As the season of gathering begins so do the comfort foods that make this time of year so special. This season also means richer foods and busier schedules. Our bodies need extra support to keep up with heavier foods and packed calendars.
Enter the Cherry Antioxidant Mocktail. This will become a stable at your holiday tables and in your evening routine that nourishes your body during this busy season.
Tart cherry juice is your ally here. It is anti-inflammatory by nature and can support you through the effects of both dietary richness and seasonal stress. It supports healthy digestion when you’re enjoying those comfort-food favorites. Perhaps, most valuable during this busy time, it promotes restorative sleep. Supporting the foundation for your body’s overnight repair and recovery.
The Recipe
The Cherry Antioxidant Mocktail looks beautiful on any table and is simple to prepare.
What You’ll Need:
4 oz tart cherry juice
4 oz soda water
A dash of bitters (We love Temple Bitters)
1 lemon wedge
Ice
How to Make It:
Fill a glass with ice and pour in the tart cherry juice. Top with soda water, add a dash of bitters for complexity and digestive support, and squeeze in fresh lemon. Stir gently and serve.
Two Ways to Enjoy This Seasonal Sipper
With Your Meal: Serve alongside your holiday meals. The tart cherry juice supports digestion as you savor those rich, traditional dishes. The bright, effervescent profile cuts through heavier flavors at the table. A great option for guests who aren’t drinking alcohol.
Your Evening Ritual: At the end of the day, when things are settling down is a great time to pour yourself a Cherry Antioxidant Mocktail. The natural compounds in tart cherry juice help promote deeper, more restorative sleep. Overnight repair and recovery prepare you to wake up ready for whatever the next day brings.
Nourishment That Doesn’t Feel Like Work
This season of gathering doesn’t have to leave you feeling depleted. It is a great time to introduce intentional supportive rituals to keep your body nourished and resilient. Whether you’re serving it at your table or sipping it as part of your wind-down routine, this drink works quietly in the background to help you feel your best.
Here’s to savoring every moment of the season while taking care of yourself along the way.
Heidi Ochsner, MS, RD, is a Registered Dietitian and Nutrition Specialist at Temple Natural Health. She supports clients with chronic and complex health concerns through personalized nutrition, detoxification, and gut health strategies. With a passion for education and a deep belief in the mind-body connection, Heidi helps clients make lasting lifestyle changes that promote true healing.
