This St. Patrick’s Day celebrate with a more sophisticated, healthy cocktail packed with antioxidants and vitamins.  A naturally green cocktail that will hydrate, lessen the chances of the dreaded hangover, and possibly become your new go-to drink.  If you love Mojitos, then you have to try the Irish Spring.

According to mixologist Rob Green of Mix It Up, ”St. Patrick’s Day, for most people, is more of a marathon than a sprint.” He created this fun cocktail for Back to Organic using Irish Whiskey, raw organic green kombucha, muddled fresh mint leaves, and sweet honey so people can enjoy the spirit of the holiday with a balanced drink to keep them going.

Kombucha has become the rage for many celebrities and health conscious foodies since they believe it can increase longevity and energy, improve digestion and liver function, and decrease chances of cancer. Kombucha is a fermented drink made from tea, sugar, bacteria and yeast that has been brewed for thousands of years.  Since the tea is rich in B vitamins and other chemical compounds as well as more alkaline due to the liquid changing to vinegar, the tea may in fact improve health conditions.

There have not been any studies to prove these health claims. Some reports have been made it can cause stomach upset, allergic reactions, liver damage and other issues but those causes may be due to individuals improperly brewing their own tea in a non sterile environment. If you purchase kombucha, make sure you buy raw organic kombucha from a reputable brewer such as GT’s Kombucha. If you decide to brew kombucha yourself, carefully research where the bacteria mass called Scoby is from and make sure the brewing pot does not contain lead. Due to the chemical reaction in the fermented tea, lead can leach from ceramic pots.

The fresh mint leaves are also vitamin packed and soothing. Mint has a calming effect as well as adds a ton of flavor.  Try to use local honey since it may lessen the symptoms from spring allergy season right around the corner.

Ryan Stotz of H & F Bottle Shop in Atlanta, GA recommended “The Irishman Founder’s Reserve, a more serious but still springy and clean Irish whiskey that would match the bright flavors of the kombucha and mint while standing up to the honey with its touches of oak.” The Irishman Founder’s Reserve may be hard to find since it has received so much press; it was awarded 93 points in Jim Murray’s Whiskey Bible and a gold medal at the Whiskey Masters London.

This week I could not find The Irishman Founder’s Reserve in New York City, even the top whiskey bars were out so we mixed the drink with Jameson as well as Bacardi since I prefer clear liquors. Both work well. We brought our own raw organic multi green Kombucha since many bars do not carry it. The bartender and people at the bar all wanted to try this drink and they loved it. Be prepared you may need to share with your friends.

Directions by Mix It Up

1) Muddle the honey and mint together, add kombucha and shake. Pour into tall glass, garnish with mint leaves. For even more Irish pride, top it off with an oz. or two of dry irish stout.

Enjoy!

Why You Want to Drink This!

• Mint leaves are rich in the vitamins manganese, vitamin A and vitamin C and a good source of fiber, folate, iron, vitamin B2, potassium and copper. Mint may improve digestion, alleviate nausea and headaches, and decrease risk of cancer in lungs, colon, and skin. It is also known to relief stress and improve memory.
• Raw Organic Kombucha may increase your energy levels, improve digestion and liver function, remove kidney stones, and lower your blood pressure and risk for cancer.

References:
https://www.livestrong.com/article/249915-what-are-the-benefits-of-eating-whole-mint-leaves/
https://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2013/10/14/peppermint-health-benefits.aspx
https://www.foodrenegade.com/kombucha-health-benefits/
https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-living/consumer-health/expert-answers/kombucha-tea/faq-20058126
https://www.marksdailyapple.com/refreshing-homebrewed-kombucha-tea/#axzz2smJgYlgH

The above photographs were provided by Mix It Up.