Tag: drinks

  • Why we love Aura Bora Herbal Sparkling Water

    Why we love Aura Bora Herbal Sparkling Water

    When Aura Bora founders Paul and Madeleine Voge started experimenting with real herbs, flowers and fruits with their soda maker at home, they knew they were onto a great idea. After their friends and family were raving about their flavors, they decided to try to launch their business on Season 12 of Shark Tank! There were already a lot of sparkling waters out there, but Aura Bora had something special right from the beginning. 

    The constantly refreshing varieties include Lemongrass Coconut, Peppermint Watermelon, Cactus Rose, Lavender Cucumber, and Strawberry Basil, Ginger Meyer Lemon, and Grapefruit Elderflower. Each can of Aura Bora is crafted with carefully selected herbs, fruits, and sparkling water purified using reverse osmosis, resulting in a clean and crisp beverage that’s guilt-free and hydrating

    You also need to try “Dry Guys” Olive Oil Martini! Graza’s Extra Virgin Picual Olive Oil with Aura Bora’s yuzu and juniper-laced herbal sparkling water, the non-alcoholic Olive Oil Martini is unlike any flavor that the company has released in the past.

    One sip and you will realize why their slogan is “earthly tastes and heavenly feelings”! They can all be enjoyed on their own straight from the can, or as a mixer in cocktails and mocktails.. 

    We love Aura Bora as a company because they remain committed to using natural ingredients without any artificial additives or sweeteners. If you’re looking to cut down on sugar and artificial ingredients, Aura Bora offers a satisfying alternative that doesn’t compromise on taste. All their flavors are made from real herbs, fruits and flowers. There’s no added sugar, sweeteners, citric acid or artificial ingredients. 0 Sodium, 0 Calories, and delicious natural flavors you’ll love.

    If that wasn’t enough, Aura Bora are part of 1% for the Planet, donating 1% of their revenue each year towards environmental causes like wildlife relief, conservation, and ocean cleanup.

    Basil Bandwagon’s exclusive May offer, you can get all varieties of Aura Bora for just $1.49 per can! Stock up for the warm weather.

    Don’t forget to enter to win a super cool retro cooler at each of our locations! No purchase necessary. The raffle will be drawn on May 31st. From picnics in the park to cozy nights at home, Aura Bora sparkling water is the perfect companion for life’s everyday moments.

    Mint Refresher

    Ingredients

    • 4 ounces watermelon juice
    • 1 1/2 ounces alcohol or non alcohol of your choice
    • 1/2 ounce simple syrup
    • 3 ounces Aura Bora Peppermint Watermelon
    • juice of one lime
    • ice
    • fruit of choice for garnish

    Instructions

    • In a cocktail tin add alcohol or non-alcohol option, watermelon juice, lime juice, simple syrup and ice. Shake and strain into your favorite glass. Add ice, top off with Peppermint Watermelon and add a fruit of your choice on top! 

    REFERENCES~

    https://aurabora.com/

    https://aurabora.com/blogs/recipes/mint-refresher

  • Minted Strawberry Lemonade

    Minted Strawberry Lemonade

    Minted Strawberry Lemonade


    For a quick and delicious addition to your summer table try this minty-sweet-tart drink! Try different variations for a fun twist, such as basil instead of mint, or limes instead of lemons! Give it a try this summer to help beat the heat!


    Minted Strawberry Lemonade

    A bright, tart, and sweet summer beverage.
    Total Time 15 minutes
    Servings: 10

    Ingredients
      

    • 2 32 oz bottles Santa Cruz Organic® Lemonade chilled
    • 9 oz Strawberry spread (see notes)
    • 1 bushel Mint finely chopped
    • 1 whole Lemon thinly sliced
    • A few mint leaves for garnish

    Method
     

    1. COMBINE lemonade, fruit spread and chopped mint in pitcher. Stir until blended.
    2. SERVE over ice. Garnish with lemon slices and mint leaves.

    Notes

    Strawberry fruit spread, or jam, can be used for this recipe. Any other fruit spread or fruit preserve could be used as well.

    Recipe via Santa Cruz Organic

  • Coconut Cashew Eggnog

    Coconut Cashew Eggnog

    Coconut Cashew Eggnog


    While you may be missing the ease of a carton of store-bought nog, once you see how easy it is to make it yourself, you may never go back. Making your own means you can customize it to your tastes, preferences, and dietary restrictions! This coconut cashew nog is dairy-free and egg-free, which makes it an excellent option for the vegans in your life. The hardest part of this recipe is waiting for the cashews to soften with an eight-hour soak. In other words, with a little planning, it’s a snap. Cheers!

    Coconut Cashew Eggnog

    Looking for a vegan alternative to the holiday classic beverage? This coconut cashew nog has all the flavor for your festive drinks without dairy or eggs!
    Servings: 6

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 ⅓ cups untoasted cashews soaked overnight
    • 1 quart coconut milk from a carton
    • cup cane sugar
    • ¾ teaspoon ground cinnamon
    • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
    • ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
    • ½ teaspoon cinnamon
    • Freshly grated nutmeg optional

    Method
     

    1. Place all ingredients in a blender and run until mixture is very smooth and frothy.
    2. Place eggnog in a serving pitcher and chill for an hour before serving.
    3. Pour into serving glasses and grate nutmeg on top.
    4. Enjoy!

    Recipe Provided by INFRA

  • Sparkling Spiced Cider

    Sparkling Spiced Cider

    Sparkling Spiced Cider


    Looking for a fun beverage for your next fall gathering? Infuse cider with your favorite fall baking spices and add bubbles—either sparkling juice or the adults-only prosecco. This Sparkling Spiced Cider is easy enough to pull off for unexpected guests. Don’t forget the sliced fruit for the punch bowl. It takes it to the next level! Serving this punch warm is a nod to mulled wine and the chillier temps. The addition of sparkling wine or juice keeps it festive. 

    Sparkling Spiced Cider

    Looking for a fun beverage for your next fall gathering? Infuse cider with your favorite fall baking spices and add bubbles—either sparkling juice or the adults-only prosecco. This sparkling spiced cider is easy enough to pull off for unexpected guests.
    Servings: 7

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 gallon apple cider
    • 1 ½ cups pear juice
    • 1 (750 ml) bottle prosecco or sparkling pear juice
    • 4 oranges sliced (divided)
    • 6 cinnamon sticks
    • 6 cloves
    • 2 star anise
    • 2 Honeycrisp apples cored and sliced
    • A few sprigs of fresh thyme

    Method
     

    1. In a 6-quart stockpot, bring apple cider, pear juice, half of the orange slices, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and star anise to just under a simmer and cook for 15 minutes.
    2. Remove from heat and carefully strain into a large serving vessel, top with prosecco or sparkling pear juice. Serve warm, garnish with remaining orange slices, apple slices, and fresh thyme sprigs.
    3. Enjoy!

    Recipe Provided by INFRA

  • Holiday Mocktails

    Holiday Mocktails

    Holiday Mocktails

    with Christine Waltermyer

    Christine Waltermyer is a local and renowned Wellness Chef, private chef to celebrities, published cookbook author and founder of the Natural Kitchen Cooking School, which offers an online Plant-Based Cooking Program. She also loves shopping at Basil Bandwagon! Visit naturalkitchenschool.com to subscribe to her email newsletter for new recipes, tips, and FREE access to the Power of Veggies mini-course!


    Holidays can be hectic, which is why we love these easy MOCKTAIL recipes thanks to Christine Waltermyer and the Natural Kitchen Cooking School. Featuring ingredients found at your local Basil Bandwagon Natural Market, these recipes can be enjoyed all year round!

    Cranberry Pomegranate Cosmo

    Course Drinks
    Keyword cosmo, drinks, holiday, mocktail

    Ingredients

    • cup pomegranate juice
    • Juice of ½ orange
    • Pink food coloring (I used 1 teaspoon of Supernatural food colors pink shade)
    • 16 ounces Mingle Mocktails Cranberry Cosmo

    Garnishes

    • cup fresh pomegranate seeds
    • ½ cup fresh cranberries
    • A few fresh rosemary sprigs
    • 2-4 strips orange peel curled around a chopstick

    Instructions

    • In a glass jar, combine the pomegranate juice, orange juice and food coloring. Shake well to combine. Add to the Mingle Mocktails Cranberry Cosmo and stir well. Pour into two martini glasses. To each glass add a few pomegranate seeds, some cranberries, a rosemary sprig and fresh orange peel.
    • Enjoy!

    Blueberry Basil Bellini

    Course Drinks
    Keyword bellini, drinks, holiday, mocktail

    Ingredients

    • 16 ounces + ½ cup Mingle Mocktails Blackberry Hibiscus Bellini
    • Juice of one lime
    • 1-2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
    • Purple or blue food coloring (I used 1 teaspoon of Supernatural food colors purple shade)

    Garnishes

    • ½ cup fresh blueberries
    • A few fresh basil sprigs
    • Fresh lime wedges
    • Colorful straws

    Instructions

    • In a glass measuring cup, combine 16 ounces of the Mingle Mocktails Blackberry Hibiscus Bellini with the lime juice and maple syrup. Stir to combine.
    • Add some ice to two glasses. Pour in enough of the mocktail to fill two third’s full.
    • In a glass jar combine another ½ cup of the Mingle Mocktails Blackberry Hibiscus Bellini with the food coloring. Stir well or place a lid on the jar and shake well. Divide this mixture evenly between the two glasses. Stir to combine.
    • Garnish the glasses with the fresh blueberries, basil sprigs, lime wedges and colorful straws.
    • Enjoy!

    Thank you to Christine Waltermyer and the Natural Kitchen Cooking School for working with us to help promote healthy, nutritious meals and products that are affordable, full of nutrients, and simple to make at home!

  • Celebrate National Kombucha Day with Health-Ade Kombucha Recipes!

    Celebrate National Kombucha Day with Health-Ade Kombucha Recipes!

    ALL Health-Ade Kombucha on sale this month (1/1/2020-1/31/2020) 2 for $6!

    Yields one small jar of dressing

    INGREDIENTS

    1/4 cup Health-Ade Blood Orange Carrot Ginger Kombucha

    3/4 cup olive oil

    1 teaspoon raw honey

    1/2 teaspoon sea salt

    1/4 teaspoon black pepper

    1 clove garlic, finely minced

    METHOD

    1. Combine all ingredients in a small jar and whisk vigorously to combine.

    2. Taste dressing and season with more salt and pepper, if desired.

    3. Dressing will keep in an airtight jar in the refrigerator for up to five days.


    Yields 4 servings

    INGREDIENTS

    1 bottle (1 pint) Health-Ade Cayenne Cleanse

    Juice from 4 blood oranges, plus 1 sliced blood orange for garnish

    1 cup carrots, peeled and chopped

    Juice from 1/2 lemon plus zest for garnish

    1 cup ice cubes

    Cayenne pepper, for sprinkling

    METHOD

    1. Combine Cayenne Cleanse, orange juice, carrots, lemon juice, and ice into a high-powered blender. Blend on low, slowly increasing to high speed. Blend on high for 1 minute or until smooth consistency is reached.

    2. Strain drink through a fine mesh sieve once or twice. Divide drink equally between 4 cocktail glasses. Pour over ice if desired.

    3. Use a vegetable peeler to peel 4 long ribbons of lemon zest. Place 1 ribbon into each glass.

    4. Slice remaining blood orange in wheels and place one face up in each glass.

    5. Sprinkle a pinch of cayenne pepper into each glass. Enjoy cold. Refrigerate up to 2 days.


    Yields 1 serving

    INGREDIENTS

    1/4 cup crystallized ginger, for rim

    2 teaspoons sea salt, for rim

    2 ounces grapefruit juice

    1 ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice (from 1 large lemon)

    4 ounces Health-Ade Ginger Lemon Kombucha

    2 ounces club soda (optional)

    Grapefruit wheel or wedge, for garnish

    METHOD

    1. Place candied ginger and sea salt in the bowl of a food processor. Give it a few good pulses, until ginger and salt are combined and powder-like.

    2. Run a lemon wedge around the rim of a chilled highball glass. Dip glass in ginger-salt mixture to coat. Fill glass with a handful of ice cubes.

    3. In a cocktail shaker, add grapefruit juice, lemon juice, Ginger Lemon Kombucha, and a handful of crushed ice. Very gently shake and strain into a prepared glass. Top with club soda if desired.

    4. Garnish with a grapefruit wheel or wedge and serve.


    Yields 2 servings

    INGREDIENTS

    1.5 cups diced mango (about 1 mango)

    1 cup dried pineapple

    1/2 cup cold water

    1 cup Health-Ade Ginger Lemon Kombucha

    2-3 ounces rum or vodka (optional)

    METHOD

    1. Add mango, pineapple, and water to a blender and blend until smooth.

    2. Strain mixture through a mesh strainer, scraping with the back of a spatula to get all of the juice.

    3. Mix fruit puree with kombucha and optional alcohol, and serve over ice.

    4. Garnish with sliced pineapple and basil.



    All recipes and information above are provided from INFRA and Health-Ade Kombucha.

    Independent Natural Food Retailers Association (INFRA) is a purchasing cooperative owned and governed by independent natural and organic food retailers of all sizes working together to leverage our voice in the industry. They unite their members for the purpose of providing operational support, leveraging purchasing power, and engaging in shared marketing activities.

    Working together is how we compete and differentiate ourselves in the marketplace, and gives us a higher chance of success. The level of integrity and commitment of the retailers who are INFRA members helps us shape a future together where we will be able to continue to bring high quality organic food to our individual communities, because we have a shared vision and commitment.

  • RECAP: New Product Thursday 10/17/19

    RECAP: New Product Thursday 10/17/19

    Check out our NEW products this week!

    C.A.R.E. by Cleanlogic: Exfoliating Bath Gloves, Large Exfoliating Body Scrubber, & Exfoliating Dual Texture Body Scrubbers
    Dragonfly Effect Naturals: Cinnamon Rush Mouthwash
    Four Sigmatic: Mushroom Chocolate
    Goldthread: Green Minerals & Mint Condition
    Jarrow Formulas: Vegan Chondroitin + Glucosamine
    Le Grand Plant- Based Yogurt: Creamy Cold Brew
    Maggie’s Organics: Killington Hikers Socks
    Triloka Incense: Palo Santo
    Primal Kitchen: Garlic Alfredo Sauce, Original Alfredo Sauce, Vodka Sauce, Tomato Basil Marinara Sauce, & Roasted Garlic Marinara Sauce
    Bob’s Red Mill Gluten Free Oatmeal Cups: Blueberry Hazelnut, Brown Sugar Maple, Classic, & Apple Pieces and Cinnamon
    Ripple: Sour Cream
    Sweet Earth: Mindful Chik’n Strips
    Vital Proteins Marine Collagen: BACK IN STOCK!
  • RECAP: New Product Thursday 10/10/19

    RECAP: New Product Thursday 10/10/19

    Check out our NEW products this week!

    All Free Brownie Bites: Sea Salt Caramel & Double Chocolate Chip
    Boiron: Diaralia
    Cocojune: Vanilla Chamomile & Pure Coconut
    Good Catch: Fish-free Tuna
    Green Valley Lactose Free Butter: BACK IN STOCK!
    Holistic Hound: Full Spectrum Hemp & Mushroom Bites
    Hudson Green: Velvet Vodka & Meatless Bolognese
    Hybrid Remedies: HybridCR
    Zum Bar Soap: Frankincense-Lavender & Almond
    Oath: Indian Rose & Double Chocolate
    Prairie Melody Birdseed
    Pranarom Diffusion Blends: Meditation, Zen, Purity, Uplift, & Provence
    Rebel Green: Tree Free Toilet Tissue
  • RECAP: NEW PRODUCT WEDNESDAY 8/14/19

    RECAP: NEW PRODUCT WEDNESDAY 8/14/19

    Check out our NEW products this week!

    Amazing Grass Green Superfood Effervescent Tablets: Berry, Lemon-Lime, Lemon Charcoal (Detox), Orange Turmeric (Detox), Watermelon Lime (Hydrate), & Tropical (Energy)
    RW Garcia Organic Yellow Corn Chips
    Biena Baked Chickpea Puffs: Blazin’ Hot, Vegan Ranch, & Aged White Cheddar
    C2O Coconut Water: Berry Blast (sparkling), Citrus Zing (sparkling), Cherry Bang (sparkling), Grapefruit Fizz (sparkling), Lemon Lime, & Matcha
    Emmy’s Coconut Cookie Bites: Mint & Peanut Butter
    Larabar Protein Bars: Apple Cobbler, Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup, Almond Butter Chocolate Brownie, & Lemon Blueberry Muffin
    Natural Factors: Ultimate Heart Health, Magnesium Citrate, Garlic & Reishi, and Greens (smaller container)
    Lifeway Plantiful Probiotic Plant Based Drinks: Tropical Fruit, Plain, & Mixed Berry
  • PRODUCE RECIPE OF THE WEEK: STONE FRUIT SANGRIA

    PRODUCE RECIPE OF THE WEEK: STONE FRUIT SANGRIA

    On sale this week (7/15-7/21): Organic White Peaches & Nectarines $2.99 lb. & Red Cherries 5.49 lb.!

    Sangria is the drink you need to have all summer long! The taste of the incredible fresh, organic white peaches, white nectarines, plums, and red cherries mixed with the white wine and ginger ale are the perfect combination in each glass. Please note: this recipe does contain alcohol and is not sold at any Basil Bandwagon locations. Must be age 21 and over. Please drink responsibly.

    Ingredients

    1 White Peach, halved, pitted, and sliced into 1/2-inch wedges

    1 White Nectarine, halved, pitted, and sliced into 1/2-inch wedges

    1 Plum, halved, pitted, and sliced into 1/2-inch wedges

    16 Cherries, pitted

    4 Cups (32 ounces) Ginger Ale, chilled

    1 Bottle (750 ml) dry white wine

    Ice


    Method

    1. In a large pitcher, combine white peach, white nectarine, plum, cherries, and white wine together.

    2. Stir to combine and refrigerate 1 hour (or up to overnight).

    3. To serve, add ginger ale and ice.

    4. Enjoy!


    Before you enjoy your refreshing stone fruit sangria, make sure you take a picture of your masterpiece! Post it on social media and tag your favorite produce market, Basil Bandwagon Natural Market! #basilbandwagon #producerecipeoftheweek