Drink to your health

Now that it’s January, you may be looking for a more virtuous beverage. Allow me to recommend the cider, thyme and tonic mocktail courtesy of Offbeat + Inspired. It’s seasonal, bright, and not too sweet.

I love how the apple, herbal and lemon flavors play off each other, creating a balanced and complex drink– so rare for a mocktail! Plus, it was fun making my own thyme simple syrup.

This was a hit at my house on New Year’s Eve. I used fresh-squeezed meyer lemon juice (in season and so good right now) and Fever Tree Indian Tonic Water (quality tonic is a must and this one’s the best). I also splashed in some sparkling mineral water to amp up the bubbles and bring down the sweetness a bit further.

Cider, thyme and tonics would also be a perfect match for brunch or a baby shower. If you’re feeling less virtuous, you can always add your favorite alcohol. Apple brandy, gin, or even whiskey could all be wins here.

Salud!

Here we go…

As I write this, 2015 is only hours old. I’m reminded of C’s (very wise) philosophy on buying the occasional lottery ticket. She says it’s not about winning, rather it’s the space to dream really big that’s worth your 2 dollars.

January 1 feels to me like that ticket, and I’m trying to dream as big as I can about the year ahead and those to follow. For me, 2015 feels like a year to shake things up and make big strides towards the life I want to live. And not one for treading water.

I was reading recently about turning points in people’s lives and what they went on to accomplish. The takeaway– it all depends on how brave you’re willing to be.

So my intention for this year is to be very, very brave. Both in the dreaming and in the follow-through. And I wish that for you as well.

Happy 2015!