MISSION, KS--(Marketwired - Aug 8, 2013) - (Family Features) When planning to serve cocktails for your next soiree, look no further than your produce section. Check out these superfood ingredients that will not only make your beverages a better-for-you choice, but a delicious one as well.
"Selecting healthy, natural superfoods with specific functions improves the ability of our body to create that beautiful smile we all desire," said Dr. Ken Banks, AACD cosmetic dentist and contributor to the recipe collection.
According to recent studies, cocktails infused with wholesome ingredients can improve immunity and offer a tasty tonic for teeth. The next time you are looking for refreshment, seek beverages that use fruits, vegetables, grains, and other superfood ingredients.
Fresh Ideas for Entertaining
To share insight on creating healthier beverages, the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD) partnered with professional mixologists, Ira Koplowitz and Nick Kosevich owners of Bittercube, to create "Raising the Bar on Healthy Smiles." This online collection of original, curative cocktail recipes benefits smiles while offering a unique twist to entertaining. For more recipes to drink to your oral health, visit www.aacd.com/smilebar.
"There are numerous accounts throughout history of monks, physicians and alchemists who were interested in distilled alcohol as a cure for ailments, so it makes sense that these great-tasting recipes could also have healthy benefits," said Koplowitz.
When creating drinks for your next party or social gathering, adding these ingredients may benefit oral health:
Strawberries: The malic acid in strawberries acts as a safe bleaching agent that rivals many expensive teeth whitening products.
Pineapple: These flavorful fruits contain vitamin K and C, as well as other substances that promote healing. Eating pineapple generates a healing alkaline response in the mouth.
Carrot juice: Essential for forming tooth enamel, carrot juice is loaded with vitamin A.
Ginger: This spicy yet sweet root has anti-inflammatory properties, which support healthy mouth tissue.
Try these refreshing drink recipes, which use healthy ingredients for cheery cocktails that will make your guests smile big at your next gathering.
| From the Wild | ||
| Recipe courtesy of Ira Koplowitz and Nick Kosevich, owners of Bittercube | ||
| 2 | strawberries, muddled | |
| 1 1/2 | ounces white rum | |
| 1/2 | ounce cane syrup (see recipe below or substitute with simple syrup) | |
| 1/4 | ounce fresh lime juice | |
| 1 | dropper Bittercube Blackstrap bitters | |
| 3 | ounces sparkling water | |
| Strawberry slice and vertically slit lime wedge, as garnish | ||
| Cane Syrup: | ||
| 1 | cup hot water | |
| 1 | cup evaporated cane juice | |
To make cane syrup, bring water to a boil, remove from heat, add evaporated cane juice and whisk until combined.