Strawberry Mojito Mocktail

I’m all about having a fun and refreshing drink for weekend BBQs with friends or floating around the lake with my family. My Strawberry Mojito Mocktail really hits the spot in this department.

I love a mojito mocktail alongside my Perfect Paleo Burger & Super Crispy Potato Wedges for a classic summer combo. If you’re looking for something a little lighter, my Strawberry Avocado Salad has you covered (as long as you’re not strawberried out 😉 ).

Oh baby, how could I forget? This would be so delicious with my Spiced Fish Tacos with Avocado Crema, too. So many options to try out this summer.

7 Reasons to Eat More Strawberries

I feel like I didn’t overly need to convince you to eat more of these juicy summer fruits. Just in case, though, I’ll pop a few of my favourite reasons below.

1. Antioxidant Powerhouse: Strawberries are rich in antioxidants, such as anthocyanins and ellagic acid, which help combat inflammation in the body (inflammation = acne).
2. Phytochemical Packed: These little red berries contain phytochemicals that possess anti-inflammatory properties, making them a perfect choice for reducing inflammation.
3. Vitamin C Boost: Strawberries are an excellent source of vitamin C, which supports collagen production and helps maintain healthy skin. It can also reduce redness and irritation associated with acne.
4. Fibre Friend: High in fibre, strawberries aid in digestion and promote gut health. A healthy gut contributes to overall well-being and can positively impact inflammatory conditions.
5. Low Glycemic Index: Strawberries have a lower glycemic index, meaning they cause a slower and more controlled rise in blood sugar levels. Balanced blood sugar levels can help reduce inflammation and support healthy skin.
6. Hydration Heroes: With a high water content, strawberries contribute to hydration, which is crucial for maintaining healthy skin and reducing acne breakouts.
7. Nutrient-Dense: Strawberries are packed with essential nutrients like vitamins A, E, and K, as well as minerals like manganese and potassium, all of which support skin health and combat inflammation.

Moral of the story here? We want to reduce inflammation and amp up our dietary vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients to love up our skin.

Why I’m (Mostly) Alcohol-Free

Aside from the occasional Bachelorette party, I very rarely drink alcohol. I’ve never enjoyed drinking it and forced myself to down it at high school parties and university keggers. I’d always wake up with a migraine and my body just felt awful.

As I approached my mid-20s, I started to just say no. I didn’t care to keep up with my friends and preferred not to feel like death the next day. In the beginning, my friends really stuck it to me and I definitely felt pressured to drink every time I saw them. I stuck to my guns and, eventually, they began to realize their efforts were in vain. The comments diminished and I felt empowered that I didn’t need to “give in” in order to enjoy myself.

But why does this phenomenon happen?

From an evolutionary standpoint, early humans had to form social groups in order to survive. If we were shunned from the group, this often meant death. As a result, we have developed a natural tendency to conform to the norms of our social groups and shy away from behaviours that deviate from the “accepted standards”. 

When we spend time with people who share similar behaviours and characteristics, going against the group norms can be seen as a challenge to the group. For example, choosing not to drink in a social setting may be met with resistance from those who are accustomed to drinking.

Whether on a conscious or subconscious level, by you choosing not to drink it almost acts like a “mirror” to your friends. It can suggest to them that their own drinking habits may also need reevaluation. This causes discomfort for your friends and they fight back with what we know as “peer pressure.”

We also see this happen when a person starts changing their diet. Both family and friends feel extremely uncomfortable with it and often make hurtful comments.

Now let’s fast forward to this year.

I’ve noticed a big shift in our society toward alcohol-free not being looked down upon. I’m happy to see this shift because we’re finally telling a person that their health desires, personal beliefs, religious views or possible issues with substance abuse are valid.

The Tipsy Truth

Now, we know that the big core root causes of acne are poor gut health, sluggish detox pathways and hormonal imbalances. So let’s take a look at how alcohol impacts these areas (and your skin!).

Gut Health

• Alcohol can disrupt the balance of beneficial bacteria in the gut, leading to gut dysbiosis like yeast and/or bacterial overgrowths.
• It can damage the gut lining, increasing the risk of leaky gut syndrome and allowing harmful substances to enter the bloodstream. This leads to systemic inflammation.

Liver Health

• Alcohol is primarily metabolized in the liver, and excessive alcohol consumption can lead to liver inflammation, fatty liver, hepatitis, and cirrhosis.
• Chronic alcohol use can impair the liver’s ability to detoxify the body, leading to the accumulation of toxins.

Hormonal Health

• Alcohol can disrupt the production and regulation of hormones in the body, affecting the menstrual cycle in women and testosterone levels in men.
• It can interfere with the functioning of the hypothalamus and pituitary glands, which play a crucial role in hormone regulation.

Skin Health

• Alcohol dehydrates the body, including the skin, which can lead to dryness, dullness, and premature aging.
• It can worsen existing skin conditions like acne, rosacea, and eczema, as it triggers inflammation and dilates blood vessels.

Looking for more mocktails?

• Pomegranate Ginger Kombucha Mocktail
• Sparkling Pineapple Ginger Mocktail
• Hot Holiday Punch

Strawberry Mojito Mocktail

Refreshing strawberry mojito mocktail to enjoy during patio season & summer BBQs. Classic flavours of lime and mint with a strawberry twist.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Servings: 1

Author: Katie Stewart

Ingredients

• 6 small strawberries (or 3 large)
• 6 mint leaves
• 1 lime (juiced)
• 1/2 tsp honey (I used unpasteurized/raw)
• 1/2 cup ice
• natural mineral water (top the glass - about 1/2 cup)

Instructions

• Muddle the strawberries, mint leaves, lime and honey in the bottom of the glass.
• Add ice and top with mineral water.
• Repeat for any additional glasses needed.

Sources:

• https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26695747/
• https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/alcohols-effects-health/alcohols-effects-body
• https://www.health.harvard.edu/alcohol-and-addiction/alcohol-and-your-health
• https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/17598-alcohol-how-it-affects-your-health
• https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-basics/alcohol-and-skin-care