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

Photo montage showing Harvard’s Widener Library and the edifice of the Supreme Court divided by a gavel.

The Supreme Court Affirmative Action Rulings: An Analysis

The underlying arguments project clashing worldviews of race and appropriate remedies.

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.

A blue refrigerator covered with animal pictures, notes, and drawings, surrounded by greenery.

An animal’s journey from grief to love shows how much humans need each other, too.

Explore More From Current Issue

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

Alumni Profiles

In her memoir All That's Unseen, Emilee Hackney explores religion, friendship, and home.

Undergraduate Column

For both American and international students, growing up is like learning a new language.

An open book with a film strip emerging, trailing popcorn and a dancer silhouette.

Letters to the Editor

Readers Respond to Our Adaptations Survey

We asked people to share their favorite art adaptations. Here’s what they said.