Beverages Archives - 2 Cats and Chloe

The Soiree: Paleo Margarita Mocktail

Yay! Welcome to another Celebrate Southern Soiree! I’m really beginning to LOVE Thursdays because it’s all about the party! If you’ve been following along, you know that J and I opened up this linkup, asking for other gals (and any guys out there too) to be party hostesses!

I’m super excited to introduce you to Brita this week! She has opened up her blog for the Soiree today!

If you haven’t heard of her or checked out her blog B.Britnell before, let me just say that I was extremely flattered she wanted to join this fun. Brita’s blog is one that I oogle over every day. Her recipes are amazing and her photography is outstanding. So go show her some love on her blog or on instagram! Then link up for today’s Celebrate Southern Soiree - because you will be visible on not just one, but three blogs today!

Now on to the show! Last night I went out with my sister and my BlogFriend-turned-RealFriend, Heather, for our photography class and margaritas. You know, I’ve been trying to cut bad things out of my life (I’m not currently on a Whole30, just trying to live the paleo life to it’s fullest) and honestly, I’ve kinda decided that if I am going to be drinking - it better be something that I really love. And while I used to love a good margarita… after a night of full of margs, wine and cigars with J a couple years ago, margaritas have just never been the same.

So when I was pondering our dinner and how I kinda wanted a margarita but not really… I decided I wanted to create a Margarita Mocktail to get me through.

I pulled some “ingredients” out and decided to play. And now I’m obsessed with this drink. It was a trillion times more refreshing than a real, sugary margarita.

Paleo Margarita Mocktail

Prep time

5 mins

Total time

5 mins

Author: Susan {2 cats & chloe.}

Cuisine: Beverage

Serves: 1 glass

Ingredients

1.5 small limes
½ medium lemon
1 tsp light agave
a glass full of sparkling water
ice

Instructions

Squeeze the juice of 1-2 small limes into the glass, then pull out the pulp and add it to the glass.
Add half a lemon and it's pulp to help balance out the sweet/sour ratio.
Add your light agave.
Use a spoon to smash the pulp and mix the juice with agave.
Add your sparkling water, to taste. If you want it less sweet, add more.
Pop a few ice cubes in there and watch the beverage froth up!
Enjoy!

I was really surprised at how frothy this Paleo Mocktail became. It was a great twist to my normal sparkling water. When I totally forgot I was just sipping on water I decided that this would be perfect for a summer soiree!

While I normally prefer cocktails to mocktails… sometimes a girl just needs a break. Before my Whole30 followers jump on board with this, let me say that this IS NOT Whole30 compliant. Because of the agave. But, if you want to leave out that teaspoon of sweetener, this mocktail does become Whole30 approved! Try adding some mint or other fruit to this beverage to mix it up even more!

And for those of you who want to make it “stronger” and more adult? Add some Agave Tequila to keep it clean and paleo!

Paleo, Whole30 Lemon Lime Mocktail

I cannot wait for my mid-afternoon pick me up later today so that I have an excuse to make another paleo margarita mocktail!

Join the fun and linkup below! And don’t forget to go back to yesterday’s post to WIN LIFE CHANGING SHAMPOO!

Be-te-dub. If you want to open your blog up to get a bit more visibility as a Celebrate Southern Soiree Party Hostess - please fill out this form! It’s a first come, first serve thing! We are looking forward to partying with you in the coming weeks!

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Whole30 Approved: Mint Cranberry Lime Spritzer

by Susan

Tis the season for parties and gatherings, heavy dinners and sweet treats. It’s also the season for good wine and fun cocktails. While red wine {in moderation} is considered paleo — most of my all time favorite holiday cocktails are not.

Lately, in addition to fighting the urge to drink my way through one holiday festivity after another — I have also been severely struggling to drink enough water. If it’s 6PM and I have a headache building I know it’s time to start chug-a-lugging. Water, not wine. But I get bored with the normal, plain-jane agua, like most of us do. And I really don’t drink a lot of different types of beverages. My beverage menu usually consists of water, wine or tea. So as I am nearing the start of the next #2catsWhole30 I have started playing around with Whole30 Mocktail Recipes. {Because no one likes going to a party and holding a a boring glass of water.}

2 cats & chloe: Whole30 Approved Cocktail Spritzer

With Christmas right around the corner {i.e. tomorrow!! eek!} Here is a very festive, Whole30 Approved Spritzer “Mocktail” that is sure to be a hit! If you wanted to make this a true cocktail, I would recommend adding a splash of vodka… Tis the season after all, right?

Whole30 Approved - Mint Cranberry Lime Spritzer "Mocktail"

Prep time

2 mins

Total time

2 mins

This is a great "mocktail" to keep your taste buds happy during a whole30! All natural, clean and excellent for you!

Author: Susan {2 cats & chloe}

Recipe type: Beverage

Cuisine: Paleo, Whole30 Approved

Serves: 1 glass

Ingredients

A Bottle of Your Favorite Sparkling Water
100% Pure Cranberry Juice
Fresh Mint Leaves
1 Small Lime
A Handful of Fresh Cranberries

Instructions

Prior to making the drink, you need to make the ice cubes. Use an ice cube tray. Fill each cube with half cranberry juice, half water. The water helps dilute the sweetness and natural sugars in the juice. Make sure you are using 100% {not from concentrate} cranberry juice.
Once your ice cubes are frozen, you are ready to make your drink!
Put two mint leaves in the bottom of your glass.
Pour desired amount of water into the glass.
Add one Cranberry Ice Cube.
Add the lime and a few fresh cranberries, then enjoy!
{The longer you let the mint, fruit and cranberry ice cube sit, the stronger the flavor!}
Refill the water as necessary.

2 cats & chloe: Paleo & Whole30 Approved Mocktail: Cranberry Lime Spritzer with Mint

It doesn’t get much easier than this guys. Don’t let yourself get down because your options seem limited if you are trying to cut sugars and booze. There are so many fun and creative “mocktail” options to enjoy when you are on a whole30. Here are a few that I tend to enjoy during the summer.

Keep in mind, it’s not too late to join us for the group whole30! In case you need to catch up, here are the deets:

Kick off 2015 the RIGHT way! Clean eating for 30 day! Reboot your eating habits!
On average, during the last #2catsWhole30 folks lost around 10-12 pounds. People also reported their energy levels were terrific, skin cleared up, migraines were gone!
30 days of meal plans and awesome menus are emailed to you by me!
If you need one on one coaching {or someone to call you every single day to keep you accountable} let’s talk! I’m offering coaching this time to help keep you on track and answer any questions you have throughout this life changing experience.
Email me immediately to join: 2catsandchloe{at}gmail{dot}com - I will be sending out pre-Whole30 emails this week.
Read more about my personal Whole30 experiences here, here and here.
We start JANUARY 1, 2015!

Have you ever tried mixing your own “mocktails” before? What flavors do you like to blend? Let me know if you try this recipe or if you have any questions about the upcoming #2catsWhole30!

Cheers Y’all! And Merry Christmas!

CELEBRATE SOUTHERN: Paleo Chocolate Mint Mocha Coffee

by Susan

In my past life, I would anxiously await the seasonal coffee creamers to arrive at the grocery store. Oh, and you know, those super fun collector red cups full of spiced latte frappie something-or-others from Starbucks. But then I turned to clean eating and realized exactly how much crap was in those creamers and in just about everything {except their hot tea} at Starbucks.

So I started making clean and delicious versions of these warm beverages at home. Turns out, they are even more delicious {since they are sans the syrupy fake taste}, much healthier for you, and a heck of a lot better for your shoes. Why shoes? Because this hot, delicious drink is cheaper, allowing you to buy more shoes with all that money that won’t be wasted at Starbucks. Duh.

2 cats & chloe: Paleo Mint Chocolate Mocha Coffee

Now there are multiple ways to make this cup of magic, deliciousness. You can put all of the ingredients into a small saucepan and melt them together, then add them to a brewed cup of joe. OR you can do it the easy way, like I did, and make it all in one easy peasey cup.

CELEBRATE SOUTHERN: Paleo Chocolate Mint Mocha Coffee

Prep time

3 mins

Cook time

3 mins

Total time

6 mins

Author: Susan {2 cats & chloe.}

Recipe type: Beverage

Cuisine: Paleo

Serves: 1 cup of coffee

Ingredients

One Cup of Your Favorite Coffee {regular or decaf}
¼ tsp of pure vanilla extract
¼ tsp of pure mint extract
1 TBSP of 100% cocoa
2 TBSP of Heavy Coconut Cream
6 drops of liquid stevia

Instructions

You ready for these tough instructions? Put all of the ingredients {except the coffee} into your favorite coffee mug.
Brew coffee and pour it into the mug.
To help blend all ingredients, stir thoroughly, or use a frother.
If you can handle whipped cream... I would highly recommend a dollop of it on the top!

Froth is up a bit to get everything blended

Need help finding some ingredients? Here’s what I use: Heavy Coconut Cream (less expensive in store), Pure Vanilla, Mint Extract, Liquid Stevia (less expensive in store), Pure 100% Cocoa, and my Favorite Coffee.

And no, you do not need a frother. This was actually the first time I have put mine to use. If you are looking for a decent and inexpensive frother to help blend your coffee {i’m hooked on it!} I highly recommend you check out ikea. I think I bought mine for a couple bucks. Or, you could use one of those huge, blue, never-expiring coupons that are constantly filling up your mailbox and get this one for a few dollars more.

Give it shot and let me know what you think! I enjoy blending different coffee flavors… give me some more of your favorite starbucks blends! I’m up for a good challenge!

Now, spend some time celebrating all-things-southern and link up J and me below! You can share any posts, young or old, southern inspired: think crafts, recipes, fashion, home decor, holiday tips, travels or even pets!

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CELEBRATE SOUTHERN: Paleo Pumpkin Spice Latte

by Susan

I am well aware that some parts of the country are basically entering winter at this point. I am also well aware that most of us have had our fair share of Pumpkin-Spice-Everything this late into the season. But what’s the harm in a little bit more?

Since last week I have been rocking out to the new T.Swift album pretty consistently. Every time I hear this song I begin craving Starbucks. Why?! Because she has a line in the chorus that sounds like “Gotta love the Starbucks lovers…” At least that’s what I hear. {The actual lyric is “Got a long list of ex-lovers…”} Because of this subliminal messaging, I have yet to allow myself to pull into the Starbucks parking lot. I’m pretty positive there will be a ton of Taylor Swift fans constantly craving Starbucks Coffee for the next few weeks with no clue why… {Am I the only one who hears “Starbucks lovers” in this song? Maybe I need to start listening to Veggie Tales and start subliminally craving vegetables more often?}

Anyway - I’ve fought the urge to visit Starbucks and I’ve created my own healthy, clean, paleo take on the #PSL {that stands for pumpkin spice latte, mother.} Notice I said clean… because from what I’ve read online there is nothing clean nor healthy {never mind low fat} in the Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte.

Paleo Pumpkin Spice Latte

Cook time

5 mins

Total time

5 mins

Author: Susan {2 cats & chloe.}

Recipe type: Beverage

Serves: 1 mug

Ingredients

3 TBSP of 100% Pumpkin Puree
2 TBSP of Heavy Coconut Cream
1 TSP of Pumpkin Pie Seasoning
5 drops of Liquid Stevia
1 cup of coffee

Instructions

In a skillet on Medium heat, blend your Pumpkin Puree, Coconut Cream, Pumpkin Pie Seasoning, and Stevia.
Allow it to melt together, whisk/blend until it looks like a creamy, orange sauce.
Brew your cup of coffee, leaving space for your "pumpkin cream."
Pour the "Pumpkin Cream" into your cup of freshly brewed coffee. Stir together. Enjoy!
{Feel free to adapt the amount of ingredients to your taste... Want it really sweet? Add more stevia! Not a huge fan of Pumpkin Puree? Cut it in half! This is a cup of coffee... so make it to your taste!}

The best part about this is that it is a cup of coffee… if you want it to be sweeter, add more stevia! Not a huge fan of pumpkin? {Well then you are probably reading the wrong recipe… may I recommend this one?} You can cut or double any of these ingredients to suit your taste buds.

Wondering where I find certain ingredients or why I am using weird things like heavy coconut cream? {Because it’s awesome, that’s why!} This has become my go-to coffee creamer replacement. I made my mom a cup of regular coffee with this heavy coconut cream and she said it was the best coffee she has ever had. Give it a shot! {FYI - it is only a couple of dollars in the store, and it goes a long way, depending on how you like your coffee.}

Fun ingredients you need to try in your coffee because they are clean and healthy:

Heavy Coconut Cream {cheaper in stores} // Liquid Stevia {cheaper in stores} // Pure Pumpkin Puree // Pumpkin Pie Spice {cheaper in stores} // Dark Magic Coffee

Want a really big hint at how to make your life so much easier but still have a warm coffee pumpkin beverage? While I love the fancy creaminess of this latte, THIS is what I do most mornings: Put a little Pumpkin Pie Spice in the bottom of your coffee mug. Brew your coffee like you normally do, add a bit of your regular sweetener and cream, then stir it until the spices blend in… it’s amazing and so oh so easy! You’re welcome.

And as always, it Tuesday, so it’s time to join the fun! It’s time for the Celebrate Southern Linkup! Grab a button below and then link up with any southern-inspired post! It can be a new or old post, and can be about anything southern: crafts, recipes, fashion, vacations, cities, or even pets!

A favorite from last week was this Christmas Mason Jar Gift from Frugelegance! Go check it out and show them some love!

<div align="center"><a href="http://www.2catsandchloe.com" title="Celebrate Southern Linkup: 2 cats & chloe."><img src="http://i58.tinypic.com/2dm615s.jpg" alt="Celebrate Southern Linkup: 2 cats & chloe." style="border:none;" /></a></div>

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End-Of-Summer Paleo Coffee

by Susan

There is a certain point, usually mid August, when I am horrified that thought “I can’t wait for scarf and boot season” crosses through my mind. It’s an unfortunate but annual moment. A moment at which I begin to morn the end of summer while embracing every single last moment of sunshine and weekends on the river. I live in Virginia. Of course, I’m a bit biased, but I really feel like this is one of the greatest states simply because we experience all four seasons. We have snow {not a lot, but enough} in the winter. Spring can be wet, but sunny and full of blooming flowers. Summer… oh summer. We have beaches and mountains: the best of all worlds. You haven’t lived until you have experienced Fall in VA. Virginia embraces one of the prettiest Autumns you will ever experience. If you don’t have leaves that change to the brightest shades of golds, oranges and reds in your hometown - you need to plan a trip through the Shenandoah Valley this October. So when I mentally begin to transition from Summer to Fall, baby steps are required. Only fools jump straight into the pumpkin spice… As one who lives a paleo and whole30 life, one thing I really miss from time to time, is coffee creamer. And not just the plain jane, basically milk, stuff. I miss that horrible-for-you, sugary, so-good but so-bad, flavored creamer. Did you know that you can still flavor your coffee without that crap?! GASP! Who knew?! So today, I want to share with you my End-of-Summer Paleo Coffee Blend. It’s still sweet, but has a hit of fall in it. Highlights? It’s much better for you than that horrible creamer, it’s all natural, and most of the ingredients are already in your spice cabinet.

Ingredients: Your favorite blend of coffee {Regular or Decaf}2 heaping Tablespoons of Heavy Coconut Cream5 Drops of Liquid Stevia1/4 Teaspoon Pure Vanilla Extract 1/2 Teaspoon of Cinnamon 1/2 Teaspoon of 100% Cocoa

Directions:

Blend all of the ingredients in your coffee mug prior to adding the actual coffee.

Brew coffee, pour into mug.

Stir well, making sure everything melts and blends completely.

Sip and enjoy. Embrace the hint of fall while appreciating the last couple weeks of summer.

What are your favorite coffee blends? Are you the kind of person who anxiously awaits the arrival of the Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte? Stay tuned…

#Paleo #Gluten Free #Dairy Free

The Soiree: Paleo Margarita Mocktail

Whole30 Approved: Mint Cranberry Lime Spritzer

CELEBRATE SOUTHERN: Paleo Chocolate Mint Mocha Coffee

CELEBRATE SOUTHERN: Paleo Pumpkin Spice Latte

Fun ingredients you need to try in your coffee because they are clean and healthy:

End-Of-Summer Paleo Coffee

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