Tingling pineapple-ginger soda with cayenne

by Caitlin Saniga

Waylaid with a nasty sore throat and stuffy sinuses? This drink is dynamite. Pineapple is the only known source of bromelain, an enzyme used to treat inflammation, especially of the nose and sinuses. Pineapple core is especially rich in the protein, so be sure to include chunks from this section in your mixture. The spiciness of the ginger and cayenne is the perfect scratch for an itchy throat. And the lemon is the perfect zing for awakening and soothing sinuses. Drink a glass of the pineapple mixture straight, or add club soda for a less potent sipper.

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Pomegranate orange peel tea with gingered honey

by Caitlin Saniga

The timing of this month’s guide couldn’t be more perfect. I’ve been battling a cold since Christmas Day, and although the worst of it is over, I can tell you for a fact that this tea soothes an uneasy stomach and encourages stuffy nasal cavities to loosen up. Ginger and honey are classic remedies for upset stomach and sore throats, respectively, and the benefits of orange and pomegranate peels were new news to me. Both are high in vitamin C and calcium. Orange peel tea has been used to treat heartburn and indigestion, and pomegranate peel tea has been used to soothe sore throats. One thing to keep in mind when purchasing your fruit for this tea: Organic is absolutely best, as peels touched by chemicals tend to absorb those chemicals.

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Sugar and Spice: Gingerbread lattes

by Caitlin Saniga

Gingerbread lattes are the ultimate indulgence, and my recipe doesn’t cut them any slack. If you don’t have or can’t find whole spices for every ingredient listed, don’t worry. Pinches of ground spices can be substituted. If you don’t have an espresso machine, use instant espresso and try steaming milk on the stove (YouTube has some great demos).

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Drunken Garden: Roseberry flirt

by Caitlin Saniga

This may be the girliest recipe I’ve ever come up with. Really tasty and fragrant — but I’m pretty sure if you’re drinking this, you’re either getting pedicures, gallivanting in Paris, or getting married.

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Drunken Garden: Lilac vodkas

by Caitlin Saniga

Lilac vodkas are pretty and simple. No matter what, save a stem of lilacs for the garnish. The added scent boost makes all the difference.

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Rhubarb Bee’s Knees with tequila

by Sarah Steimer

The original recipe does call for gin, but I happened to have tequila on hand (OK, and I’m not much of a gin drinker). Use what you will, as long as you can highlight the rhubarb! This definitely became my spring cocktail of choice. Enjoyed on my deck during the warm days that have finally rolled around!

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From Moscow with love, an Olympics-inspired cocktail

by Caitlin Saniga | photo by Joel Hawksley

Joel and I had a few friends over on Sunday to watch the closing ceremonies of the winter Olympics, and while we were brainstorming ways to imbibe Sochi-style, we got those catchy Chumbawumba lyrics stuck in our heads: “He drinks a whiskey drink. He drinks a vodka drink. He drinks a cider drink. He drinks a lager drink.” We went with the least complicated vodka cocktail we could find (by searching for “Russian vodka drinks” on Google) — this beautifully simple and subtle crushed grape cocktail.

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Pretty Fizzy: Matcha-ginger soda with lemon

by Sarah Steimer

It’s the perfect soda for the Lunar New Year! Matcha green tea powder is a finely milled tea that has great antioxidant properties. Paired with the ginger, this combination makes for one sparkly, Asian-inspired drink.

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Pretty Fizzy: Minted rose soda

by Caitlin Saniga

I find inspiration for recipes in the weirdest places. Minted rose soda is inspired by a lip balm I use all the time.

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Pretty Fizzy: Blood orange and rosemary soda

by Sarah Steimer

I didn’t really know what to expect when I put this drink together. I love rosemary, but it can be absolutely overwhelming. And how would it stand up to citrus. Turned out: Pretty damn well. The rosemary simple syrup was an afterthought both as you smell the soda and sip it. The rosemary really adds a floral note to the soda, and actually boosts how refreshing this drink is.

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