Unwind with Dry January Karviva Unwined on Studio STL
I'm guilty of coming home and pouring a glass of wine, probably more often than I should. Honestly, I don't even think it's the effect of the wine I'm after, more so the act of pouring and having that big glass with red juice in my hand. Bad habit alert! When I'm being really mindful and actually try to not do this, my biggest obstacle is - what do I put in my hand? I drink water all day, I'm not a juice or soda fan, now what?
That's what.
I have long been a fan of Karuna creator, Angel Zeng. We've become friends and I have the utmost respect for her not only as just being a wonderful human, but also being the most steadfast person I have ever known to create and remain consistent in her product formula. Hers is the only commercial beverage I stand behind, as it offers such an incredible nutritional boost supporting a strong immune system and healthy gut.
Let's go over Unwined ingredients:
Filtered water
Organic aronia berry juice (cancer fighter, specifically breast and anti-diabetic effects)
Organic dark cherry juice (antioxidant protection and anti-inflammatory)
Prickly pear juice (most noted for magnesium, potassium, and calcium to support good blood pressure)
Organic mulberry (abundant in anthocyanins, providing health benefits against heart disease)
Organic schisandra berry (stimulate the body's resistance to physical, environmental, and emotional stressors. Also improves liver function (thank you!) and might increase energy, which can improve endurance and coordination
Grape seed powder (abundant in antioxidants, as it can help prevent disease and protect against oxidative stress, tissue damage, and inflammation)
And only 80 calories in the whole dang thing.
When they asked me to create a mocktail, I found myself scratching my head, because how do you make great, better (and definitely hopefully not worse!)?
Because Karviva has branded this as a wine replacement juice and I wanted to keep it like the wine you'd (me) pour when coming home from a long day, I simply added only a few ingredients. Their berry blend emulates a malbec which is known for robust tannins and somewhat short finishes, I thought adding some acid in the form of lemon, lime and orange would would be a smooth addition to brighten the berries a little. This also adds the much needed Vitamin C we are always seeking in the winter months to stave off flu. The addition of a heavy splash to a light pour (up to you) pulls it all together while adding the slight fizz you might also be missing if you're perhaps trying to also cut back on your soda intake.
Now I have something to put in that big glass that actually looks like wine, but does a whole lot for me.
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RECIPE
1 12-ounce bottle of Karviva Unwined
juice of 1/2 lemon
juice of 1/4 lime
juice of 1/4 orange
seltzer water or club soda of choice
DIRECTIONS
Set up 2 of those big sexy balloon red wine glasses and pour 6 ounces of Karviva Unwined in each.
Divide up your fruit juices and add to the Karviva. Finally, add in the seltzer water to taste.
Garnish with a twist of lime around the edge and a slice of orange.
Amounts are up to your own liking; this is how I like mine.
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