Mocktail of the Week: Blueberry Ginger Cooler

Sure, a glass of wine or a beer is a nice way to unwind, but every now and then, you deserve a happy hour that's a little more...hmmm. What's the word? Refined! We love sharing a new cocktail with you every week that can be made at home with recipes that are both easy and delicious! This mocktail recipe is courtesy of Christy Goff, a registered dietitian nutritionist and yoga instructor at Pacific Medical Centers.

For a refreshing, summer-inspired mocktail (or cocktail), try this blueberry ginger cooler! The syrup is easy to make and uses antioxidant-rich, blueberries and ginger. The spicy ginger compliments the blueberries and mint, while the sparkling water adds the perfect amount of bubbles for a refreshing drink.

INGREDIENTS

• 2 cups of water
• 1.5 cups fresh blueberries
• 1 tablespoon grated ginger
• 3-4 tablespoons sugar or adjust to taste
• 2 cans of lemon-lime sparkling water, unsweetened
• Ice cubes
• Mint leaves (optional)

HOW TO MAKE IT

To make the syrup:

1. In a saucepan, add water, blueberries and grated ginger and let it come to a boil
2. Once the mixture starts boiling, add sugar and mix till it dissolves
3. Lower the heat and use the back of your spatula or potato masher to crush the blueberries
4. Let the mixture simmer for another 15 minutes
5. Remove from heat and once the syrup has cooled down, cover it with a cling sheet and let it sit in the fridge for 1-2 hours
6. This is important so that the flavors mix well- next, blend the mixture and strain the liquid into a glass jar and keep refrigerated until use (will last about 1-2 weeks)

To serve the cooler:

1. Fill 1/4 of the glass with the syrup, add ice cubes
2. Add lemon-lime sparkling water and stir until well combined
3. Garnish with some fresh blueberries and mint leaves

Want to make this an adult beverage? Try vodka or gin!

This recipe was adapted from www.cookwithmanali.com.