Spicy Cucumber Cooler

Refreshment doesn’t get much simpler than this Spicy Cucumber Cooler. This recipe requires just a few minutes and some simple ingredients to create a refreshing, lightly sweetened, nonalcoholic drink.

The combination of cucumber, cilantro, and lime juice is a refreshing alternative to sweeter cocktails. If you’re hosting a crowd, make a large batch ahead of time and refrigerate. Then pour individual servings into a cocktail shaker and shake with ice just before serving.

Make it a Meal

This refreshing drink is perfect for your next gathering. Serve it with some Mexican flavors, like these Tofu Sofritas Tacos!

Virgin Mary

A Bloody Mary cocktail is so different from other drinks. Made from a tomato juice base, many consider this drink a blank canvas just waiting for your own culinary inspiration. This non-alcoholic version is no different. Enjoy this Virgin Mary drink any time of day.

The original Bloody Mary most likely contained a mixture of tomato juice and other spices, such as horseradish, Tabasco Sauce, lemon juice and celery salt. This basic recipe is a great starting place. But the real magic of this Virgin Mary is adding in spices to cater to your own palate.

While some children will not like the spiciness of this mocktail, you can adjust the seasonings to make a milder version for them. Like it spicy? Add more pepper or hot sauce to yours. If you’re looking for a tangy beverage, add more lemon juice, olives, or pickles.

Love Mocktails?

If you want to try some other non-alcoholic mocktail recipes like this Virgin Mary, check out this Refreshing Watermelon Margarita or Sparkling Cranberry Soda.

Sparkling Cranberry Soda

If you are looking for a festive alcohol-free drink, then this mocktail is for you. It is light, crisp, and refreshing. The tartness of the cranberries and the sweetness of the orange juice come together for a delicious treat. This Sparkling Cranberry Soda is festive enough for any holiday gathering.

Why Mocktails?

I admit it. . .I’m a sucker for party drinks! Most of the time, I don’t drink much other than water. So for special occasions, I love to try new things and come up with delicious options.

The best thing about making non-alcoholic special occasion drinks is that the whole family can enjoy them. This fizzy, tangy-sweet Sparkling Cranberry Soda will be a hit with the entire family!

Make it a Meal

This festive drink is the perfect compliment to a holiday meal, like this Vegan Thanksgiving!

The Season of Sagittarius: End your year with some positive reflection

We are nearing the end of the year, and that means it’s Sagittarius season. Congratulations, you survived the sometimes tumultuous season of Scorpio and the reward is the positive and uplifting energy that accompanies this season. Sagittarius officially begins November 23 and lasts until December 21. It is a time to relax and take in the festivities of the ending of another year.

Personality

Sagittarius encompasses some of the most energetic, optimistic, outgoing people. These are people who have that innate ability to put a positive twist on just about any situation and seek to find the good in others. As such, they are infectious, friendly, and attractive to most people.

All that energy can make Sagittarians a bit restless though. This fun, adventure-seeking personality can have trouble staying focused on one task at a time. Know someone who has great ideas but struggles to follow through? Chances are that person was born under the Sagittarius sign.

Because Sags have incredible vision, they excel in jobs that allow them to convey or “sell” their beliefs to others. The free-spirited Sagittarian likely won’t enjoy a structured desk job, but prefers something more entrepreneurial, or perhaps teaching in some capacity (preaching, coaching, public speaking, etc.)

This month, take a moment to exhale and reflect.

If you underwent an introspective, transformative season during Scorpio, get ready for a bit of relief. The defining mood of Sagittarius is joy and hope. It’s a time to relax a little and release tension and frustration. As we reflect on the ending of the year, tap into the Sagittarius energy to see the bigger picture. You may not be exactly where you hoped to be, but you can appreciate the journey and the wisdom and growth gained throughout the process.

Set your intention to focus on what brings you joy, and then make those things a priority in your life. Need a vacation? This is the perfect time to seek out an adventure, travel, or learn something new. As you set your sights on the year ahead, give in to the nudge to daydream and get excited about the possibilities that lie ahead.

The Sacral Chakra

The force of the sacral chakra relates mostly to relationships, sexuality and creativity. It deals with emotions as well as an awareness of the things around us. This gives Sagittarians a powerful connection to their feelings and inner self, which helps them to build relationships with other people. 

When the sacral chakra is balanced, you will have a sense of satisfaction and enjoy life to the fullest. You will feel energetic, open-minded, and comfortable expressing your emotions and beliefs. On the other hand, if you are deficient in the sacral chakra, you may experience jealousy or over-competitiveness. This can also manifest in relationships as you struggle to express yourself and relate to others on a deeper level.

Crystals and Stones

The season of Sagittarius calls for stones that help ground and focus the distractible energy that abounds this month.

  • Amethyst
  • Garnet
  • Sodalite
  • Lapis lazuli
  • Citrine
  • Tiger’s eye
  • Blue lace agate

Essential Oils for the Season of Sagittarius

This month, use oils that encourage your adventuring free spirit. Stress relief is key during this time, and many essential oils are perfect for helping you unwind and let loose a little.

  • Lavender
  • Neroli
  • Roman or German Chamomile
  • Tea Tree
  • Bergamot
  • Jasmine
  • Frankincense

Free Spirit Spritzer

Try this perfume during the season of Sagittarius to help you harness the energy of fun and adventure this season.

6 drops frankincense

5 drops lavender

5 drops bergamot

2 drops German chamomile

2 drops jasmine

vodka

Amethyst crystal chips, optional

Combine essential oils in a 2 mL perfume atomizer or small spray bottle. Top off with vodka (if you prefer, you can use distilled water). Alternatively, you can double or triple the number of drops in the recipe and add to a 5 mL or 10 mL roller bottle and top off with a neutral carrier oil. Check out the Wizard’s Kit from Whimsy and Wellness. . .perfect for this blend!


Love learning about the zodiac signs? Check out this post for the Season of Scorpio!