Why I Choose Honey (Most Days)

When I reach for local honey to sweeten my Nojito, I'm not just adding sweetness ā€“ I'm adding liquid medicine. Raw honey is packed with antioxidants, enzymes, and minerals that actually support my immune system. It's been used for healing for thousands of years, and there's something deeply satisfying about knowing that my treat is also nourishing my body. Plus, local honey can help with seasonal allergies, which is a beautiful bonus living here in the Pacific Northwest.

But here's the thing ā€“ some days I've already had my share of natural sugars, or I want to keep my blood sugar steady. That's when I switch to monk fruit sweetener. No guilt, no overthinking, just what my body needs in that moment.

Lime & Mint Nojito Recipe

Ingredients:

  • 10-18 fresh mint leaves
  • 1/2 lime, cut into wedges
  • 1-2 tablespoons honey simple syrup (or 1/2 tsp monk fruit simple syrup)
  • 1 cup sparkling water
  • Ice cubes
  • Fresh mint sprig or lime wheel for garnish

Instructions:

  1. Trim off both ends of lime. Cut lime in half then the half into quarters. Place four pieces of lime into each glass.
  2. Pour in your simple syrup of choice.
  3. Gently muddle the lime and sweetener ā€“ just enough to release those incredible oils without turning bitter.
  4. Add the mint leaves into the glass and gently tap the leaves with muddler to release the fragrance.
  5. Fill the glass with ice, top with sparkling water, and stir.
  6. Garnish with a sprig of mint or lime wheel.
  7. Enjoy!

Simple Syrup Instructions:

Honey Simple Syrup:

  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1/2 cup local honey
  • Heat gently until honey dissolves completely, then cool. Place in jar and store in refrigerator.

Monk Fruit Simple Syrup:

  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1 tsp monk fruit powder
  • Heat water and monk fruit sweetener in a small saucepan, stirring until completely dissolved, then cool. Store in refrigerator.

Note: Monk fruit is about 200 times sweeter than sugar, so much less is needed!

More Than Just a Drink

What started as saying goodbye to wine and cocktails has become something deeper. This gives me everything I want: refreshing bubbles, bright flavors, and that satisfied feeling that comes from making choices my future self will thank me for.

Here's to making the final third the most vibrant yet! Let's find more of these fun recipes that can take us into fall and winter. I would love to hear your favorites in the comments below. Here is a link to the growing library of clean and healthy recipes.

P.S. Say hello to my kitty Austen! Her and her sister Bronte love to roll in the mint patch.