TOAST TO YOUR HEALTH

Dietician Neesha Bukht teaches Kiran Mehta the art of mixing drinks to make happy hour healthy!

— N e e s h a M a r i a B u k h t i s a d i e t i c i a n a n d I S S A t r a i n e r

MINTY MOJITO
What is it: 30 ml vodka infused with peppermint tea and green tea for six hours (simply drop a peppermint tea bag and a green tea bag into hot water. Allow it to cool and add the mix to the vodka). Add a few drops of lemon juice. To create an anti-sugar mojito, add 10 ml honey. Top up with mineral water if you like.
What it does: Green tea is loaded with anti-oxidants and has properties that fire up your metabolism. So drink up without worrying about your weight!
    Peppermint melts away the stress and also soothes gastric and digestive disorders, fights allergies, asthma and even cancer.
    Honey heals with its anti-bacterial properties while helping the kidneys and intestines function better.
MASALA MAI TAI
What is it: 45 ml garam masala rum, 50 ml lime juice, 45 ml orange curaçao, 45 ml orange syrup, garnish with a mint sprig. Garam masala rum: 7 gm whole cloves, 2 gm black peppercorns, 2 gm whole green cardamom (muddled slightly to release the seeds), 2 gm coriander seeds, 2 gm cumin seeds, 2 gm mace/ nutmeg (not powdered), a sprig of curry leaves
    Roast the spices on a hot tava and pour in a litre of rum. Add a sprig of fresh green curry leaves and let sit in an airtight container for 36 hours before straining off the solids.
Orange syrup: Boil water and add three teaspoons of sugar. Add oranges without the skin. Boil till mixture reaches a thick consistency such that it coats the spoon.
What it does: Clove has anti-inflammatory properties that relieve muscle aches as well as arthritis and rheumatism pain. The aromatic spice also has anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties. Curry leaves help reduce blood cholesterol levels and positively affect heart muscle contraction. Cumin seeds are an excellent source of iron, an integral component of haemoglobin, which transports oxygen from the lungs to all the other cells. Cumin also stimulates the secretion of pancreatic enzymes thereby aiding in digestion and assimilation of nutrients. And lastly mace is a natural aphrodisiac.
TALISMAN
What is it: 30 ml scotch, 20 ml honey water, a shot of espresso coffee and cayenne pepper.
What it does: The cayenne pepper enhances cardiovascular performance while lowering blood pressure. It has an energising effect on the entire system. It is traditionally used to overcome fatigue and restore stamina and vigour.
GINGER SNAP
MARTINI
What is it: 1 part vodka, 1/2 part amaretto, 1/2 part sugar syrup, 1/2 part honey, 2 1/4 part thick slices of fresh ginger, a pinch of cinnamon, a pinch of clove, a pinch of allspice and crystallised ginger for garnish. Mix all the ingredients together into a shaker. Strain and serve.
What it does: Cinnamon regulates blood sugar levels and also helps lower cholesterol levels. Ginger regulates the digestive system. When added to foods that are difficult to digest, such as proteins or fats that may cause bloating and flatulence, (think cauliflower, cabbage and beans), allspice can relieve any discomfort that is associated with indigestion.
    It is also beneficial in the treatment of arthritic and rheumatic pains and other muscular and joint problems. The spice has a calming effect on the nervous system and helps fight stress and anxiety.
BEAUTY ON THE ROCKS
What it is: 4 strawberries, 4 tulsi leaves (torn in half), cracked black pepper, 5 ml honey, 15 ml rum, 15 ml peach liqueur, 90 ml pineapple juice, 5 ml lemon juice.
What it does: Loaded with vitamin C thanks to the strawberries and lime, this drink keeps your skin healthy and glowing, and also beats the sniffles.
    Black pepper contains powerful antioxidants and is great at beating oxidative stress or the damage caused by freeradicals, which is one of the major factors of ageing. Several of its compounds enhance the action of other antioxidants. This makes black pepper is valuable in minimising the damage caused by a diet rich in saturated fats.
    Tulsi leaves are a tonic for the nerves and also help sharpen memory. The herb also strengthens the kidney and can help in cases of a kidney stone. It provides significant protection against stress.