Hello friends!

Let’s take good care this time of year.  Let’s fill our bodies with goodness in the midst of our holiday run-around.  This is my favorite time of year… mostly because of all the parties that include bourbon and pie – but there must be balance because balance keeps us happy, chill, and from losing our minds at the company holiday party.  (I did that one year and… well, I’m still here to tell the tale but it’s mostly a cautionary tale, ya feel me?) 

There are a few things I do to keep my cool and balance this time of year.  I keep my fridge stocked with vegetables that I’ll snack on (aggressively) before a holiday party.  (I’m notorious for not eating enough at a party.  You too?) I also make it a point (a strong, very important point) to stay hydrated this time of year.  And!  To keep a bright and spicy Winter beverage in the refrigerator for myself and guests.  

We’re making two warming tonics:  Blood Orange and Clove with DASANI Sparkling Blood Orange AND a Spiced Winter Lemonade with DASANI Sparkling Meyer Lemon.  Keeping things bright and juicy.  Getting our vitamins and staying strong and balanced through the end of the year.  Here we go!  

This post is in partnership with DASANI Sparkling Water! 

We’re making two sparkling Winter tonics.  Bring in some vitamin C and spice.  Bring in a hint of sweet and a whole lotta sparkle.  

Here’s what we’ll use: 

•  blood oranges

•  lemons

•  honey and simple syrup

•  Winter spices:  ground and whole cloves, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and fresh ginger.  These spices will warm our insides (hearts and all) this time of year.

To start, fresh blood oranges (this fruit amazes me every time I slice into it) are juiced and added to a large cocktail mixer.  

Add a good bit of simple syrup.  

Simple syrup is an equal mixture of granulated sugar and water heated until the sugar dissolves into the water.  

And cloves!  The most bold of winter spices pairs really well with orange.  

Tell me you’ve made one of those festive oranges with cloves stuck through the skin.  They’re iconic Christmas.  This is the drink version, huzzah! 

  

Give the sweetened orange a stir and pour it over ice.  Leave room!  We’re going to top the juice with some sparkle! 

DASANI Sparkling Water to compliment the fresh juice and lighten + lift this drink.  Also, we’re staying hydrated through all of the travel and cocktails and pie we’re bound to take in.   

Topped with a orange + clove wedge.  As you bring this tonic up to drink, it smells bright and warm with spice.  It’s a delight.  And likely no one would be mad if a shot of bourbon made its way into your glass of Orange Clove Sparkling Tonic.  

Sparkling Blood Orange and Clove Winter Tonic

Serves 4 good friends

•  1 cup fresh blood orange juice, plus four blood orange wedges

•  2 tablespoon simple syrup

•  two pinches of ground cloves, plus whole cloves for garnish

•  ice for serving

• DASANI Sparkling Blood Orange 

In a large glass stir together fresh orange juice, simple syrup, and the few pinches of ground cloves.  Give it a good stir.  

Fill four tall glasses with ice.  

Pour about 1/4 cup of the juice mixture into each glass.  

Top with DASANI Sparkling Blood Orange.  

To make the garnish, press a few whole cloves into the skin of each orange wedge and place the fragrant orange wedges on each glass.  

Grab a straw for each give the drinks a swirl and enjoy! 

I love a bright and cozy Winter lemonade. This version, with bubbles.  

Start by juicing fresh lemons.  

We’ll pour the lemonade into a large cocktail glass and add honey to sweeten.  

Fresh ginger for spice, ground cardamom and nutmeg for warmth.  Both compliment the bright lemon and fortify our insides through these colder months. 

Into a small glass we’ll add a few tablespoons of fresh spiced lemon juice. 

Add DASANI Sparkling Meyer Lemon to complete out lemonade.  I love the warmth of the honey and spices in this tonic.  It’s enough to pucker your lips and bring our minds to attention.  Also, a shot of vodka wouldn’t be the worst idea.  Here’s how: 

Sparkling Spiced Lemonade Winter Tonic

Serves 4

•  1/2 cup fresh lemon juice, plus 4 lemon rounds for garnish

•   2 tablespoons raw honey

•  heaping 1/4 teaspoon finely grated fresh ginger

•  two good pinches of ground cinnamon and ground nutmeg

•  ice for serving

• DASANI Sparkling Meyer Lemon

In a large glass, stir together lemon juice, honey, ginger, cinnamon and nutmeg.  Stir until the honey dissolves into the lemon juice.  If they honey doesn’t dissolve, place the mixture in a small saucepan and heat just until the honey dissolves.  

Fill four small glasses with ice.

Add about two tablespoons of the lemon mixture to each glass.  

Top each glass with DASANI Sparkling Meyer LemonWater (about 1 cup).  

Garnish each glass a lemon round and straw.  Give each drink a swirl and enjoy!