Vata Balancing Recipe: Adaptogenic Fall Mocktail
Last weekend, we celebrated the Autumnal Equinox and the official transition into vata season. During this time of year, summer’s hot, sunlit days gently collapse into the cool, crisp, light, dry and shorter days of fall. Within these next few weeks, as the activating energy of summer, also known as pitta season, dwindles, you may slowly feel called to ground down and draw inward to reflect on your year thus far. We encourage you to follow this intuitive wisdom as it will help you to honor nature’s transition into this new season, support staying in optimal alignment and give you space to reassess what you wish to make a priority in your life as we enter the final months of the year.
Warming, Moisturizing & Adaptogenic Herbs for Fall
To center yourself this autumn, an Ayurvedic recommendation is to incorporate supportive herbs into your self-care and culinary routines. Warming, moisturizing and adaptogenic herbs are ideal for balancing vata dosha. Some examples of warming herbs include ginger, cinnamon and nutmeg, while moisturizing herbs include flax seeds, licorice and slippery elm. If you are unfamiliar with adaptogenic herbs, they are a mainstay of Ayurvedic herbalism thanks to their ability to protect the body from oxidative stress, reduce physical, mental and emotional fatigue, improve mood, enhance focus and increase stamina. Some of Ayurveda’s go-to adaptogenic herbs are ashwagandha, shatavari, brahmi and gotu kola .
This vata season, we recommend enjoying our Hydrate Blend Tea regularly to get your daily dose of warming, hydrating and adaptogenic vata-balancing herbs. For a fun, elevated twist on this medicinal tea, we have concocted an Adaptogenic Fall Mocktail for you to enjoy at home or share at a social event. What we love about this delicious autumn beverage is that, unlike alcohol, which can leave you feeling dehydrated, tired and hungover after a fun gathering with friends and family, this mocktail balances the energy of vata season, leaving you feeling grounded, hydrated and nourished. Your friends and family will thank you for the tasty, feel-good drink and for having their backs by balancing them with supportive Ayurvedic herbs this fall.
This beverage is simple and fun to make, so let’s get started!
Adaptogenic Fall Mocktail Recipe
Makes 1 serving
Ingredients:
8 oz. boiled water
3 tbsp. Hydrate Blend Loose-Leaf Tea
2 tsp. ginger juice (make fresh in a juicer or purchase a pre-made ginger juice)
¼ to ½ lemon, juiced
2 oz. club soda
Directions:
- Steep Hydrate Blend Loose-Leaf Tea in 8 oz of freshly boiled water for 30 minutes. Steeping for 30 minutes will help decoct the herbs' healing properties and ensure a flavorful mocktail.
- Strain the herbs from the tea.
- Add 4-6 cubes of ice, 6 oz brewed Hydrate Blend Tea, ginger juice and lemon juice into a cocktail shaker. Quickly shake for 3 to 5 seconds.
- Pour the mocktail into a tumbler or martini glass and top off with 2 oz of club soda.
- Garnish with fresh ginger peel, slice of lemon, cinnamon powder or cinnamon stick.
- Drink, hydrate & enjoy fall balance!
Revel in the Beauty of Fall
As you begin to embrace the cool, crisp and cozy energy of fall, we are sure you will find this Adaptogenic Fall Mocktail to be the perfect companion for your upcoming gatherings or as a special treat at home. May you nuzzle into the comfort of this new season and take the time to savor the medicinal herbs and flavors of fall. Here’s to finding your center with a delicious, balancing, seasonal mocktail by your side!