Mindful Mocktails: Are These Drinks the Boost Your Body Needs?

I have a confession. I hate dry January. I should love it; I should be a huge advocate; but I find year after year that it leaves me cold. If I was in charge I’d rebrand this month to Mindful January. An opportunity to take care of ourselves but not restrict. As what always feels like the longest (and quite frankly sometimes bleakest) month of the year I think it’s much better to not put restrictions in place, but instead ask our bodies what we need. Chances are we’re way less likely to want alcohol this month (particularly if we’ve over indulged at Xmas) and we’re way more likely to be reaching for something thirst quenching and pretty interesting to occupy our evenings as the mindful drinking market expands. Here are my three favourite mindful (and nutritious!) drinks to get me through the cold months.

Kombucha

Kombucha is a fermented tea packed with probiotics, which are brilliant for gut health. Happy guts can support digestion, boost immunity, and even influence mood due to the gut-brain connection. High in B vitamins and organic acids, kombucha can help the body detoxify and maintain energy levels (a win-win!). Its fizzy, tangy and it hits the spot where lots of sugary alcohol-free drinks don’t taste-wise. A 2022 study found that the probiotic strains in kombucha could improve gut microbial diversity, vital for overall health. You can make your own or buy some pretty good ones on the market now - be sure to look for unpasteurised or from smaller local producers so you’re getting a product with live bacteria.

Shrubs

Shrubs (a mix of fruit, sugar, and vinegar in equal parts) might sound like an odd choice, but they’re incredibly refreshing and surprisingly beneficial. Originally from the 1700’s, the vinegar base can support digestion by helping to balance blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity. Remember to use a good quality vinegar, ideally with live cultures to boost the nutritious value of this drink. Small amounts of vinegar daily can contribute to weight management and improved metabolic health too. Rich in antioxidants from the fruit, shrubs offer an array of vitamins that can help fight off winter colds. They’re also a fabulous way to use up leftover seasonal fruit, minimising waste. Here is a great base recipe to start your shrub journey.

Medicinal Mocktails

Medicinal mocktails take mindful drinking to the next level, blending adaptogenic herbs, spices, and superfoods into delicious blends. Ingredients like ashwagandha or reishi mushrooms can help the body adapt to stress, while turmeric and ginger provide anti-inflammatory benefits. A recent study in Phytotherapy Research (2023) demonstrated that adaptogens can reduce cortisol levels, improving mental clarity and resilience. These mocktails aren’t just indulgent; they’re functional and designed to nurture both body and mind, making them perfect for cosy evenings in January.