What's Your Life Cocktail?

I listened to the Pause for Thought segment on the Zoe Ball Breakfast Show on Radio 2 recently and the American gentleman (his name escapes me now) hosting the segment really made me stop and think. He was talking about his ‘Spiritual Cocktail’ – the blend of religions and beliefs that make him who he is. As someone who is not religious, I still think that what he said is relevant to me – and I believe it’s relevant to us all.

Life is a mix of ingredients, and each of us crafts our own unique recipe. Just like a perfectly balanced drink, the ‘life cocktail’ represents the blend of elements that make you who you are. For some, it might be two parts family, one part adventure, and a splash of creativity. For others, it could be equal measures of career, friendship, and personal growth.

Thinking about our own ‘Life Cocktail’ could be a useful exercise in helping to determine what’s important to us and helping us to prioritise the important things in life. I’ve also heard it said that if a certain action or activity doesn’t contribute to the life we are trying to create for ourselves then we shouldn’t waste time on it. I tend to agree. But how can we know what life we are trying to create if we don’t have a handle on our priorities and the blend within our cocktail of life?

The different ingredients that bring meaning, joy, and balance to our lives need to be understood so that we can let them guide us in our decision making. I’m going to write down my life cocktail recipe this weekend but I’m certain it will include large measures of family, friends, fresh air, countryside and time on my own.

I’d love to hear from you—what’s in your life cocktail? Share your mix and let’s inspire each other to perfect our own recipes for living.

Speaking of recipes, whilst I’m partial to a boozy cocktail, I’m cutting down my alcohol intake during January and so here’s a tasty non-alcoholic cocktail recipe that I’ll be trying:

Sparkling Blood Orange Mocktail with Turmeric

This vibrant drink combines fresh blood orange juice with a hint of turmeric and ginger for a unique flavour, topped off with sparkling water. It's not only refreshing but also offers anti-inflammatory properties, making it both delicious and healthy. Perfect for all occasions!

Ingredients:

• Juice of 2 or 3 blood oranges: Blood oranges contain antioxidants such as vitamin A and 40% more vitamin C than navel or other sweet oranges. The reddish colour is from their high level of anthocyanins from flavonoid pigments, which provide healthy antioxidants.
• ¼ teaspoon Turmeric: A beautiful golden orange spice with a peppery, earthy taste. This ground root promotes anti-inflammatory benefits and is used in culinary applications like curries. It has an earthy flavour, which adds dimension to this winter mocktail.
• ¼ teaspoon Ginger: Spicy, aromatic ginger root can help ease symptoms of nausea and gastrointestinal issues and even have anti-inflammatory benefits.
• As much Club Soda or Sparkling Water as you fancy: To add a bubbly, effervescent, and refreshing taste, mix in club soda or sparkling mineral water.
• 2 teaspoons honey: To balance the tartness of the oranges

Method:

Add all the ingredients to a cocktail shaker with ice and shake.  Poor into a stylish glass and top with a blood orange slice. Enjoy.

‍