespoon of sage ginger syrup. Stir to combine. Top with sparkling water or ginger kombucha. Garnish with pomegranate arils and extra sage leaves.