Three Healthier Ways to Unwind This Holiday Season

Americans report increasing their alcohol consumption by 100% between Thanksgiving and New Years. This results in poor sleep, anxiety, and weight gain. This holiday season, a new trend has emerged to alleviate the issue of over-indulgence while still enjoying the relaxing ritual of a drink with friends and family.

Enter hemp-infused spirits. Formulated to replicate the experience of drinking a premium liquor, hemp-infused spirits offer a healthier alternative to traditional wine and liquor. Devotees report a calming and uplifting feeling without the negative effects of alcohol.

Below are three recipes to enjoy this season – each pairs well with conversation and holiday festivities.

Recipe 1: A Fizzy Affair

• Aplós Calme, 1 ½ oz.
• Cranberry cordial, 1 oz. (or substitute with ½ oz. unsweetened cranberry juice with ½ oz. simple syrup)
• Lemon juice, ½ oz.
• Sparkling water

In a shaker combine Aplós Calme, lemon, and cordial. Shake and strain into a coupe or flute. Add sparkling water. Garnish with an orange twist and skewered cranberries or ginger.

To make the Cranberry cordial:

• Whole cranberries, ½ cup
• Sugar, 1 cup
• Water, 1 cup
• Orange twists, 8

Combine cranberries and water in a blender. Put the mixture into a pot and heat, adding 8 long orange twists. Add sugar and stir until dissolved. Remove from heat and let orange twists sit overnight. Strain and chill.

Recipe 2: The Soft Glow

• Aplós Calme, 2 cups
• Sparkling apple cider, ½ cup
• Pomegranate juice, ½ cup
• Orange or blood orange juice, ¼ cup
• Sparkling water, ¼ cup

Optional Infusions and Garnishes:

• Fresh rosemary, 1 sprig
• Fresh thyme, 1 sprig
• Cinnamon stick, 1
• Fresh apple slices and pomegranate seeds for garnish

Simply combine your ingredients in a pitcher or punch bowl and stir to mix.

Add optional herbs to the punch. Serve in a wine glass or punch cup over ice and garnish.

Recipe 3: Hemp Toddy

In a heatproof glass add:

• Aplós Calme, 1 ½ oz.
• Lemon juice, ½ oz.
• Spiced honey syrup, ½ oz.
• Hot water, 6 oz.

Garnish with star anise.

To make the Spiced honey syrup:

• Cardamom pods, 5 (cracked)
• Star anise, 2 whole pieces, plus more for serving
• Cinnamon stick, 1
• Water, 1 cup
• Honey, 1 cup

Toast cardamom pods, cinnamon, and star anise in a medium saucepan over medium-low, undisturbed, until fragrant, 2 to 3 minutes. Add water and honey; bring to a simmer over medium. Stir until the honey is dissolved. Turn off heat, cover, until fragrant, 10 to 12 minutes.

Rethink the way you drink this holiday with premium hemp-infused spirits that calm and uplift without the negative effects of alcohol. Here’s to a season of natural magic.