Healthy Food & Snacks

When having a dinner party, a large aspect of its success is determined by the cocktails that you make available. You can really turn your party into a night to remember if you can expose your guests to some delicious drinks that they’ll never forget. In this article, we’ll relay some cocktail recipes that can surprise and impress your guests.

A commonly-used twist on a classic drink is known as the “Purple Haze”. Based off of the Long Island Iced Tea recipe, the drink gets its name from the famous Jimi Hendrix song since it is purple in color. While the drink shares many of the same ingredients as a Long Island, it features a distinct taste that provides a good dose of alcohol while still tasting delicious. To make a Purple Haze, you’re going to need the basic liquors that go into a Long Island – tequila, rum, vodka, and gin. In addition, you’re going to need the secret ingredient that gives the Purple Haze it’s color – Chambord, which is a raspberry-flavored cordial. You’ll also need a lemon-lime flavored soda and sweet and sour mix.

To make a single Purple Haze, mix ½ oz of the four Long Island liquors with ½ oz of Chambord. Add in an ounce of sour mix, and top it off with a splash of lemon-lime soda for a little carbonation. That’s all you have to do! The result is a drink that packs a punch while still being very delicious.

Are you looking for an adventurous cocktail that can really add some flair to the evening? The Flaming Dr. Pepper can be a great addition to an evening, especially for a Tiki-themed party. Be forewarned – the drink involves lighting a liquor on fire. The end result will shock you and your guests, however – it tastes almost exactly like Dr. Pepper! read more »

Coffee stimulates the brain when we drink a cup of it. This happens because caffeine is absorbed through the stomach and small intestine into the human bloodstream. Once caffeine gets into the bloodstream, its effects are felt usually within an average of 15 to 50 minutes. The level of caffeine in the blood that reaches the brain is what actually stimulates cognitive abilities and benefits the brain. This level is dependent upon the potency of the caffeine present in the bloodstream, and it varies according to the amount of coffee consumed.

Coffee drinkers talk about getting a lift after drinking coffee. They also mention feeling less fatigued, more alert, less drowsy and sharper in their thinking. People who drive for a living or take long trips favor drinking coffee. They report improved driving abilities and more focused attention on the drive after a cup of coffee. Coffee acts as an awakening agent. It provides the stimulant for feeling upbeat and ready to take on the daily tasks with a positive, can do attitude. For this reason, it is not surprising that millions and millions of people all over the world have a cup of coffee in the morning before starting their daily activities. As the day progresses, millions more repeat the cup experience for the extra lift or simply because coffee tastes so good!

As long as caffeine remains present in the blood stream, it continues to have an effect on the human body. A very positive effect of coffee is the active role its antioxidants play in minimizing or neutralizing the negative consequences of free radicals in the body. Usually, within a period of about 3 to 5 hours from consumption, the body eliminates about half of the caffeine consumed. The rest takes additional time, from several hours to days. Caffeine metabolism occurs through the liver and coffee is excreted through urine, saliva, breast milk, semen and some traces through sweat. read more »

It seems everyday we are bombarded with information regarding what we should and shouldn’t drink. I don’t know about you but I get pretty fed up with all the negative exposure some foods/drinks receive. Its time to put some common misconceptions to rest and start enjoying life and the things which give us pleasure on a daily basis. The good old coffee is about to receive a shot in the arm and this simple (and sometimes guilty) pleasure is back on the menu for all to enjoy.

So, is Coffee bad for your health?

Simple answer is NO. Based on moderate consumption there is no conclusive evidence that there are any harmful side effects. Sure you might get a head buzz from a double espresso on an empty stomach, and feel a little light headed for awhile, but this soon goes away. We don’t advocate having a double espresso every half hour but combined with a healthy balanced diet, coffee certainly can be part of your day.

Does Coffee increase the risk of some diseases?

Coffee is one of the most highly researched commodities in the world, so links are inevitably going to be found between drinking coffee and a one in a million chance of catching a particular disease. Studies in isolation cannot provide us a picture of the true link between coffee and such diseases, it is extremely sensible and logical to look at the total picture which suggests and supports that drinking coffee poses no risk to the consumer. read more »