Yep, it’s possible to celebrate V-Day without a sugar crash or a next-morning headache – and that doesn’t mean you have to miss out on any of the fun! Here’s how. 

Valentine's Day is a celebration of love, but for those embracing a sugar-free and alcohol-free lifestyle, it can feel like a day of stress as you navigate this chocolate-laden, cocktail-flowing day.  But it doesn’t have to be that way.

Raise a glass, and chances are you're sipping on a concoction laden with hidden sugars. Cocktails, known for their vibrancy and flair, often hide a sweet secret that can take a toll on your health. Cocktails have long been a symbol of celebration, but the sugar content lurking within those beautifully crafted drinks can be surprisingly high. From syrups and liqueurs to fruit juices and soda, many traditional cocktail ingredients contribute to a sugar overload, often leaving us blissfully unaware of the hidden calories. While it's common knowledge that sugary drinks and lollies contribute to added sugars in our diet, cocktails often fly under the radar. The added sugars in alcoholic beverages not only impact our waistlines but also pose risks to our overall health, including increased risks of heart disease.

That’s where we come in. This collection of healthy mocktail recipes offers a perfect blend of flavours, allowing you to indulge in the festivities without compromise. Let's raise a glass to love, health, and the joy of vibrant, guilt-free concoctions.

Berry Romantic Refresher

This mocktail is, well, berry romantic! Pun 100% intended. With rose petals and strawberries, this drink will pair perfectly with a candlelit dinner.   

Ingredients:

• 1 cup mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1-2 tablespoons agave nectar or stevia (to taste)
• Sparkling water
• Ice cubes
• Mint leaves and rose petals for garnish

Instructions: 

1. In a blender, combine mixed berries, fresh lemon juice, and your preferred sweetener.
2. Blend until smooth, then strain the mixture to remove seeds and pulp.
3. Fill a glass with ice cubes and pour the berry mixture over the ice.
4. Top with sparkling water and gently stir.
5. Garnish with mint leaves and rose petals for a refreshing and visually appealing touch. 

Cucumber Mint Spritzer

This is your palate cleanser – with refreshing cucumber and mint, it’s the perfect interlude between your mains and dessert.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cucumber, thinly sliced
• 5-6 fresh mint leaves
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1 tablespoon rice malt syrup (to taste)
• Sparkling water
• Ice cubes
• Sliced cucumber and mint sprig for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a shaker, muddle cucumber slices and fresh mint leaves.
2. Add lime juice and your preferred sweetener to the shaker and shake well.
3. Strain the mixture into a glass filled with ice cubes.
4. Top with sparkling water and stir gently.
5. Garnish with a slice of cucumber and a sprig of mint for a crisp and invigorating mocktail.

Tropical Paradise Elixir

If you’re in the southern hemisphere, you’ll be feeling the heat right about now – literally. So, spring for a refreshing pineapple mocktail with all of the flavour and none of the blood-sugar crash.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup pineapple chunks
• 1/4 cup coconut milk
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1 tablespoon rice malt syrup (to taste)
• Coconut water
• Ice cubes
• Pineapple wedge and mint leaves for garnish 

Instructions:

1. In a blender, combine pineapple chunks, coconut milk, lime juice, and your preferred sweetener.
2. Blend until smooth.
3. Pour the mixture over ice in a glass.
4. Top with coconut water and stir gently.
5. Garnish with a pineapple wedge and fresh mint leaves for a taste of the tropics.

These healthy mocktails are not only set to wow your partner but also a celebration of vibrant flavours that complement the spirit of Valentine's Day. For those on a journey to quit alcohol and sugar, these guilt-free concoctions provide a perfect way to toast to love and well-being. Sip, smile, and celebrate the joy of embracing a healthy and happy Valentine's Day with these refreshing mocktails that sparkle with love and flavour. Cheers to you and your commitment to health!

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• 8 weeks of meal plans and shopping lists.
• A range of exclusive recipes, including sugar-free desserts, snacks and all the old favourites.
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