Happy Monday 👋 

Every week, I go deep into the roots of health in search of the best ingredients to prepare a delicious and nutritious menu for you.

On today’s menu I’ve got: Alcohol

Enjoy!

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Starter 🥗 

A Pleasure or a Trap?

It has turned Ryan Reynolds into a wealthy investor and made Conor McGregor more money than stepping into the octagon, but it has also destroyed millions of lives and relationships.

Whether it's a glass of wine on a Friday night, a few tequila shots with friends, or a well-prepared cocktail, alcohol has a way of sneaking into our lives.

We drink to celebrate, to unwind, to fit in, or sometimes just because it’s there.

The irony?

We all know it isn't good for us. Yet, many people consume it anyway, often without a second thought. 💭 

With New Year's Eve approaching and celebrations in full swing, it's a good time to pause and reflect on two big questions:

Why do we drink, and what exactly does alcohol do to our bodies?

Let’s dive into the sobering truth.

Main 🥙 

The Power of Alcohol

Humans have been drinking fermented beverages for thousands of years.

Alcohol has grown into a multi-trillion-dollar industry, from ancient brews consumed during ceremonies to modern cocktails crafted by mixologists.

In 2023, the global market for alcoholic beverages was valued at USD 1.64 trillion and is projected to reach USD 2249.3 billion by 2033.

Why?

Because alcohol has a unique power.

It can help us feel euphoric, loosen up in awkward situations, take risky decisions, and even make karaoke night seem like a good idea.

But here's the catch: alcohol is one of the most often abused substances on the planet. In 2019, it was responsible for about 2.6 million deaths.

Consuming too much alcohol can…

• impair brain function 🧠 

• harm your mental health

• cause weight gain

• increase the risk for cancer

• lead to an addiction

• kill cells 🦠 

Dessert 🍰 

(Alcohol Free) Sour Recipe

As a certified bartender at Flor Y Canela, I took pride in preparing high-quality drinks for our guests. One of my favorite drinks to prepare is the Sour.

I’ve decided to share my secret recipe with you for creating one of the best Sours you have ever tasted (trust me):

Ingredients for one sour:

• 7 cl of (alcohol free) spirit (e.g. gin, whisk(e)y, tequila, vodka, rum, or pisco)

• 3 cl of lime juice (1 whole lime)

• 2 cl of sugar syrup

• 5 cl of egg white

• 2 dashes and 3 drops of Angostura Bitters

• 1 big scoop of ice (cubed, not crushed)

• Boston shaker, strainer, and fine strainer

• A Rocks Glass

Recipe for one sour:

1. Add lime juice, sugar syrup, (alcohol free) spirit, egg white, and 2 dashes of Angostura Bitters into a shaker (or blender) and dry shake (without ice) for 30 seconds.

2. Add ice and wet shake (with ice) for about 20 seconds.

3. Pour the sour with a strainer through a fine strainer into a glass.

4. Garnish with 3 drops of Angostura Bitters and use a toothpick to swirl the drops into a design.

5. Enjoy! 🍸️ 

My tip: Instead of using 2 cl of regular sugar for the sugar syrup, blend 1 tablespoon birch sugar with 20 ml of water.

Furthermore, you can add some more egg white for more protein. 💪