Food | November 26, 2024

Orchard Elixir by Mixologist Willa Van Nostrand

An orchard elixir mocktail for the holidays—healthy, festive, and organic

A yellow non-alcoholic cocktail made from organic ingredients — **A festive heart- and climate-friendly mocktail** | Courtesy of kent dayton / harvard t.h. chan school of public health

This recipe was prepared by Willa Van Nostrand of Little Bitte Artisanal Cocktails for the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health's event Eco Gusto! Harvesting a Healthy & Sustainable Holiday.

Servings: 1 | Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients:

3 oz apple cider
1/2 oz lemon juice
1/2 oz spiced maple syrup*
Sparkling water
Fresh herbs such as thyme, rosemary, or sage

Directions:

Combine cider, lemon juice, and spiced maple syrup in a bar tin or jar, add ice, and shake for 10 seconds.
Pour over fresh ice into a rocks glass, top with sparkling water, and garnish with fresh herbs.

*To make spiced maple syrup:

In a small saucepan over low heat, combine 1/2 cup maple syrup with 1/2 cup water, add 1 cinnamon stick, 1 teaspoon whole allspice, 8 cloves, and simmer for 8 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Turn off the burner, cool the syrup to room temperature, and strain syrup into a clean jar.
Compost or discard solids, or save for another use like mulled cider or chai.

(Note: Please feel inspired to use any baking spices from your pantry!)

You might also like

A woman in glasses gestures while speaking to two attentive listeners at a table.

How to Cook with Wild Plants

From wild greens spanakopita to rose petal panna cotta, forager and chef Ellen Zachos makes one-of-a-kind meals.

Eating for the Holidays, the Planet, and Your Heart

“Sustainable eating,” and healthy recipes you can prepare for the holidays.

A vibrant bar scene with tropical decor, featuring patrons sitting on high stools.

Best Bars for Seasonal Drinks and Snacks in Greater Boston

Gathering spots that warm and delight us

Most popular

A woman with long hair stands confidently with crossed arms next to a pickup truck.

All That’s Unseen charts the Harvard graduate’s uneasy journey from Appalachia to Cambridge and back.

Red brick building with large windows and greenery, set against a bright blue sky.

After a final round of layoffs, University leaders say 165 staff jobs were eliminated across the division.

White House and Harvard University buildings split diagonally with contrasting colors.

Harvard Weathers a Year of Turmoil

The federal government has launched unprecedented actions against the University. Here’s a guide.

Explore More From Current Issue

Portrait of a man in a denim shirt beside a blue book cover for "Gretal and the Great War" featuring an illustration of a leg holding an army helmet..

Arts & Culture

The Gretel and the Great War author on how the Lampoon derailed his science career—and set him on a literary path.

A flooded office scene with computers, a woman working, and a pink sunset backdrop.

Undergraduate Column

A College student’s attempt to recapture the romanticism of the workplace.

A vibrant illustration of a red car parked, surrounded by cheerful people and historic buildings.

Harvard History

Derek Bok donated his car for a good cause.