This Sage & Cranberry Mocktail combines earthy sage with tart cranberry juice and a splash of lemon for a light, herbaceous autumn drink. Topped with sparkling water and garnished with fresh cranberries, it’s a nutrient-dense option that adds a refreshing, seasonal touch to your next dinner or post-meal wind-down. It’s ready in minutes—ideal for those busy days!
Cranberry juice is an astringent that includes tannins—specifically, a compound known as proanthocyanidins—that inhibit E.coli from adhering to the urinary tract [1]. Cranberries are best consumed in moderation as they contain oxalates. Oxalates bid to minerals in your body most notably calcium- in some people they can increase their risk of kidney stones.
Cranberry juice is often sold sweetened, so it is best to find unsweetened cranberry juice, or make your own by simmering fresh cranberries for up to an hour, then puree, strain, remove pulp, and cool.
Sage has been used for many years medicinally for respiratory and female reproductive concerns. When muddled, it helps to release their aroma and nutrients [2]. Lemon adds acidity and brightness to this Sage & Cranberry Mocktail.
TIPS:
- Be sure to use the culinary sage herb known more formally as Salvia officinalis.
- To save time, muddle the sage and prepare the cranberry-lemon mix in the morning. Just add sparkling water and garnish for a quick, relaxing drink after a long day at work.
- If you don’t like the earthy flavor of sage, you can easily switch it out with an herb you prefer like basil, rosemary, or thyme.
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References:
- Jepson, R. G., & Craig, J. C. (2008). Cranberries for preventing urinary tract infections. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2008(1), CD001321. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD001321.pub4
- Tapsell, L. C., Hemphill, I., Cobiac, L., Patch, C. S., Sullivan, D. R., Fenech, M., et al. (2006). Health benefits of herbs and spices: The past, the present, the future. Medical Journal of Australia, 185(4), S4-S24.
Sage & Cranberry Mocktail
- Recipe by: Erin Rhae Biller, ND, FAIHM
- Serves: 4
- Meal: Beverage
- Serves: 4
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
Ingredients
4 sage leaves
2/3 cups cranberry juice
4 tsp lemon juice
3 cups sparkling water
Fresh cranberries and sage sprigs, for garnish
Directions
Muddle the sage leaves in a glass. Add cranberry juice and lemon juice. Stir well.
Split the cranberry mixture between four glasses. Fill glasses with ice and top with sparkling water.
Stir gently and garnish with fresh cranberries and a sage sprig.
