Summer Potions

I call these potions because I can't find anyone besides myself who thinks they taste good.  Even after explaining their health benefits no one is convinced they are worth drinking.  Lucky for me I like both the taste and the way they make me feel. 

Chilled San Pellegrino with Whey and Fresh Squeezed Lemon

I was served this at a local Weston Price meeting and after taking one sip I smiled and asked for the recipe.  The ladies kind of laughed at me and just said "it is what it is" San Pelligrino, whey, and fresh squeezed lemon juice.  

Whey is the clear liquid that separates from our cultured kefir and is full of probiotics, protein, minerals and has been thought to help regulate blood sugar, and aid digestion.  Mixed with sparkling mineral water and lemon it is both refreshing and filling on those evenings when it is just too hot to stuff the belly.

Lavender Peppermint Herbal Tea

This is tastes great both warm and chilled.  Warm before bed helps induce sleep and chilled with honey makes an energizing post workout beverage.  

I added 1 tsp of each herb to a qt size mason jar then poured hot (almost boiling) water on top.  Covering this tightly will help release the oils but unlike my pregnancy potion this one should not steep for more than 10 minutes because the mint will not taste good if after 10 minutes.  Don't forget to strain it.

Beet Kvass

    

This one always scares my family, it basically is just fermented beet juice.  And to be honest I don't really know what the health benefits are but I'm sure if you googled it all sorts of great stuff would surface.  I just like love this beverage because beets are yummy and it is so easy to make.

I got the recipe from my favorite cookbook Nourishing Traditions . Basically you peel and chop 3 beets and stick them in a 2 qt mason jar.  Add 1/4 cup whey (again I get my from strained kefir), 1 T salt (I use half that amount) then fill to the top with filtered water.  Close it up and after about 2 days on the counter it should be ready.

Just a couple warnings though, beets tend to discolor urine and if you are not careful you may end up with a very staining joker like mustache.

Let me know if you try any of these and please share your own potions because I'm sure I'd love to try them.