HONEYDEW CUCUMBER ALOE MOCKTAIL

Serving size: 2

I've been getting some variation of this mocktail when I've been out lately and decided to make a few tweaks of my own for greater health benefits and without the refined sugars and syrups that are commonly used in restaurants. I've sweetened this drink naturally using honeydew melon and green grapes and included a serving of aloe vera juice for its health supportive qualities.

INGREDIENTS

• 1/2 cucumber, peeled

• 1 cup cubed honeydew melon

• 1 cup green grapes

• 1 lime, juiced

• 2 tablespoons aloe vera juice

• a dozen fresh mint leaves

I use this brand of aloe vera juice because of it's pure production process and because of its mild, less bitter flavor compared to other brands. If you've ever tried straight aloe vera juice, you'll know it's not the most pleasant taste, but this one is more flavorless than others.

Aloe vera juice is anti-inflammatory, rich in antioxidants, helps balance blood sugar, improves collagen production, reduces the appearance of wrinkles, and is incredible for digestion.

DIRECTIONS

Add the peeled cucumber, melon, grapes, lime juice, and fresh mint to a blender and blend until completely smooth.

Pour the mixture through a fine mesh strainer over a bowl and refrigerate until completely chilled.

Once chilled, divide the mixture between 2 glasses over ice and stir in 1 tablespoon of aloe juice per glass.

Garnish with cucumber slices, fresh mint, or lime wedges.

This mocktail is an instant refresher and is a convenient way to get a serving of aloe juice in. I love being able to slip in ingredients that are less than pleasant on their own and incorporate them in a truly delicious recipe. At one point in time, I was aiming to consume aloe juice every day but eventually stopped because it became too unpleasant. With a recipe like this, I'm now able to consume something like aloe juice that I wouldn't otherwise be able to.