A refined sugar free, sparkling beverage for some Valentine’s cheer!

My husband and I love drinking sparkling water as a cold afternoon drink.  It is refreshing under the hot Hawaiian sun and we usually add a splash of lime juice to the glass.  We always laugh about how many bottles of Pellegrino or bags of limes from the farmer’s market we go through on a weekly basis.  Plain water gets boring after a while so it is a delicious and healthy alternative.  The other night he came home with grapefruit and we concocted this simple, tart and colorful drink.  We love making “homemade soda” sweetened with fresh fruit juice, a drizzle of raw honey and a splash of sparkling water.

Pink grapefruit has recently become one of my favorite fruits—I love the tart, sweet flavor!  Not only is grapefruit currently in season, but its vibrant pink hue adds cheery color to your plate or drink.  I rarely eat fruit as it is a food that is high in sugar, however natural it may be, and something that personally spikes my sugar levels (more about my story here).  However, I have found that citrus (with the exception of oranges), berries, pears, and green apples occasionally eaten in small amounts do not negatively affect me. 

I wanted to share this simple pink drink as a healthy alternative for a Valentine’s Day beverage.  It is made entirely with real fruit and sweetened with raw honey.  Most juices that come in a can or bottle at your local store are packed with extra sugar and often have been pasteurized and heated, destroying most of the active vitamins and antioxidants found in fruit.  If you are going to enjoy a glass of juice, make sure you squeeze it fresh yourself using fruits that are currently in season for the best results, concerning both taste and nutrition.

This grapefruit drink is a healthy, refined sugar free alternative to soda.  You can enjoy with or without the alcohol, depending on your preference.  {Please note}—by no means to I encourage or support the regular consumption of alcohol. However, I it is important to enjoy and celebrate, whatever that may mean to you.  If you are having friends over for a dinner party or backyard BBQ, using fresh juice and pure, natural sweeteners, like raw honey, in your drinks is a great way to still enjoy!  Whatever you may choose to sip on here are a few reminders:

• Always use real fruit juice—low-glycemic is preferable such as lime, lemon, grapefruit
• Always choose sparkling water or mineral water— it is very hydrating and full of quality minerals

We wanted to share a favorite drink from our kitchen to yours—may you have a festive and Happy Valentines!  If you are needing inspiration for a fun Valentine’s dessert, check out my mini heart layered cakes!

Pink Grapefruit Sparkler

A refined sugar free, colorful sparkling beverage for a healthy alternative.

makes 2 tall drinks

Ingredients

• 6 oz (3/4 cup) fresh grapefruit juice, about 2 grapefruits
• 3 oz gin (optional)
• sparkling mineral water
• ice

simple syrup

• 2 tbsp raw honey
• 2 tbsp water

Directions

• In a small cup or sauce pan, on low heat, melt together honey and water to make the simple syrup. Set aside.
• Juice grapefruit into a cup. Strain through a strainer or fine mesh sleeve to remove most of the pulp.
• Use a shaker to shake together grapefruit juice, simple syrup, gin (optional), and one handful ice. Shake for about 10 seconds.
• Add 1-2 handfuls ice to each glass (large/tall size). Pour juice into two large glasses. Top with sparkling water.
• Sip and enjoy!