Grape Nehi was a brand-named soda, a bit before my time, but my mother remembered them. This recipe has the restorative properties of phytonutrients found in the skins of black grapes. The darker the skin, the higher the resveratrol content. The anti-inflammatory benefits of ginger, and the alkalizing effect of lime juice, create a potent healing elixir and a refreshing beverage or sorbet. Outdoor vendors in Mexico sell these refreshing infusions everywhere. These are some of my favorites.

What you’ll need:

• 2-lbs black grapes rinsed and stemmed
• 4″ piece of fresh ginger
• Blend ingredients. Dilute with spa water or sparkling water, and serve over ice.

Strawberry:

• 1-pounds fresh strawberries (stems removed)
• 1-tbsp fresh ginger
• 2-liters bottled water
• 2-cups coconut water

Blend, pour into a pitcher, add ice and chia, stir and serve. Nutrient values based on 12-oz serving.

Black Dahlia:

• 1-lb fresh blackberries
• 2-tbsp honey
• 1 Tbsp fresh ginger
• 2-liters bottle water
• 2-cups coconut water

Blend, pour into a pitcher, and serve over ice. Garnish with a sprig of mint. Nutrient values based on 12-oz serving.

Pineapple, Mango:

• 1/2- Fresh pineapple skinned, core removed
• 1-mango cut
• 1-tbsp minced fresh ginger
• 2-tbsp honey
• 2-cups Coconut water
• 2-liters-bottled water

Blend. Pour into a pitcher, and serve over ice. Nutrient values based on 12-oz serving.

Melon:

• 1-cantaloupe or 1/2 a seedless watermelon skinned and cut
• 2cups coconut water
• 2-liters bottled water

: Blend, pour into a pitcher, add ice and chia, stir and serve. Nutrient values based on 12-oz serving.

Hibiscus:

A few summers ago, while I was in Bali, I was introduced to hibiscus tea. They offer it as a welcome drink in all the hotels and restaurants. They simply plucked a few flowers, pummeled them in a glass, poured hot water over them, added a squeeze of lime, and served it over ice. Its ruby red color and tart flavor are reminiscent of cranberry juice. High in iron, vitamin C, and antioxidants, it helps boost the immune system while it assists the kidneys in flushing toxins. Its natural anti-inflammatory properties are just one of many added benefits. Brew up a pitcher today and enjoy this cleansing beverage.

• 1/2 cup dried hibiscus flowers (tied in cheesecloth for easy removal)
• 1-gal water
• 1-cup Stevia

: Bring water to a boil, add hibiscus sachet and let steep. Add stevia and allow the tea to cool. Remove the sachet and pour tea into a pitcher and refrigerate. Serve over ice. Nutrient values based on 12-oz serving