Raspberry-Strawberry Coolers

Are you addicted to soda? If you're like most of my friends, the answer is a reluctant yes.  It's astonishing how many of us are addicted to these sweet, bubbly drinks.  Who wouldn't want to sip them all day?  An ice cold soda on a hot day is pretty close to taste perfection, but unfortunately it's not very nourishing for the body.  As you probably know, sodas today generally consist of High Fructose Corn Syrup, carbonated water, caffeine, and flavorings.

"Pure fructose contains no enzymes, vitamins, or minerals and robs the body of its micronutrient treasures in order to assimilate itself for physiological use . . . Research indicates that this free fructose interferes with the heart’s use of key minerals like magnesium, copper and chromium. Among other consequences, HFCS has been implicated in elevated blood cholesterol levels and the creation of blood clots. It has been found to inhibit the action of white blood cells so that they are unable to defend the body against harmful foreign invaders . . . Because it is metabolized by the liver, fructose does not cause the pancreas to release insulin the way it normally does. Fructose converts to fat more than any other sugar. This may be one of the reasons Americans continue to get fatter. Fructose raises serum triglycerides significantly." (Bill Sanda, The Double Danger of High Fructose Corn Syrup)

Most people I know realize we shouldn't drink so much soda, but what are the alternatives?  I try to drink water for thirst, but occasionally crave something effervescent.  My favorite soda substitutes are these coolers homemade from berries, lemon, and vanilla bean.  While they don't provide the caffeine of colas, they deliver the cold sweet flavor and fizz we crave. 

Kombucha stands as another excellent alternative.  Kombucha is a fermented drink made from a kombucha mushroom that results in a bubbly drink full of probiotics.  You can find my favorite brand, Synergy, at most health food stores.  Synergy combines their brewed kombucha with fresh juices for a sweet, fabulous combination.

If you want to kick your soda habit, I recommend drinking water first when you're thirsty.  Then, replace your first soda of the day with a drink like the one below or kombucha.  Remember, slow changes make the difference.  You can do it!

Raspberry-Strawberry Cooler

You can use frozen and thawed berries if you can't find fresh ones.

Serves 4

2 cups raspberries

2 cups strawberries

1 lemon, sliced 1/4 inch thick
1 vanilla bean (split, seeds scraped, pod reserved; or 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract)
1/4 cup honey

4 cups seltzer

Place raspberries, strawberries, lemon, vanilla bean, and honey in a heatproof bowl over a pan of simmering water.  Cook until berries have released most of their juices, about 12 minutes.

Strain mixture through a fine sieve, pressing gently with the back of a spoon.  Discard the solids.  Cool completely.  Mixture will keep for one week in the refrigerator.

To serve: Pour 1/4 cup syrup into 4 ice-filled glasses. Top each with 1 cup seltzer. Serve with lemon wedges.