Carbonated Beverage Alternatives

Hey, guys! This is the recipe post that goes along with my blog, "Carbonated Beverage Intolerance." These are some recipes that are yummy alternatives to store-bought carbonated drinks like soda. I'll also have posts in the very near future that offer up alternatives for super sugary drinks, and drinks with caffeine, in case those are triggers for your dysfunctional gut. Be aware of your other trigger foods or possible irritants, and if there's something in these recipes that may not settle well with you, then omit or substitute. :-) Without further ado...

If you can tolerate small quantities of carbonation...

Lemon-Lime Spritzer

Makes one 12 ounce serving

1. 3 ounces of seltzer water (also called club soda, carbonated water)
2. 8 ounces of lemonade
3. 1 ounce of lime juice

Mix together and serve over ice! This drink is very tangy. Yum! Try adding watermelon juice, strawberry juice, or other flavors you like. The bulk of this drink is non-carbonated, which reduces the amount of pressure-causing gas. If you can tolerate small quantities and really want something fizzy, give a spritzer (with 3 ounces or less of carbonated water) a try. It's better for you than soda and will satisfy your need for bubbles.

Strawberry-Kiwi Spritzer

Makes one 12 ounce serving

1. 3 ounces gingerale
2. 4 ounces strawberry juice from concentrate
3. 2 ounces lemonade
4. 1 ounce strawberry puree
5. 2 ounces kiwi puree

To make purees, use a blender or food processor, or mash fruit with fork until pulpy. Then mix all ingredients and chill, or serve over ice. 

No Carbonation Allowed...

Arnold Palmer (Iced Tea and Lemonade)

Makes one 12 ounce serving

1. 6 ounces lemonade
2. 6 ounces sweet tea

Mix together and serve over ice. This is a classic, non-carbonated, and delicious drink. Try mixing different flavors of lemonade or tea for a twist on this. For example, strawberry lemonade with peach tea. So refreshing!

Strawberry Lemonade

Makes one 12 ounce serving

1. 8 ounces lemonade
2. 2 ounces strawberry puree 

 Stir together puree and lemonade. Add ice and enjoy! To make strawberry puree, blend strawberries in a blender or food processor. Alternatively, you can mash strawberries with a fork.

Tropical Punch

Makes one 12 ounce serving

1. 4 ounces orange juice
2. 3 ounces lemonade
3. 3 ounces pineapple juice
4. 2 ounces cranberry juice

Mix and chill or serve over ice. Add chunks of fruit for extra flavor and fun!

Peachy Keen Iced Tea

Makes one 12 ounce serving

1. 6 ounces sweetened peach tea
2. 4 ounces regular sweet tea
3. 2 ounces nectarine or peach puree 

 Combine all ingredients and serve over ice or chill until ready to drink.

There you have it, a list of a few reduced or non-carbonated drink alternative recipes. Check for my caffeine-free and reduced-sugar alternative recipes soon!

Until next time!