‘Tis the season for celebration—and for treating your body with care! This Sparkling Cranberry Bliss Mocktail is a festive, hormone-friendly drink that’s as delicious as it is nourishing. I created this recipe to honor my body, reduce inflammation, and balance my hormones while still indulging in something that feels celebratory.

In the summer, I’m all about a sparkling rosé or prosecco, but lately, I’ve been cutting back on alcohol to better support my health. Alcohol can contribute to inflammation and disrupt hormones, so I wanted to create a seasonal alternative that’s low in calories, high in flavor, and packed with hormone-balancing benefits.

This drink is so good, you’ll want more than one—and guess what? That’s totally fine because there’s nothing to feel guilty about here. Let’s dive into the ingredients and why they’re perfect for your health and the season.

The Star Ingredients and Their Benefits

Cranberries

Cranberries are the ultimate seasonal superfood! Bursting with antioxidants and natural detoxifying properties, they help reduce inflammation and support liver health, which is essential for hormone balance. Plus, their tartness pairs beautifully with other holiday flavors like oranges, cinnamon, and mint.

mint

Mint doesn’t just add a fresh, festive touch—it also calms your digestive system and helps lower cortisol levels. High cortisol, our stress hormone, can wreak havoc on our hormones, leading to issues like irregular periods, hair loss, brain fog, and poor sleep. Mint gives your body a moment to breathe and reset.

Blood orange

Blood oranges are in season and go great with this drink. Rich in vitamin C, blood oranges help support adrenal health, a key factor in hormone balance, and their antioxidants reduce inflammation. Its natural sweetness and subtle bitterness balances the tartness of cranberries.

cinnamon stick (Optional)

Using a whole cinnamon stick infuses the drink with warmth and a hint of sweetness without added sugar. Cinnamon can help stabilize blood sugar levels, which is key for managing cravings and maintaining a healthy weight. Balanced blood sugar also means steadier energy and less hormonal chaos.

ASHWAGANDHA (Optional)

For an extra hormone-balancing boost, add a dash of ashwagandha powder. This adaptogenic herb is known for reducing stress and balancing cortisol levels. It also supports thyroid health and helps combat fatigue, making it a perfect addition to this calming yet energizing drink.

Let’s talk sweetener

This part is so important! No use in having a mocktail if we’re not going to be mindful of our sugar intake. Honey or maple syrup will work fine in this recipe, but too much of it will spike your cortisol levels. Remember this is your stress hormone that reacts when the pancreas doesn’t recognize insulin. It is imperative for hormonal health that we try and keep this low. So, the sweetener that I love and suggest to everyone is a low-glycemic sweetener made of apples, called Dolcedi. It’s amazing, low in sugar and high in fiber which keeps your sugar levels low.

No use in having a mocktail if we’re not going to be mindful of our sugar intake! While honey or maple syrup can work beautifully in this recipe for a touch of natural sweetness, it’s essential to use them sparingly. Overdoing it can lead to a spike in blood sugar levels, which, in turn, causes your cortisol—the body’s stress hormone—to rise.

Why does this matter? Elevated cortisol can disrupt the delicate balance of your hormones, leading to issues like fatigue, cravings, weight gain, and even irregular cycles. This happens because when blood sugar spikes, your pancreas works overtime to produce insulin, and if insulin sensitivity is compromised, cortisol steps in to help stabilize blood sugar. Over time, this can strain your body and make hormone balance harder to achieve.

To keep your drink as hormone-friendly as possible, I recommend using a low-glycemic sweetener. My personal favorite is Dolcedì, a sweetener made from apples. It’s incredible for a few reasons:

Low Glycemic Impact: Dolcedì helps avoid the blood sugar rollercoaster that triggers cortisol spikes.
Natural Fiber: Unlike refined sugars, it contains fiber that slows sugar absorption and supports steady energy levels.
Delicate Flavor: Its mild sweetness complements the tartness of the cranberries without overpowering the drink.

By choosing a sweetener like Dolcedì, you can enjoy the festive flavors of this mocktail while keeping your hormones in check and your body balanced. Remember, sweetness can be enjoyable and nourishing when it’s done mindfully!

Why This Mocktail Works

This drink is more than a treat—it’s a way to support your body through the holiday season. With cranberries for detox, mint for cortisol control, and the optional ashwagandha to manage stress, you’re sipping your way to better hormone health. The best part? It’s bubbly, beautiful, and a conversation starter.

So go ahead, pour yourself a glass (or two), and enjoy a holiday moment that feels indulgent yet empowering. Cheers to balance, wellness, and a festive season full of flavor!

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