| Issue #3- April 13, 2007 |
Drink Up, It’s Good For You
It has been said that it’s always five o’
clock somewhere. Here at Dan’s Papers, we take pride in attempting
to predict the hot, new happy hour drink for the summer season long
before the heat kicks into high gear. Last summer, it was the mighty
Mojito, with raw sugar cane trimmings, fresh mint sprigs, sweet lime
juice and bubbly club soda. As for this year, we believe that due to
the health-savvy individuals who reside here on the East End, the new
drink for the 2007 summer season will be choc-full of antioxidants.
Antioxidants can be found in many types of food and drink, as well as
in dietary supplements. They help to prevent disease by neurtralizing
free radicals, which can damage the body’s cells by latching on
to proteins and DNA. By adding a regular dose of them to a balanced
diet, it’s easy to stay healthy and happy.
What better way to stay healthy than to incorporate some beneficial
antioxidants into your summer happy hour? Here are a few tips and recipes,
which will help you obtain some cheery, liquid health.
One of the most popular ways to obtain antioxidants is by drinking red
wine. Scientists have found that red wine contains high levels of antioxidants.
It is suggested that the average person drink one to two glasses of
red wine each night to receive the health benefits.
Secondly, it’s all about the Pomegranate Martini. The ancient
fruit has garnered a lot of attention recently and it’s no surprise.
Pomegranates are sensuous, flavorful, healthy and have a vibrant color.
One pomegranate delivers 40% of an adult’s daily required vitamin
C intake and is also a rich source of folic acid and, of course, antioxidants.
Here is a Pomegranate Martini recipe to help get your blood flowing.
Pomegranate Martini Recipe
Serves: 1
2 oz. Pomegranate Juice
2 oz. Vodka
1/4 oz. Simple Syrup
Directions:
1. Cut a medium pomegranate in half and extract the juice with a juicer.
Each pomegranate should yield about 4 oz. of juice.
2. For the simple syrup, combine equal parts sugar and water into a
pot and bring to a boil. Let simmer until syrupy.
3. Combine ingredients in a cocktail shaker. Shake with ice. Strain
and serve. Garnish with a lemon twist.
*For something different, try making one with Citron or another flavored
vodka.
Lastly, blueberries are the fruit with the most antioxidants, making
them one of the healthiest. Blueberries can be eaten in many different
ways, such as in pies, waffles, and pancakes. But what you may not know
is that blueberries make one hell of a lovely blue margarita.
Blueberry Margarita
Serves: 2
2 1/2 cups ice
4 oz. Tequila
2 oz. blue Curacao
3 oz. bottled sweetened lime juice
1/2 cup partially frozen blueberries
Directions:
1. Combine all the ingredients into an electric blender.
2. Cover and blend on high until the drink is smooth.
3. Pour into a frosty margarita glass, rimmed with either sugar or salt,
and enjoy!
One of the most important areas of the body that antioxidants help is
the brain. This summer, be in style here on the East End by sipping
on one of these healthy drinks. Make your brain smile by downing a few
cocktails brimming with antioxidants. After all, it does a body good.
– Victoria L. Cooper
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