This month's Recipe Redux challenge was to show healthy and colorful drink concoctions. Obviously with my obsession with all things bright and colorful, this was right up my alley and these Sparkling Rainbow Mocktails were born!
These gorgeous drinks are all fruit and vegetable based. Oh yeah, and tea/ flower based for the blue (hey there butterfly pea flowers!). They have zero added sweetener, and honestly it's not even missed.
Now, these are rainbow mocktails and I wanted to make them alcohol-free for a few reasons. One, these are super fun and I wanted to make something festive that the whole family can enjoy. These are perfect for kids' birthday parties, high school graduations, and for baby showers for the mama-to-be to enjoy, too.
Tw0, when I'm working with families I'm frequently asked about lower-sugar drinks and soda alternatives. I always love suggesting a little bit of juice mixed with sparkling water. These Sparkling Rainbow Mocktails basically follow that same recommendation.
Now, if you are looking to make these a little boozey, break out the bubbly because these would be freaking awesome with some Prosecco!
I'll share the exact ingredients and measurements I used to make these fun Sparkling Rainbow Mocktails below, but seriously - go crazy with it! Use what you have or what inspires you. I'm going to keep playing around and seeing what other creations I can come up with, but here are some other ideas I already have:
- blackberry and plum
- raspberry, lime, and mint
- grapefruit and basil
- coconut and matcha
If you play around with your own creations, be sure to share to the Nutrition to Fit Facebook Page or post on Instagram tagging @nutritiontofit and #nutritiontofit.
Now without further ado, find the Sparkling Rainbow Mocktails recipes below!
RED RAINBOW MOCKTAILS: Strawberry Blood Orange
- ½ cup chopped strawberries
- 1 peeled blood orange
In a food processor, mini chopper, or blender, blend the ingredients until smooth. Pour into a mesh sieve/ strainer, and press a spatula against the puree (this will remove seeds and pulp pieces leaving you with a smooth puree). Pour 2 tablespoons of the puree in the bottom of your glass and top with 4 ounces of sparkling water or Prosecco. Garnish with fruit slices and ice cubes (you can also freeze the fruit slices to keep the beverage cold without diluting with melting ice cubes). Makes 2-3 beverages.
ORANGE RAINBOW MOCKTAILS: Mango Carrot
- ½ cup cooked and cooled chopped carrot pieces
- ½ cup chopped mango
In a food processor, mini chopper, or blender, blend the ingredients until smooth. Pour into a mesh sieve/ strainer, and press a spatula against the puree (this will remove seeds and pulp pieces leaving you with a smooth puree). Pour 2 tablespoons of the puree in the bottom of your glass and top with 4 ounces of sparkling water or Prosecco. Garnish with fruit slices and ice cubes (you can also freeze the fruit slices to keep the beverage cold without diluting with melting ice cubes). Makes 2-3 beverages.
YELLOW RAINBOW MOCKTAILS: Pineapple Ginger
- 1 cup chopped pineapple
- 1 teaspoon fresh, peeled, chopped ginger
In a food processor, mini chopper, or blender, blend the ingredients until smooth. Pour into a mesh sieve/ strainer, and press a spatula against the puree (this will remove seeds and pulp pieces leaving you with a smooth puree). Pour 2 tablespoons of the puree in the bottom of your glass and top with 4 ounces of sparkling water or Prosecco. Garnish with fruit slices and ice cubes (you can also freeze the fruit slices to keep the beverage cold without diluting with melting ice cubes). Makes 2-3 beverages.
GREEN RAINBOW MOCKTAILS: Kiwi Mint
- 2 kiwis, skin removed
- 1 fresh mint leaf
In a food processor, mini chopper, or blender, blend the ingredients until smooth. Pour into a mesh sieve/ strainer, and press a spatula against the puree (this will remove seeds and pulp pieces leaving you with a smooth puree). Pour 2 tablespoons of the puree in the bottom of your glass and top with 4 ounces of sparkling water or Prosecco. Garnish with fruit slices and ice cubes (you can also freeze the fruit slices to keep the beverage cold without diluting with melting ice cubes). Makes 2-3 beverages.
BLUE RAINBOW MOCKTAILS: Butterfly Pea Flower
- 10 dried butterfly pea flowers
- 1 cup near-boiling water
Brew the butterfly pea flowers with the hot water for 3-5 minutes, or longer. Note: you can do more or less time - the longer you steep the flowers, the darker and more concentrated the color will be. Once steeping is finished, strain the butterfly pea flowers out of the tea. Allow to cool. Pour ¼ cup of the tea into your glass and top with 4 ounces of sparkling water or Prosecco. Garnish with butterfly pea flowers, ice cubes, or freeze the dried flowers in ice cubes. Makes 3-4 beverages.
Note on where to find butterfly pea flowers: I found mine on Amazon by searching "butterfly pea flowers". You can get this small package for under $4 with free shipping, or if you want to use Prime and get it sooner, the same brand in a larger package is under $8.
PURPLE RAINBOW MOCKTAILS: Blueberry Lemon
- 1 cup blueberries (if frozen, be sure to thaw first)
- ½ small lemon, peeled
In a food processor, mini chopper, or blender, blend the ingredients until smooth. Pour into a mesh sieve/ strainer, and press a spatula against the puree (this will remove seeds and pulp pieces leaving you with a smooth puree). Pour 2 tablespoons of the puree in the bottom of your glass and top with 4 ounces of sparkling water or Prosecco. Garnish with fruit slices and ice cubes (you can also freeze the fruit slices to keep the beverage cold without diluting with melting ice cubes). Makes 2-3 beverages.
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