by Cascade Ice on January 11, 2023
It’s National Hot Toddy Day, and there is nothing quite like this traditional cocktail to warm you up during the cold winter months. But if you’re trying to stick to new year’s health goals or even “Dry January”, we have a fun spin on the classic that will be sure to keep you feeling cozy by the fire over the next few months!
There are so many great things about a hot toddy. It’s naturally less sweet (and less sugar) than most cocktails, and it’s super easy to make. Believed to have been invented in the 1800’s in Europe, the hot toddy is always a hit in the cold winter months because it’s served warm like a tea or coffee. Traditionally, they’ve even been suggested as a good cough and cold remedy, as it’s made with honey and lemon. And it’s easy to omit the alcohol to make a mocktail or simple home remedy for when you’re not feeling your best.
To make our spin on the hot toddy cocktail, you’ll need whiskey, honey, lemon, and some Cascade Ice Sparkling Water in Lemonade. Fresh cinnamon is a nice touch, or you could even add in ginger or cloves which have shown to have medicinal properties. Read on for how to whip up your own low-calorie, low-sugar hot toddy!
Cascade Ice Toasty Hot Toddy
- ½ cup hot water
- 2 oz. whiskey
- ½ oz fresh squeezed lemon juice
- 1 tbsp. Honey
- 2 oz. Cascade Ice Sparkling Water in Lemonade
- Cinnamon stick, optional
Heat water on the stovetop or in a tea kettle and pour into a mug or glass of your choice – make sure it’s hot but not boiling. Mix in the whiskey, honey and lemon juice. Omit the whiskey if making a mocktail. Top carefully with the Cascade Ice to the top, and garnish with a lemon wedge and/or cinnamon stick if desired. Enjoy!
Have you ever tried a hot toddy? What’s your go-to drink during the cold winter months? Tell us in the comments below or share a photo! Remember to “like” and “follow” us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
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Recipes
by Cascade Ice on December 20, 2022
@FallOverFashion
Whether you’re planning to entertain for the holidays or just want some fresh ideas to help brighten up your holiday season, it’s a great idea to have some low-sugar, low-calorie cocktail (and mocktail!) ideas at the ready. Holiday cocktails are typically notorious for being super sweet and heavy with syrupy elixirs and heavy creams, which also add extra fat and calories to your diet. Why not change things up with these light and refreshing cocktails that will be sure to put you in the spirit!
Cranberry Pomegranate Punch
- Bottle of Cascade Ice Sparkling Water in Cranberry Pomegranate
- Bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon wine
- ½ frozen container of cranberry juice
- Fresh cranberries and pomegranate seeds
- Juice from one lime
- 3 cups of ice
In a large punch bowl, combine all ingredients and stir until frozen juice is dissolved. Serve over ice in preferred glass. To make a mocktail punch, simply triple the Cascade Ice and juice and omit the wine. Garnish with rosemary, mint or lime for a festive touch!
Snowy Day Spritz
- Bottle of Cascade Ice Sparkling Water in Coconut
- 1.5 oz. Vodka
- 1 tbsp. sugar
- Juice from ½ lime
- Sliced lime for garnish
Take a short cocktail glass and dip the rim onto a plate with the lime juice, followed by a plate with the sugar and coat it. Next, pour the vodka over ice followed by the Cascade Ice. Garnish the glass with a lime wedge and sprig of holly or mistletoe if you’re feeling fancy!
I’m Dreaming of a Pink Holiday
- 1 cup Cascade Ice Sparkling Water in Pink Grapefruit
- 1 1/2 cups lemon juice
- 2/3 cup Triple Sec
- 1 cup Tequila
- 1/4 cup honey
- Lemon wedges
Garnish the rim of a tall champagne glass or highball glass with coarse salt. Combine vodka, lemon juice, triple sec, honey and ice in a cocktail shaker and pour contents into the glass over ice. Fill to the top with Cascade Ice and garnish with a lemon wedge. Simply omit the alcohol for a delicious mocktail version!
Will you be serving any fun cocktails during the holiday season? Tell us in the comments below or share a photo! Remember to “like” and “follow” us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
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Recipes
by Cascade Ice on November 22, 2022
If the holiday season went exactly like the Christmas carols we sing every year, the season would be like a scene from “It’s a Wonderful Life” – filled with happy, peaceful people soaking up every minute. But we’re human beings (not robots), so the holiday season often comes with stress and the pressure to do it all, and get it all done. If we don’t practice healthy rituals each day, we risk burning out and feeling overwhelmed, which can wreak havoc on both our mental and physical health. Here are some tips we’ve assembled to help you stay healthy through the new year that are easy to remember and adopt.
Get rid of the “I can’t have that” mentality
With the holidays comes delicious and sometimes unhealthy food and drinks. Of course, some foods have more nutritional value than others, but partaking in some of the most wonderful foods of the holiday season will not derail your entire lifestyle. Just make sure you keep it in balance. Permit yourself to have some indulgent foods and stop when you’re satisfied. Keep the balance by making healthy choices using the 80/20 rule – 80 percent of the time, choose good-for-you options, and 20 percent of the time, choose things you simply want to eat. This will lead to fewer binges and subsequent guilt.
Move your body
It’s colder and darker outside, which instinctually causes us to want to stay indoors. Instead of seeing exercise as checking a chore off your to-do list, simply prioritize movement during the holiday season. It can be walking the dog around the neighborhood, taking a hot yoga class, or taking an online workout or stretching class. If you’re getting some type of movement done each day, don’t beat yourself up about toning down your regular workout routine in favor of activities that fit easily within your busy holiday schedule. Meditation is also a great tool to help calm the mind and body if you feel like stress is taking hold!
Prioritize yourself
The holiday season doesn’t have to look like what people expect it to be – busy, rushed, and crowded. While you can honor family traditions, you can also make yourself a priority by devoting time to be alone. Whether that’s taking a bath before bed, or saying “No” to a social commitment, you’ll be impressed by how this simple ritual of prioritizing your time will save you from the type of stress that has you wishing the holiday season will hurry up and end!
Cut back on booze
For many people during the holiday season, alcohol can quickly become a way to manage stress, which can lead to long-term unhealthy habits throughout the year. If you are consuming alcohol this holiday season, be mindful of your consumption and practice moderation by having just 1 or 2 drinks. Always plan ahead if you’re attending a social function to make sure you don’t overconsume, and if you’re hosting a party, make sure to offer some alcohol-free options to guests – we have so many great low-calorie, low-sugar mocktail options using Cascade Ice Sparkling Water so you don’t have to feel left out and you can still stay on track with your goals.
Focus on your sleep habits
Stress and sleep are intertwined. Too little (or interrupted) sleep often leads to feelings of stress, and alternatively, stress can impede quality sleep. So, what can you do? Try not to fall into the trap of staying up too late and make a habit of cutting off electronics and starting bedtime rituals about an hour before you go to sleep. Consider journaling to keep track of your worries, which will help keep your mind from racing when you should be snoozing. There are lots of apps and settings on our smartphones that can help you block out the noise of social commitments and social media, so take advantage of them during the crazy holiday season and watch your sleep (and mood) improve!
How do you stay healthy and on track during the busy, stressful holiday season? Tell us in the comments below or share a photo! Remember to “like” and “follow” us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
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Healthy Living,
How To
by Cascade Ice on October 21, 2022
As we enter into season with the shortest and darkest days, many people start to neglect themselves more than they would during the long, sunny summer months. Which makes it so important to practice self-care. While it’s always an ongoing process, the following tips can help you work toward being a more calm, resilient, and happier person overall. These “me time” rituals are backed by science and can give you a great roadmap to follow when times get tough.
Meditation
Meditating doesn’t have to be fancy or complicated. In fact, it shouldn’t be at all! As little as 5 minutes of practicing mindfulness each day will help your concentration, patience, and give you inner calm. Just grab a spot in a quiet room and try one of the many guided meditations available wherever you listen to podcasts.
Breathwork
When life gets stressful, one of the biggest things we tend to unknowingly neglect is our breathing. As infants, it was second nature for us to take deep breaths from the abdomen, but as we get older, breathing becomes shallower. This makes it even more important to practice deep breathing. This can be done anytime, anywhere, and studies have shown that it can give you instant clarity and stress relief. Start by breathing in your nose for 4 seconds, holding for 2 seconds, and slowly exhaling through your mouth for 7 seconds. Do this 8 times.
Movement
The next time you feel frazzled, or your mind is racing, step outside for a walk. Self-reported well-being among those who walk is higher than those who don’t. If you can’t get outside, practice yoga or a simple stretching routine indoors. Simply getting your blood flowing is the goal, and if you can do it daily for 30 minutes, you’ll feel less stressed and more focused.
Hydration
Let’s face it, it’s scientifically proven that if your body is well-hydrated, it simply works better. All your organs function better, including your brain! So, drink your water and have it near you at all times, focusing on taking small sips throughout the day (instead of chugging large amounts). If regular water bores you, try our Cascade Ice USDA Organic Sparkling Water for some flavor!
Naps
They aren’t just for babies! If your body is telling you that it needs sleep – listen! Allow yourself to take a breather mid-day, even if it’s just a short, 20-minute power nap. You’ll be surprised at how well it charges your batteries – both physically and mentally.
Digital Detox
These days, our phones are jeopardizing our time and energy. While there certainly can be benefits, it’s essential to tune out for a bit and give yourself some boundaries. Studies have even linked social media use and depression. Stepping away for a few days can help improve personal connections (pick up the phone and call a friend!), and help you feel better about yourself overall.
Connection
Our interpersonal relationships with family and friends can quite literally save us from depression and anxiety. Therefore, allotting time with those you love is an essential part of any self-care routine. Plus, it gives us something to look forward to, which is another proven way to improve stress relief and stave off depression.
Boundaries
Protecting your peace of mind, energy and time is an essential part of self-care. Creating boundaries like saying no, establishing contact rules with coworkers, and stepping away from social media can help you heal and recharge your mind. Make yourself a priority!
How do you practice self-care? Tell us in the comments below or share a photo! Remember to “like” and “follow” us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
