My journey to mixing up kombucha cocktails began six years ago in a charming West Hollywood kitchen. It was there, amidst the green and yellow tiles straight outta the ’60s, that I started brewing my own kombucha. I had become addicted to the drink’s probiotic prowess years prior—once I got over the initial shock of the vinegary flavor. Who knows what set me on this curiosity quest to willingly grow—and drink!—bacteria in my own home, but it was a successful experiment that I’ve continued to this day. (Not counting that time I was in my first trimester and couldn’t toss that blubbery-looking SCOBY fast enough, of course.)

My husband and I even tried brewing alcoholic kombucha during the pandemic. (Yes, brewing alcohol was my Pandemic Project. That and… quilting. It was a weird time.) The science of alcoholic kombucha is quite confusing, so I threw out the pH strips and we ended up “testing” the alcohol levels anecdotally. And by that I mean—drinking our latest brew on an empty stomach and asking each other, “Do you feel anything?” until one of us claimed we did. Again, a weird (if not kinda fun) time.

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These days, we simply opt for kombucha in its purest form for what I might call the perfect mix-in. It’s fizzy, it’s fermented, it’s flavorful—the three F’s of a delicious cocktail ingredient. But first…

Can you mix alcohol with kombucha?

Yes, you can absolutely mix alcohol and kombucha. ‘Booch makes for a delicious bubbly mixer, especially when you experiment with different flavors and liquor combinations. The slightly acidic, fruity fermented flavor pairs well with tequila, rum, gin, vodka, whiskey, and mezcal. It’s an ingredient ripe for experimentation.

Are kombucha cocktails healthy?

While kombucha touts major health benefits thanks to its low sugar content alongside an array of antioxidants and probiotics, if you’re adding alcohol to the mix then it’s not exactly healthy. (Read up on how alcohol affects your gut.) However, kombucha is a superior option to sugar-laden, artificially flavored mixers any day. Curious to know more about alcohol and nutrition? Here’s a deep dive into the reality about women and alcohol. TL;DR it’s generally safe for women to consume one alcoholic beverage a day—and a kombucha cocktail is a delicious option.

3 Kombucha Cocktail Recipes

After much experimentation (it’s a hard job, I know), I landed on three classic cocktail recipes with a kombucha twist. Read on for a fermented take on your faves: a Paloma, spicy margarita, and of course, a Moscow mule.

Kombucha Paloma Recipe

Ingredients:
2 ounces tequila
2 ounces fresh grapefruit juice, plus wedges for garnish
½ ounce lime juice
¼ ounce agave nectar
2 ounces original or grapefruit kombucha
Ice

Directions: In a cocktail shaker, add tequila, grapefruit juice, lime juice, agave nectar, and ice. Shake vigorously for 30 seconds. Strain and pour into a glass over ice. Top with kombucha. Garnish with a slice of grapefruit and rosemary. This is also delicious with smoked rosemary. Light a sprig of rosemary then cover with the glass for 30 seconds.

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Spicy Kombucha Margarita Recipe

Ingredients:
2 ounces tequila
¼  to ½ sliced jalapeño
1 ounce agave nectar
1 ounce fresh lime juice
3 ounces pineapple kombucha

Directions: In a cocktail shaker muddle jalapeño then add tequila, lime juice, agave nectar, and ice. Shake vigorously for 30 seconds. Strain and pour into a glass over ice. Top with kombucha. Garnish with a pineapple leaf, dehydrated lime, and chili salt. Alternatively to the jalapeño, you can mix 1 ounce of Mike’s Hot Honey with lime juice then shake with tequila and ice.

Kombucha Moscow Mule Recipe

Ingredients:
2 ounces vodka
1 ounce fresh lime juice
1 ounce agave nectar
4 ounces ginger kombucha
Ice, mint for garnish

Directions: In a glass or mug, mix vodka, lime juice, and agave nectar. Add ice and top with kombucha. Garnish with lime and mint. Note: you can also scale up to make this a batched cocktail.

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The post Kombucha is the Perfect Mixer—3 Classic Cocktail Recipes with a Probiotic Twist appeared first on Camille Styles.

A couple summers ago, Adam and I revisited one of our favorite stops from our honeymoon in Italy a decade before. The famous terrace at the Hotel de Russie in Rome has long been known as one of the best places in the city to experience aperitivo. (The Italian tradition of enjoying drinks and snacks in the evening hours between work and dinner.) As Adam and I settled in for an evening of people watching, we noticed that everyone around us was sipping a sparkling orange drink out of a big wine glass garnished with an orange slice. One scan of the menu revealed it was the hotel’s classic Aperol spritz. Of course, we ordered two.

Since then, it’s become my official drink of summer. This light, bubbly cocktail with a pleasant hit of bitterness just feels like sunshine and adventure and takes me back to this perfect day we spent in Italy. I’ve worked to finesse my own classic Aperol spritz recipe. And now, I think I’ve got it nailed.

While it’s a simple drink with just a handful of ingredients, there are lots of differing opinions when it comes to the correct ratio between Aperol and Prosecco and exactly how it should be garnished. I’ve got opinions of my own (which I’ll share below), but first: a little more on the Italian tradition of aperitivo.

What is aperitivo?

An Italian aperitivo is sort of like happy hour, but different (and dare I say, cooler). At the Hotel de Russie, and everywhere else I’ve visited in Italy, everyone congregates before dinner for drinks and snacks. Sometimes the food is as simple as salty potato chips and olives, and sometimes it’s a more elevated bite and could include cheese or charcuterie. Either way, the purpose is to “awaken the appetite” for the larger meal to follow.

Traditionally, an aperitivo drink is a carbonated, slightly bitter cocktail (like the Aperol spritz or a negroni) that’s a bit lower in alcohol. The idea is to feel relaxed and happy, not tipsy. I love this ritual not only for the snacks and drinks, but for its focus on talking, savoring the moment, and enjoying the company of friends—activities that Italians seem to do so well.

Aperol Spritz Ingredients

I’m just going to put it out there: the Aperol Spritz is controversial. Ever since the New York Times declared that “The Aperol Spritz Is Not a Good Drink,” the debate has been on fire. At least, as fire-y as cocktail debates can be. The publication’s argument is mostly built on the theory that the cocktail uses poor-quality Prosecco. Of course, this can be rectified by, duh, using a higher quality Prosecco. And I’m not alone in my defense of the drink: Grub Street clapped back with, “The Entire Internet Agrees Aperol Spritz Is, in Fact, Good.” The best way to put it to rest? Just mix up my Aperol Spritz recipe one hot night this summer and judge for yourself.

Aperol

Aperol is an orange, sweet, and slightly bitter apéritif that’s made by the Campari group. However, it’s quite a bit lower in alcohol than Campari (11%). The brand describes Aperol as “the same spirit that spontaneously gathers people together and sparks nothing but good vibes.” Yes, please!

Prosecco

Prosecco is a light, sparkling white wine, similar to Champagne, but made in Italy. It’s delicious and also happens to be pretty affordable for good quality wine. The Sparkling Winos explain that “Sparkling wines made in this method are produced in a much shorter amount of time (sometimes in as little as a few weeks) and at a much lower cost than those made in the traditional Champagne method. That helps to explain the $15 a bottle price point.” At the grocery, look for a brand that’s around this price point and labeled “Prosecco DOC” (an Italian quality assurance). With those parameters, you’ll be good to go.

Soda

Top off the drink with your favorite club soda or sparkling water. One thing I love about the Aperol Spritz is that it’s a lower-alcohol cocktail, and you can make it even lower by topping off your drink with more soda as you sip. This is my preferred strategy for when I want to spend three hours talking and sipping with friends on a patio without feeling over-served at the end of it.

Aperol Spritz Garnishes

The typical classic Aperol Spritz will call for an orange slice. I add one to mine, but I also take a cue from the bartenders at Hotel de Russie and add a lemon twist at the end. This burst of bitter citrus makes the drink. When I hold it up to take a sip, the aroma of lemon mixed with the sweetness and bitterness of the drink is just ridiculously good.

That’s it! A three-ingredient cocktail that just might become your official drink of spring and summer. Be sure to rate and review this recipe if you give it a try! Can’t wait to hear what you guys think.

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Classic Aperol Spritz

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  Author: Camille Styles
• 
  Total Time: 5 minutes

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Description

Made with just three ingredients, this summer staple couldn’t be simpler.

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Ingredients

Units
USM

• 3 ounces Aperol
• 3 ounces chilled Prosecco
• splash of sparkling water
• slice of orange and twist of lemon, for garnish

Cook Mode

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Instructions

1. Fill a large wine glass with lots of ice. Pour in the Aperol, Prosecco, and sparkling water and stir well to combine.
2. Add an orange slice to the glass, then twist a piece of lemon peel over the top and drop it in. Cheers!

• Prep Time: 5

This post was originally published on July 9, 2021, and has since been updated.

The post The Only Aperol Spritz Recipe You Need This Season appeared first on Camille Styles.

For me, Valentine’s Day is the perfect excuse to stay in, get cozy, and romance your partner (or your best friend, or yourself) with a homemade dinner that features all their favorite things. Often, there’s a nostalgic component—when Adam and I first started dating, I tried seducing him with so many chocolate soufflé cakes (his favorite) that he might have actually gained a few pounds.

Unfortunately for Adam, I now reserve the chocolate soufflé for our annual Valentine’s date night at home, and this year I’m also making a couple of his other old-school favorites: hot honey glazed salmon, and this grapefruit vodka cocktail, also known as a greyhound or salty dog (we’ll get to the distinction in a moment.) Scroll on for this simple, classic grapefruit vodka cocktail that’s always a crowd-pleaser, along with a few tips for making it really special.

What do you call a grapefruit vodka cocktail?

Let’s break it down:

• A classic Greyhound cocktail is made by shaking up 1 part vodka or gin to 3 parts grapefruit juice and serving over ice. That’s it! It’s super delicious and refreshing, especially when made with freshly squeezed grapefruit juice.
• The difference between a Salty Dog cocktail and a Greyhound is that a Salty Dog has a salted rim. It’s small touch that makes a big difference in the flavor of the final product.
• The Italian Greyhound is another lesser-known vodka grapefruit cocktail that adds Campari to the mix (YUM)
• A Sea Breeze cocktail also uses vodka and grapefruit juice, with the pretty addition of cranberry juice as well.
• And if you’re wondering about the difference between a Paloma cocktail and a Greyhound, a Paloma has tequila or mezcal instead of vodka or gin.

My version is closest to the Salty Dog thanks to its yummy salted rim, but mixes up the classic ratios just a bit, adding a squeeze of agave syrup and some grapefruit-flavored sparkling water to top it off. I love the fizziness this provides, and it allows me to modify the drink and make a low-alcohol cocktail if I want to keep things light, without sacrificing the delicious grapefruit flavor.

How to make a Salty Dog cocktail in 3 easy steps

I’m not a fan of complicated at-home cocktails—I love a short ingredients list and simple shake-it-up technique, and this cocktail recipe has both.

1. First, you’re going to salt the rims of your glasses. I like the look of a rim that’s salted on just half the glass, plus it allows the drinker to decide if they take a sip with or without salt. To get this effect, all you have to do is take a lime or grapefruit wheel and run it around the edge of half the glass, then dip that half into a small bowl filled with kosher salt.
2. In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, you’re going to shake up 2 parts grapefruit juice to 1 part vodka, with a squeeze of agave if desired.
3. Strain and pour over your ice-filled glasses, then top off with grapefruit sparkling water to taste. My hands-down favorite is Rambler—everyone in our house is obsessed. If you want, garnish with a grapefruit slice.

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Tips for the best grapefruit vodka cocktail

When a recipe is this simple, it’s all about the quality of your ingredients, so I highly recommend using freshly-squeezed pink grapefruit or ruby red grapefruit juice here, instead of the bottled kind. It makes a major difference, and it’s one simple step that makes this recipe feel special, despite its simplicity.

I personally love the addition of a little agave syrup in this since it balances the tart flavor of the fresh grapefruit juice. Feel free to swap in simple syrup, or omit altogether if you like your drink less sweet.

How to make it a grapefruit mocktail

Since grapefruit has such a delicious, juicy flavor on its own, it makes an amazing base for a non-boring cocktail. If you’d like to make this drink without alcohol, just swap in a little lime juice in place of the vodka or gin, and add some extra grapefruit sparkling water. Make it feel a little more special by throwing in a rosemary sprig or mint for garnish. Delish (and beautiful!)

The post This Salty Dog Cocktail is Sweet, Tart, and Easy—Make It for Your Main Squeeze This Valentine’s appeared first on Camille Styles.

Eggnog is an interesting food item. When you ask if someone likes eggnog, the question generally results in one of two extreme reactions: one of love and the other of loathing. We didn’t grow up drinking eggnog in my household. Looking back, my only experience with it was seeing punchbowls filled to the brim in Christmas movies and someone always adding a splash or two of bourbon. And because the idea of making an egg-based drink myself gives me a bit of a pause, I always resort to the trusty store-bought carton.

So of course, this felt like the perfect opportunity for this year’s holiday Taste-Off. That’s right—we’re finding out once and for all which store-bought brand makes the best eggnog. And if you’re not an eggnog enthusiast yourself, don’t worry—there are plenty other uses for its creamy goodness. In fact, I got so inspired that I used the winner as a replacement for milk in our Thanksgiving pumpkin pie. (Rumor has it that it was the best pie I had made in years.)

Featured image by Michelle Nash.

Taste-Off: The Best Eggnog Brand

In our search for the best eggnog, we tried it all. Versions that leaned thick and creamy, dairy-free almond and oat nogs, and of course, the classics. And when it came to the end of our tasting, one brand emerged as the clear winner.

So keep reading on for the best store-bought eggnog we could find at the grocery store—plus the one we’ll be keeping in the fridge for the holidays!

Ranking Guidelines

A little internet sleuthing about the history of eggnog told me a few things. To start, people who say they don’t like eggnog generally haven’t tried the real thing. Interestingly too, I discovered that store-bought eggnogs are sometimes referred to as milk nog because of how little egg yolk can actually be included. With that in mind, we were searching for the best possible option to replace the homemade kind.

Flavor. If you don’t like eggnog because you think it tastes like eggs, you probably haven’t had a great recipe. When I think of eggnog, my immediate description is that it’s like drinking melted ice cream. It’s sweet, with a subtle spice flavor that feels like infusing the milk with the spices instead of being overwhelmingly spice-forward. We were looking for a sweet but not too sweet eggnog that had a complementary spice flavor. This would be balanced out by the sharpness of adding bourbon. (None of the store-bought eggnogs had alcohol in the ingredient list.)

Texture. The texture should be thick, creamy, and lean custard-like. Some people say that as you drink it, it should coat your throat. (Appetizing, right?) Regardless, the texture we were looking for from store-bought versions was thick, not watery, and extra creamy.

The Not-So Greats

It felt slightly impossible to rank all of the eggnogs we purchased in numerical order. There were some that we just really didn’t like and couldn’t rank them against each other in a way that felt objective.

Here’s who fell to the bottom of our rankings (in no particular order):

Trader Joe’s Regular Eggnog and Oat Nog

While we consider ourselves Trader Joe’s stans, the two nogs had a watery texture. The oat nog version lacked any discernible flavor and the regular version tasted almost artificial with vanilla.

HEB Select Ingredients Eggnog

This eggnog, while extremely thick in texture, was “like air freshener in the mouth,” though some said it would be easily remedied with a healthy splash of bourbon.

Kroger Brand Rich and Creamy Eggnog

The Kroger eggnog was branded by our tasters as “cinnamon milk.” Enough said.

Private Selection Eggnog

This one was too thick in texture and had an artificial whiskey flavor.

Chobani Oatmilk Oat Nog

The Chobani Oat Nog tasted a lot like spices without having any spices in the ingredient list. Overall, these were the passes of our tasting.

The Middle-Ground

When it came to eggnogs that were branded as “drinkable” but not fan favorites, Lactaid Eggnog and Almond Breeze Nog came in the middle. They weren’t extremely thick in texture, and the flavors fell flatter than the winners. But if these were the only option at the store, we wouldn’t necessarily pass them up.

The Best of the Best Store-Bought Eggnogs

3. Simple Truth Eggnog. We were surprised by this sleeper hit. The private label Simple Truth Eggnog was my dad’s favorite. It was more nutmeg-heavy in the spice flavor, while also being very thick in texture. Some tasters thought this one had a slightly artificial aftertaste, but not enough to demote it. Overall, a good option.

2. 1836 Farms Texas Forever Eggnog. A more regional and seasonal flavor from 1836 Farms, this was my personal favorite eggnog. The texture was nicely thick without being overwhelming. It didn’t taste artificial in any way and felt like one of the most drinkable options in the group. We’ll have this one on hand for the season.

1. Southern Comfort Traditional Eggnog. And the winner for our favorite store-bought eggnog comes from Southern Comfort. This eggnog had a clear spice flavor that was warming and delicious and a thick and creamy texture that merited the melted ice cream comparison. If you’re not going to make eggnog from scratch, this is a great option to have on hand.

Did we try your go-to eggnog brand? Do you have a recipe of your own you swear by? Share with us below!

The post I Tried 12 Store-Bought Eggnogs—This is the Only One You Need to Be Drinking This Holiday appeared first on Camille Styles.

What is it about hot cider that gives us all the heart-eyes and hygge vibes? There’s something about the simple pleasure of carefully grasping a cup between both hands, letting its heat warm you, body and soul. And sure, PSLs may reign as the ubiquitous fall drink, but here at Camille Styles, we’re team cider—and we have the best apple cider recipes to prove it.

Somehow, apple cider tastes as if someone (brilliantly) devised a way to drink the flavor of falling leaves, chunky sweaters, wool scarves, and all things cozy. Strange but true, and because of this, you can find us sipping on mug after mug of all our favorite apple cider recipes from now until December—maybe beyond.

Featured image by Hannah Haston.

Like any fall dish, these 11 versions of the seasonal favorite contain every autumnal flavor you can think of—maple, apple, cinnamon, nutmeg, and bourbon. But unlike other fall foods, cider fully encompasses all that is warm, cozy, and wonderful about the colder months. It’s what we keep in our cups during all the tailgates, fall gatherings, and blustery weekend afternoons spent curled up in autumnal bliss.

If you aren’t already shaking your head in agreement, prepare yourself. When you take your first sip of one of the recipes listed below, you’ll soon join the club of proud cider fanatics everywhere.

11 Apple Cider Recipes For Cozy Fall Sipping

Herbal Infused Bourbon Apple Cider

Why We Love It: When it came to apple cider recipes, I once thought of myself as a cider purist. Spoiled by the proximity of a cider press, you can bet the cider I was sipping on as a kid was as fresh as could be. And while I’ll still never get over the dry/tart flavor of my ciders of yore, I’ve learned to enjoy a little doctoring up. Enter: this herbal-infused, bourbon-spiked apple cider cocktail that epitomizes all that I love about fall flavors. It’s spicy and sweet, warming and ever-so-savory. And with a few ounces of bourbon to boot, this is the ideal fall party cocktail.

Hero Ingredient: Make a big batch of the honey-thyme simple syrup. It’s the kind of mix-in you’ll always want on hand.

Build Your Own Cider Bar

Why We Love It: This is less of a recipe and more one of my favorite ways to enjoy the best apple cider recipes around. Is there anything better than welcoming the season surrounded by loved ones? That’s exactly why we created this guide to your coziest night in—BYO cider bar, included.

Hero Ingredient: Hero… arrangement. Be sure to set out all the ingredients and add-ons in advance. That way, your guests can stir in a cinnamon stick or add a dash of bourbon as they please.

Cranberry Apple Cider

Why We Love It: CranApple is a marketer’s dream flavor for a reason. Not only does it provide a catchy name to splash across the bottle, but mixing the tartness of cranberries with the earthy sweetness of apples is a study in perfect flavor pairings. Mix up a big bowl of this punch and infuse it with your favorite fall spices. It’s the ideal drink to be sipping on during all your Hallmark favorites.

Hero Ingredient: Citrus slices are a must-add to your cider punch bowl. Not only do they add gorgeous color and up the drink’s overall visual appeal, but they add a nice sour note to give your punch a little pucker.

Spiced Hard Cider

Why We Love It: If your go-to hard cider isn’t cutting it in the fall flavors department, we’ve outlined the exact steps you need to follow to ensure your beverage is worthy of a little autumn imbibing. Eric Prum and Josh Williams, co-founders of W&P, put it best: “We like to punch up bottled cider by spiking it with applejack, a brandy distilled from apples, and warming spices. We build this drink in a cocktail shaker, infusing the applejack with the spices before topping it with refreshing hard cider.” Yum or YUM?

Hero Ingredient: A pinch of ground allspice, cinnamon, and cloves infuses your cider with the trifecta of fall spices.

Bourbon Maple Cider

Why We Love It: Bourbon maple might be my favorite pairing of words in the English language (followed quickly by maple bacon… ). In all seriousness, this drink knows how to spice up and strengthen your favorite cup of cider. With just a few simple ingredients your fall kitchen is likely to have already stocked, you’re well on your way to mixing up what we’d consider an essential autumn drink.

Hero Ingredient: Don’t mess with the maple syrup—be sure you’re using the good stuff.

Smoky Harvest Apple Cider Margarita From Half Baked Harvest

Why We Love It: If the temps are still high where you are and you’re in need of a drink to bridge the gap between summer and fall, make it this one. Smoky mezcal is the perfect warming match for all the harvest flavors (i.e., a blend of orange liquor, spiced apple cider, citrusy lime, and maple). It’s a special drink that couldn’t be easier to make.

Hero Ingredient: A sprig of rosemary for garnish not only makes this sipper a stunner, but it gives the drink a nice piney finish.

Apple Cider Rooibos Hot Toddy From Minimalist Baker

Why We Love It: Talk about clever. While I love apple cider (obviously), go crazy for hot toddies, and sip on rooibos tea like it’s water all through the fall/winter months, I’d never thought to combine the three. That is, of course, until now. The result is a strong, bold drink that’s just a touch sweet. If you’re tempted to reach for a cup of chai post-dinner, make this instead. Trust me: your taste buds will thank you.

Hero Ingredient: The spice is right with just a few slices of fresh ginger.

Apple Cider Bourbon Cocktail From Style Me Pretty

Why We Love It: While a few of the takes in this round-up of the best apple cider recipes know the beauty that is cider and bourbon combined, this one builds on the pairing with the addition of brown sugar. It creates a wonderfully caramelized touch of sweetness that’s slightly bitter. The ideal match for this drink’s triple-threat spice combo.

Hero Ingredient: I love that this recipe is truly homemade. You’ll appreciate the flavor of fresh apple cider once you’ve peeled, chopped, boiled, mashed, and strained 14 apples to make this magic elixir.

Sparking Vanilla Scented Apple Cider Punch From Simple Bites

Why We Love It: I find it funny that you don’t often come across a vanilla-flecked variation of apple cider. While some people think of vanilla only as sweet, I find it a bit earthy, floral, and even spicy at times—in other words, exactly what every apple cider punch should call for. This crimson, cranberry-infused cider is all the better because of it.

Hero Ingredient: Building on the vanilla here. You get not just one, but two instances of its sweet, creamy taste from the addition of vanilla extract and a split vanilla bean. Double the flavor, double the deliciousness.

Apple Cider Cocktail From Well-Plated By Erin

Why We Love It: I love how light and ethereally effervescent this apple cider cocktail is. While some ciders can feel and taste heavy (there’s a time and a place for those), this recipe benefits from the addition of ginger beer, giving it a spicy, bubbly bite. Its garnishes are beautifully considered too, with apple slices, cinnamon, and a sprig of thyme making it occasion-worthy.

Hero Ingredient: Stock up on ginger beer this season—you’ll be making this cocktail on repeat.

Ginger Pear Cider With Vanilla Bean From The First Mess

Why We Love It: Because the predominant flavor here is pear instead of apple, we’ll call this cider recipe a bit of a bonus. But I’m including it because I think more of us need to be aware of the incredibly seasonal and fresh flavor pear brings to the table (why does apple get to be the star?). Not only is this drink entirely addicting, but the addition of ginger helps you fight off the inevitable fall cold. The best part: you don’t need a press to make it! This drink can be prepared entirely in your blender.

Hero Ingredient: Give it up for the humble beauty of pears.

This post was originally published on September 24, 2020, and has since been updated.

The post 11 Cider Recipes We Can’t Wait to Make this Fall appeared first on Camille Styles.

‘Tis the season for al fresco dinners, shorter hemlines, no-makeup makeup, and the best rosé wines. Over the past few years, rosé has risen to become the unofficial BFF for celebrating the longer days and nights, and I think it’s safe to say that rosé wines have officially earned their “summer water” badge of honor—and with good reason.

The popularity of rosé comes from its light, refreshing qualities, plus the fact that it pairs well with just about any summer meal. As long as you steer away from a few of the big brand names, the best rosé wines can be found at an attractive price point that you can pick up at just about any large grocery or liquor store.

So, we’re kicking off the summer season by choosing our favorite bottles that you can score for under $35. We compiled this list by polling our editors and a few industry pros to get the lowdown on the ones they’re picking up on repeat. Start scrollin’ and sippin’—these picks don’t disappoint.

Feature image by Michelle Nash.

Discover the Best Rosé Wines for Summer 2022

COR Cellars 2021 Rosae

If you find yourself in the Pacific Northwest, be sure to add COR Cellars to your bucket list. The tasting room is beautifully modern (in all the best ways) and sits up the hill from the Columbia River. Needless to say, the views are stunning—but their wines? Even better. Dry, but with a refreshing finish, this bold pick is a show-stopper without trying to be too much. Crisp and clean, it basically begs to be your go-to bottle of the summer.

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COR Cellars 2021 Rosae, $22

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Landmass Wines 2021 Crystal Visions Sparkling Rosé of Pinot Noir

As with books, we’re encouraged never to judge a bottle of wine by its label. In this case though, I encourage you to rebel against the old adage. I love a rosé of pinot noir, because I find the flavor to be a bit tarter and with a fuller body than other options. But this sipper maintains the light and playful effervescence you often come to expect when opening any pale pink bottle.

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Landmass Wines 2021 Crystal Visions Sparkling Rosé of Pinot Noir, $26

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Summer Water Rosé

There’s a reason I alluded to this bottle above. With notes of lime zest, grapefruit, strawberry, and watermelon, this pick epitomizes summer—meriting the name, of course. While a flavor profile like that makes me feel confident sipping it alongside any and all meals (I’m prioritizing this take on the classic Caprese) or even enjoying a glass on its own, the creators of the ubiquitous bottle recommend a plate of crispy fries. Don’t mind if I do.

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Summer Water Rosé, $14.99

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Avaline Rosé

We can’t let the summer pass us by without trying Cameron Diaz and Katherine Power’s lovely, light, and fresh rosé. It’s an organic wine with notes of melon and a whiff of zest. Avaline features a smooth, floral sip and tastes of tart peaches and berry lemonade. Dry but vibrant, and definitely chic as hell!

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Avaline Rosé, $24

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Bojo do Luar, Vinho Rosé Luar Rosa

This heavenly organic Portgueuese wine is made from a blend of tinta cão, vinhão, and loureiro. The tinta cão and vinhão grapes are sourced from a small producer practicing organic viticulture in the Vinho Verde region. Spontaneous fermentation occurs in concrete and stainless steel with chestnut flowers and is then combined with loureiro to add zest and even more aromatics. It’s pretty unbelievable that this wine is under $20, and how cute is the label?

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Bojo do Luar, Vinho Rosé Luar Rosa, $19.99

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Fongoli Montefalco Vino Rosato

If you’ve been wanting to get into organic, biodynamic wines then look no further than this Italian beauty. Free of sulfur and bottled without fining or filtration, this gorgeous rosé is as good as it gets. It’s on the darker side of pink, but it goes down like a refreshing, summery rosé.

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Fongoli Montefalco Vino Rosato, $28

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Jolie Folle Rosé

We’ve got your next everyday fave coming right up. This fruity and light rosé hails from the South of France and has lovely notes of strawberry and raspberry. On the palate, it’s bright and dry with a hint of apricot on the finish. Perfect for your next beach day, brunch, or light dinner accompaniment.

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Jolie Folle Rosé, $16.99

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The Palm Rosé By Whispering Angel 2018

Considered the chic little sister to Whispering Angel, The Palm is a fresh and aromatic wine with subtle fruity notes. The cute, playful label is an added bonus to this delicious wine. It was created by winemaker Sacha Lichine, who was on a quest to create the greatest rosés in the world and is considered by many to have been responsible for the “Rosé Renaissance.” Innovative winemaking techniques revolutionized the styles of rosés being produced from this region and led to the creation of Whispering Angel.

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The Palm Rosé By Whispering Angel 2018, $16.99

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Ruza Rosé Wine California

Don’t want to tote around a bottle? No problem. This four-pack of rosé wine has a bright, spritzy palate that’s perfect for your next adventure. The grapes, which were specifically designed for this rosé, were picked early in the season and taken directly to press, (after a few hours of skin contact) the result of which gives it a soft pink hue. It has notes of red berries and citrus, and best of all, it’s recyclable.

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Ruza Rosé Wine California, $14.99

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Miraval Rosé 2020

This is Brad Pitt’s wine, literally. His vineyard in Provence manufactures it! It’s an elegant, pale pink, fresh wine with notes of fresh fruit, currants, rose, and lemon zest. The minerality and saline notes are perfectly balanced, making it as irresistible as it is affordable. Pair it with a gorgeous charcuterie board and enjoy!

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Miraval Rosé 2020, $23.98 (reg. $28)

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Yes Way Rosé

This classic party wine is proof that it doesn’t have to be expensive to taste good. It’s a dry, classic Provençal-style rosé from the south of France. The grenache blend is light, fanciful, and doesn’t take itself too seriously. Notes of ripe strawberry, citrus, and stone fruits will make it your go-to for Sunday brunch and picnics. It even comes in cans if you need to sneak it to the beach!

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Yes Way Rosé, $13.99

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Babe Rosé (8-Pack)

Need another canned option? Babe Rosé is a light, refreshing sparkling delight. Three cans are equal to one whole bottle, making it incredibly convenient to tote around and share with friends.

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Babe Rosé (8-Pack), $34.99

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Las Jaras 2021 Superbloom

This dark pink wine is a product of co-fermenting red and white Rhône varieties from a single vineyard. This vintage contains about a third of red and two-thirds white grapes. It goes by the term “California Table Wine,” but it’s a complex and unique wine with an unforgettable flavor. Red grapes give this wine a spicy nose and plenty of texture, while the white grapes add watermelon and rhubarb notes, plus a clean, mineral finish.

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Las Jaras 2021 Superbloom, $28

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Broc Cellars 2021 Love Rosé

This gorgeous rosé wine was foot-stomped and left on the skin for 12 hours. It is what winemakers call a 100% finished wine. That means it was fermented until it went dry using only native yeasts and then went through spontaneous malolactic fermentation. It has a slight spice from the zinfandel, acidity from the Valdiguié, and texture from the Trousseau grapes. It’s a delicious Napa Valley blend!

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Broc Cellars 2021 Love Rosé, $25

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Rezabal Txakoli Rosé 2021

Hailing from the Getariako Txakolina region of Spain, this lovely rosé is made with 100% Hondarribia Beltza. It’s aromatic, dry, and ever so slightly effervescent. Soft flavors of strawberries, bright acidity, and minerality shine through.

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Rezabal Txakoli Rosé 2021, $19.99

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2020 Gerard Bertrand Gris Blanc Rosé 

Enjoy this slightly sparkly, pale pink and grey rosé. It’s ultra-fresh and light, making it the perfect beverage for a hot summer afternoon. It’s simply a classic French rosé.

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2020 Gerard Bertrand Gris Blanc Rosé, $13.99

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2021 Commanderie de Peyrassol Rose Les Commandeurs Cotes de Provence

This bottle’s pale, rosy appearance is extra dreamy, and it pairs floral notes with a light, crisp, and refreshing flavor. Recommended by the importer as an accessible and tasty introduction to the Peyrassol style, this is a rosé you can sip on all summer and enjoy in any environment, alongside nearly any dish (though we’re partial to grilled fish or a sweet berry dessert).

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2021 Commanderie de Peyrassol Rose Les Commandeurs Cotes de Provence, $23.99

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Las Jaras 2020 Rosé

This is not your everyday party wine, it’s also a perfect pairing for a light summer meal. This organic zinfandel and petite syrah blend is all about big red fruit and hibiscus. It’s packed with acid and minerality while retaining a super-dry finish. It also has a unique and unexpected texture as a result of destemming the zinfandel and pressing it immediately. The grapes are harvested at two different vineyards in northern California, in the Ukiah Valley and in Redwood Valley.

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Las Jaras 2020 Rosé, $21.60 (reg. $27)

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Kobal Bajta Blaufränkisch Rosé Pet Nat

This natural wine is a total stunner—sustainable, juicy, mouthwatering, and bubbly. It has a moody, romantic, and cloudy appearance but it tastes nice and bright. Strawberries, raspberries, and a touch of yeastiness on the nose give it a creamy, chewy palate with a slightly bitter finish. It’s definitely for those looking to mix up their usual rosé wines with something a little more experimental.

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Kobal Bajta Blaufränkisch Rosé Pet Nat, $21.99

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This post was originally published on June 12, 2020, and has since been updated.

The post The 19 Best Rosé Wines to Sip All Summer (and They’re All Under $35) appeared first on Camille Styles.

I was so close to naming this article “An Easy Mint Julep Recipe for When You Have a Ton of Mint and Don’t Know What to Do With It.” Let me tell you why. I’ve been traveling recently, and when I got home, I noticed a flourishing new plant had sprouted in my front yard! Given that I’ve put zero effort into landscaping and have no green thumb whatsoever, you can imagine my surprise. I had discovered a brand-new cluster of vibrant green leaves right by my front door.

It only took inhaling the fresh spring air to realize that this was actually a mint plant. And after inspecting its leaves more closely, it was confirmed: I had over 40 sprigs of fresh mint magically growing in my yard. While I wish this had been the case for my other favorite herbs like basil and cilantro, I was excited about this little gift from nature—and I knew I had to put it to good use. Cue the easy mint juleps!

Why mint juleps?

As it turns out, mint is actually an invasive species. It can quickly take over your whole garden if you’re not careful. I had to remove the entire plant pretty quickly to prevent this. Naturally, that left me with more mint on my hands than I could handle.

Mint has a variety of uses from cooking to cocktails, but it doesn’t get easier than a classic mint julep. With the Kentucky Derby right around the corner and the weather heating up in Austin, it seemed like the perfect time to mix up this easy mint julep recipe. So what’s the secret to this famous cocktail? For me, it was lots of crushed ice and a dash of honey. Read on for how to make this classic drink that’s as bold as it is refreshing.

What are the ingredients in a mint julep?

A traditional mint julep consists of bourbon, simple syrup, and mint. Can it get much easier than that? While I went with store-bought simple syrup for ease, you can make your own simple syrup by combining a cup of sugar with a cup of water and boiling the mixture until the sugar dissolves. Since the drink was a bit stiff for me, I added a dash of honey to sweeten it a little more.

What type of bourbon is used in a mint julep?

The main difference between a mint julep and a mojito is the choice of alcohol. While mojitos are rum-based, mint juleps contain bourbon, a type of whiskey. Any type of bourbon works for this drink. While it tends to be a tad sweeter than your usual whiskey, the smoky flavor still dominates in a mint julep. Whether you’re a bourbon fan or not, be warned that this drink is not for the faint-hearted!

Tips for making a mint julep:

“Clap” the mint. When making your mint julep, do this before adding it to your cup. The motion releases the herb’s natural flavor and will make a difference in the drink’s taste. I choose to do this instead of muddling the mint.

Go heavy on the crushed ice. The drink tends to mellow out as the ice melts, but you could also add lime juice, club soda, or sparkling water to further dilute the bourbon if you want a lighter cocktail.

The post How to Make a Classic Mint Julep Cocktail–It’s Easier Than You Think! appeared first on Camille Styles.

We made it, y’all. The days are longer, the temps are warmer, and sangria season has officially arrived. Make that rosé sangria season—and this strawberry rosé sangria recipe is exactly what your next warm-weather gathering needs. All it takes is a good bottle of wine, seasonal fruits, fresh herbs, and bubbles. What more could your glass want?

While I’m a margarita-loving gal, I’ll occasionally opt for something a little more festive than tequila, (though as we all know, tequila can get pretty festive). So when I’m in charge of mixing up drinks for the group, you can bet I’m making this crowd-pleasing cocktail. Because when the sun’s out, there are few things more refreshing (and fun!) than a big pitcher of bubbly, fruit-filled sangria. Plus, I love a batch drink that basically makes itself.

This rosé sangria recipe involves just a handful of easy-to-prep ingredients, so you can spend less time mixing and more time sipping. Pair it with some sunshine, tapas, and a picnic blanket, and you’re well on your way to a mental vacation to Spain. Is it happy hour yet?

What you’ll need to make this strawberry rosé sangria:

• A good pitcher
• Your favorite rosé (we love these)
• Grand Marnier (brandy works too) 
• Sparkling water (I used Topo Chico) 
• Cane sugar
• Fresh fruit (I used strawberries, oranges, and lemons)
• Herbs (mint and basil are my faves)
• Ice

What is traditional sangria made of?

I first tried sangria at a local tapas restaurant, and I won’t lie—my tastebuds were transformed. Our server, who was from Spain, stopped us in our tracks when we were contemplating ordering a bottle of Pinot Noir in the middle of summer. Their argument made perfect sense: why drink red wine on its own when you can enjoy it in a sangria? It was the upgrade we didn’t know we needed. One pitcher later, we couldn’t wait to try and recreate this delicious drink at home. 

While traditional Spanish sangria varies by region and type, it generally consists of wine, chopped fruits, some sort of liqueur (usually brandy), and a sweetener. Sometimes fruit juice and sparkling water are thrown in there too, but overall, sangria is a wine-based punch that’s been enjoyed in Europe for centuries. After drinking it myself, I can see why. 

What’s the best wine for sangria? 

While red wine is most commonly used in sangria, white wine, and of course, rosé, work just as well. In general, it’s better to opt for lighter, more fruit-forward wines with low tannins. Rosé is usually my wine of choice in a sangria because it’s slightly drier and a little bit acidic while maintaining hints of sweetness that complement the fruit.

If you’re enjoying a more traditional sangria, Pinot Noir is the most popular. When it comes to white wine, any varieties that are less oaky or buttery are usually fair game. Lastly, sparkling wines are a great option, too! I’ll usually skip the soda at the end when using sparkling wine.

What is the best fruit to put in sangria? 

As is true with any recipe, the best fruit to use will be whatever’s in season! In my opinion, rosé pairs best with my favorite spring fruits like strawberries and oranges. White wine with limes, peaches, or blackberries makes for delicious sangria during those final summer months. A traditional sangria with pinot noir, apples, pears, and lemon slices is my preference for fall. For the most part, there are no rules here. Live your life!

How far in advance should you make sangria?

From my personal experience, sangria is best when prepped at least two hours in advance. For this rosé sangria recipe, you’ll add all of the chopped fruit to a pitcher and top it with sugar or your sweetener of choice and mix. Then, after adding the liqueur (Grand Marnier in this case), you’ll let the concoction cool in the fridge for a few hours (up to eight) so that the fruit can soak up all of the flavors. Hold off on adding any wine, herbs, or bubbles until about an hour before serving. When guests arrive, just pour it over ice and you’re ready to sip! 

What foods pair best with this rosé sangria recipe?

This rosé sangria recipe is best paired with your favorite spring appetizers, like tomato bruschetta or watermelon Caprese salad. Scroll on, grab the recipe below, and enjoy a delicious glass of rosé sangria. You deserve it!

The post Red, White, and Rosé? That’s Right—You’ll Be Sipping This Strawberry Sangria All Spring appeared first on Camille Styles.

It’s finally warming up outside, and in most places, the weather we wait for all year round is back in earnest. When spring hits, there are a couple places you can find me: out on a walk admiring the bright and blooming flowers, hitting my city’s best patios, or gathering with my gals to sip on our favorite three-ingredient cocktails. Sure, sometimes we’re down to enjoy something a little more complex and involved, but when push comes to shove, I love a drink that’s flavorful without being fussy. Conclusion? The best way to beat the oncoming heat is with an ice-cold cocktail, y’all.

There’s really no better season than spring. The days are longer, the trees are blossoming, fresh fruit and veg can be found in abundance, and everyone’s hitting their respective cities’ best patios. There’s nothing better than sitting in my backyard at the end of the day with my husband and an aperitif—and these three-ingredient cocktails are here to save the day. Because I’d rather spend my time sipping a cocktail than making it.

But here’s the reality: Whether it’s warm-weather season or not, having a simple, go-to cocktail ready to go in your back pocket is invaluable. With that in mind, I’ve rounded up the yummiest three-ingredient cocktails I could find. Keep these cocktail recipes in your back pocket and spend less time crafting your cocktails and more time enjoying them!

Feature image by Kristen Kilpatrick.

Scroll on: You’ll definitely want to try these tasty three-ingredient cocktails.

Rhubarb Lilac Spritzer from Lark & Linen

Why We Love It: Rhubarb is one of my favorite in-season spring fruits. It’s perfect in pies, tangy in tarts, and deliciously at home in this refreshing and light spritzer.

Hero Ingredient: But lilac’s lovely floral notes are unbeatable.

Get the recipe for Rhubarb Lilac Spritzer.

Watermelon Margarita from Minimalist Baker

Why We Love It: There are few things as refreshing as a watermelon on a hot day; it’s the epitome of fresh summer fruit. This watermelon margarita recipe just might reign supreme—it’s nothing fancy while also being the perfect cocktail. Get yourself some watermelon, lime juice, and tequila for a seriously delicious treat.

Hero Ingredient: It’s a toss-up between the watermelon and the tequila, but I’ll give the trophy to the former. That’s where all the flavor is, after all.

Get the recipe for Watermelon Margarita.

Classic Vodka Martini from Jones Red & White

Why We Love It: It doesn’t get cooler (literally and figuratively) than a classic martini. All you need is vodka, vermouth, lemon peel and you’re good to go. It’s my dad’s favorite cocktail, but universally enjoyed by all.

Hero Ingredient: Lemon peel doubles as being both aesthetically pleasing and this drink’s driving flavor.

Get the recipe for Classic Vodka Martini.

Cherry Amaretto Limeade from Take Two Tapas

Why We Love It: If you’re an Amaretto sour fan then you’re definitely going to want to try this refreshing twist on a classic limeade. It’s perfectly tart with a splash of sweetness.

Hero Ingredient: Hot take: Limeade > lemonade.

Get the recipe for Cherry Amaretto Limeade.

Classic Daiquiri from The Spruce Eats

Why We Love It: Daquiris generally call to mind sugary slushies on a boardwalk, but as it happens, the original recipe was incredibly light and simple. Rum, simple syrup, and lime juice make this as fresh and bright as can imagine.

Hero Ingredient: The lime juice gives your daiquiri a nice little pucker to offset the simple syrup’s sweetness.

Get the recipe for Classic Daiquiri.

Elderflower Rosé from Lark & Linen

Why We Love It: Elevate your favorite bottle of sparkling rosé with a delectable dash of elderflower liqueur and a sprig of thyme. You’ll feel like you’re lounging in the gardens of Downton Abbey.

Hero Ingredient: It’s hard to say—the three components of this sparkling bev are all just so good. But I’ll give it up to the rosé that gives your glass a blushy, sparkly shine.

Get the recipe for Elderflower Rosé.

Moscow Mule from Gimme Some Oven

Why We Love It: An ice-cold Moscow Mule is just what we need at the end of a long, hot day. The copper mug isn’t necessary, but it certainly adds to the ambiance, doesn’t it? Get yourself some vodka, ginger beer, and lime juice over a ton of ice and you’re in business.

Hero Ingredient: Ginger beer does bubbly spice to perfection.

Get the recipe for Moscow Mule.

Refreshing Cucumber Lime Margaritas from Tastes Lovely

Why We Love It: For some reason, it wasn’t until recently that I came around to cucumber’s cooling beauty in all my favorite drinks (on that note, you need to try this Cucumber-Ginger Sangria asap). It mellows out the lime juice and tequila with ease.

Hero Ingredient: This drink is a PSA to start sippin’ on cucumber juice.

Get the recipe for Refreshing Cucumber Lime Margaritas.

Margarita Float from Julie Blanner

Why We Love It: A warm spring/summer evening doesn’t go by without me craving a margarita cool-down. Serve alongside your favorite tacos for maximum impact.

Hero Ingredient: Lime sorbet makes this the most refreshing cocktail EVER.

Get the recipe for Margarita Float.

Cranberry Orange Mimosa from Crazy for Crust

Why We Love It: Whip up this easy and incredibly delicious mimosa Bellini next time you need to punch up a bit of juice. Make one for yourself or throw together a pitcher for all to enjoy. It couldn’t be easier.

Hero Ingredient: It’s not a party without the Prosecco (or champagne, for that matter).

Get the recipe for Cranberry Orange Mimosa.

White Russian from Rachel Cooks

Why We Love It: If you’re anything like me, it’s been far too long since the last time you had a white Russian. Indulge in this decadent cocktail next time you’ve got a craving some something truly special.

Hero Ingredient: I have a feeling Lorelai Gilmore would appreciate the coffee liqueur. I certainly do.

Get the recipe for White Russian.

Classic Negroni from A Beautiful Mess

Why We Love It: One of our favorite three-ingredient cocktails, the classic Negroni never goes out of style. It’s refreshing, nice and strong, and eternally sexy.

Hero Ingredient: While some folks can’t get on board with Campari, I love its bittersweet flavor. Plus, with notes of orange peel, it plays up this drink’s garnish perfectly.

Get the recipe for Classic Negroni.

Lemonade Prosecco Punch from Crazy for Crust

Why We Love It: How gorgeous is this simple three-ingredient cocktail? It looks and tastes so much fancier than it actually is, making it the perfect option for your next weekend unwind.

Hero Ingredient: Okay, so we might be cheating with this one a little. With garnishes included, technically there’s five ingredients—but that doesn’t mean it isn’t easy to mix up. One of the visual adds that’s key? Frozen blackberries offer a little color and a light, fruity flavor.

Get the recipe for Lemonade Prosecco Punch.

Lemon Sorbet Mimosa from Tastes Lovely

Why We Love It: When it comes to brunch, most of us belong to one of two camps: Bloody Mary or mimosa. My vote is always for the latter. Not only are they an elegant addition to any table, but they’re undeniably delicious. Just be mindful—they’re easy to knock back.

Hero Ingredient: The lemon sorbet makes your mimosa slightly slushy and deceivingly indulgent.

Get the recipe for Lemon Sorbet Mimosa.

Mint Julep from Fit Foodie Finds

Why We Love It: While the Kentucky Derby is still more than a month away, you can get ready with this super simple mint julep. Even with a heavy pour of bourbon, this classic cocktail still manages to be deliciously refreshing.

Hero Ingredient: The mint is muddled, mouthwatering, and totally magical.

Get the recipe for Mint Julep.

This post was originally published on June 13, 2019, and has since been updated.

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The post 15 Three-Ingredient Cocktails You Can Make Tonight appeared first on Camille Styles.

As most of you know, we’re pretty obsessed with morning and evening rituals around here. In fact, it’s the inspiration behind our Wake Up Call series in which we uncover the simple daily habits of the women we admire most. I’ve been thinking a lot lately about how creating rituals in our lives enhances our experiences. Nowhere is this more true for me than when I greet the day—it’s those simple little cues that speak to my senses, reminding me to be present and acknowledge the moment as sacred. So, for today’s post on bringing more rituals into our mornings, we teamed up with Bonne Maman to create a mindful morning tea ritual. Their handmade herbal teas are so uniquely special they help turn a simple everyday act into something deeper.

There’s something so grounding about holding a warm mug of tea in my hands, especially during these colder months. The scent, taste, and beauty of the organic fruits and flowers in Bonne Maman’s loose tea make it feel like a little treat to myself. With my favorite mug in hand, a soothing playlist, and a favorite candle on my desk, the repetition of these small touches sets the stage for savoring simple moments throughout the day. Read on for a few ideas on creating a morning tea ritual, plus the Ricotta and Raspberry Toast that’s the perfect way to lift spirits (for yourself, or the people you love) on a winter day.

Step 1: Assemble an Herbal Tea Library

If you’re interested in starting a mindful morning tea ritual of your own, we suggest you pour, sip, and experience many blends to uncover the flavors you love to savor. This is one of the key reasons why we teamed up with Bonne Maman—each blend of their handmade herbal tea feels like a personal offering–like a bouquet of fresh wildflowers or a small treasure that was chosen with care just for you and those you love. Choose from five deliciously balanced blends each made with organic flowers, fruits, and herbs that are a balm for the soul, creating moments for you to connect with yourselves, your cherished ones, and the nature that surrounds us all. I added a few edible flowers to make it a feast for the eyes, too.

Ease into your morning with their Vitality blend with peppermint, hibiscus, rosehip, licorice, and marigold, or put your mind at ease with every sip of their relaxing Contentment blend featuring a poetic mix of star anise, blackcurrant, lemon balm, and marshmallow—and all made using organic, non-GMO, caffeine-free tea with no added flavors or aromas. There really is a tea for every desired mood and emotion that’s guaranteed to delight the senses and warm your heart.

Step 2: Make It a Mindful Practice

Now that you have an arsenal of delicious herbal teas, it’s time to create your morning tea ritual. This simple mindful practice is one small way you can slow down each day and be more present. Take your time choosing a tea that speaks to your emotional wellbeing that morning: How are you feeling? What do you want to achieve today? Close your eyes, take in the aroma of each blend, and see which one you gravitate toward. Once you’ve chosen your blend, pour the boiling water into your mug or teapot, and watch the tea leaves unfurl, feeling the steam against your skin as it steeps. You’ll know when the moment is right to pour your freshly made tea into your favorite cup.

Step 3: Sip, Breathe, and Savor

Tea is not just a drink, it’s a way to nourish and connect, so don’t rush it. This is your moment, so take five, 10, or even 15 minutes to relish in this practice without distractions or demands from the outside world. Resist the urge to look at your phone, instead, find a spot near a window and peer outside, enjoy the stillness, take a deep breath, read some poetry, write a gratitude list, dream, and really savor every sip because once you open that phone you will be at the mercy of everyone else’s demands. For now, this time is yours, so make it count.

Step 4: Pair Your Tea With Ricotta and Raspberry Toast

Creamy ricotta topped with delicious raspberry preserves, all spread onto crispy sourdough toast… it’s basically the best piece of toast you can imagine. This Ricotta and Raspberry Toast is special enough for a weekend brunch with friends, but I also can’t think of a better way to elevate a normal weekday morning—it’s simple enough to whip up any time. As beautiful as it is delicious, this toast is a feast for the senses and a perfect pairing for any of Bonne Maman’s herbal teas. Bonne Maman uses time-honored traditional French recipes with natural ingredients and the finest quality fruit for that real homemade taste, just how we like it!

Here’s how to make it:

• In a small bowl, combine a scoop of whole milk ricotta with a drizzle of honey, and mix well.
• Toast a piece of sourdough (or gluten-free bread) until crispy.
• Top toast with a slather of honeyed ricotta, then spoon a bit of Bonne Maman Raspberry Preserves over the top. Use the back of the spoon to lightly spread it into the ricotta.
• Top with fresh basil or mint leaves and a pinch of flaky sea salt. Savor!

The post How a Morning Tea Ritual Will Set the Tone for a Mindful Day appeared first on Camille Styles.

In the world of shiny new food trends, the humble green smoothie has taken a backseat to bright açaí bowls and fresh celery juice. Now don’t get me wrong, juicing can be healthy and smoothie bowls are a great way to add more vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients to your diet. However, as a nutrition science major and a certified health coach, I understand how even small tweaks in our food intake can make a world of a difference. Most juices and açaí bowls out there are a blood-sugar crash waiting to happen, which will lead to sugar cravings, irritability, and a drop in our energy.

Today, we’re not only talking about how to make a healthy green smoothie, but I’m also sharing my tips on how to make this meal practical and add it to your daily routine. Keep reading to learn how to make, prep, and store this healthy green smoothie. And by the way, this recipe is part of our Plant-Based RE:SET, a new 5 day meal plan coming to your inbox on January 21st! Packed with delicious breakfast, lunch, and dinner recipes, this is a week’s worth of meals that’ll leave you feeling lighter, brighter, and energized. Sign up here! Okay, let’s dive in.

Are Green Smoothies Healthy?

Not all green smoothies are created equal. In order to have a truly healthy breakfast, we need to think about balancing our blood sugar and filling ourselves up with nutrient-dense foods. Kelly Leveque frames it best, with her trademarked Fab Four Formula, which includes the perfect ratio of protein, healthy fat, fiber, and vibrant greens. If your smoothie contains all these ingredients, you’ve set yourself for success. This Almond Butter Green Smoothie Recipe checks all of those boxes and is a perfect way to start your day.

What Healthy Green Smoothies Are Easy to Make?

Most breakfast smoothies are really simple to make, just gather the ingredients and blend! But on some days, we don’t have the extra 5-10 minutes in the morning to grab the ingredients, blend and clean up afterward. Not to worry! I’ve got a tip for you that’s going to make this healthy breakfast a breeze. Plan ahead, make your smoothies in advance and store them until you’re ready to blend.

“If you fail to plan, you are planning to fail.”

Benjamin Franklin

How to Store Your Healthy Green Smoothie

The best way to consume a healthy green smoothie is right after blending. But sometimes we don’t have that extra five minutes in the morning to gather all the ingredients and blend everything together. Not to mention the mess we have to clean up afterward… That’s why I came up with the blend and freeze method that makes drinking a healthy green smoothie for breakfast realistic for even the busiest mornings!

All you need is a large ice cube tray. Gather up all your ingredients, blend them, and then pour into ice trays to freeze overnight. When you wake up in the morning, just pop the smoothie ice cubes into the blender, blend, and enjoy! Don’t forget to rinse the blender right after and you’ve just made a healthy green smoothie in under two minutes!

Are Green Smoothies Better For You Than Juices?

The main difference between juices and smoothies is that smoothies are full of fiber from fruits and vegetables, while juices are stripped of their fiber. Fiber is an essential part of a healthy diet and most of us aren’t getting enough. According to The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, women should aim to consume 25 grams of fiber per day. Fiber helps by supporting our microbiome, stabilizing our blood sugar and fiber can even help lower cholesterol levels.

Healthy Green Smoothie Substitutions

This is a plant-based and dairy-free recipe that is very easy to adjust if needed. If you are on a low-FODMAP diet, or bloat easily, make sure to pre-steam the cauliflower before blending. Are you drinking this healthy green smoothie after a workout? Add a protein powder to boost recovery and help your body build lean muscle. Do you have a nut allergy? Check out these nut-butter alternatives that are made from a variety of ingredients including golden peas and granola.

Ready to get started? Keep reading for the ingredients and start blending your way to good health!

Print

Almond Butter Green Smoothie

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  Author: Nihel Ayari

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This vibrant smoothie is a perfect, blood sugar-balancing way to start your day.

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Ingredients

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• 1/2 frozen banana
• 1 cup of frozen cauliflower
• 1 cup of spinach
• 2 tablespoons nut butter of choice
• 2 cups oat milk (or almond milk)
• Squeeze of honey (optional)

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Prevent your screen from going dark

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Instructions

1. Blend on high and drink up!

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Ah, winter. May we forget and remember at the same time, every year. Like clockwork, this season brings a whirlwind of emotions. I love the nostalgia of holiday traditions—yards of garland bring festive cheer and a well-lit Christmas tree sparks joy (particularly on dark days). But the magic is often tainted with reality: The demands of work, family, and to-dos don’t stop. Come January, I’m always left wondering, did I actually take care of my mental and physical health during the holidays? So, this season, I’m doing things differently, not just for me, but for my entire family. As part of my proactive, health-forward approach, I’m kicking off a nourishing season. To begin, I’m sharing my winter wellness tips with the help of our partner, Florida Orange Juice.

How to Boost Your Mood and Health During the Winter

To begin, look no further than those who dwell in the coldest, darkest places. They know a thing or two about bitter winters. And more so, how to stay happy with winter wellness tips. The not-so-sunny days of winter can take a hit on our wellbeing—both mental and physical. The solution? Implement simple, everyday habits to help you shine from the inside out. During an otherwise ruthless season, find the light.

1. Stock up on seasonal ingredients.
   In the absence of raw salads and stone fruit, focus on root vegetables, woody herbs, and bright citrus. While I love adding citrus to dinner entrees and smoothies, a refreshing glass of Florida Orange Juice delivers key nutrients for a great immune-supporting go-to anytime of day. Citrus provides energy, and hydration, both especially key for feeling good during the winter.
2. Adjust your hair and skin routine.
   When it comes to saving your skin from winter woes, what you put in your body is just as important as what you put on it. Glowy and hydrated skin is a combination of sun protection, skincare, and proper hydration and nutrients. One hundred percent orange juice is a source of key nutrients associated with a variety of health benefits, including skin health. As a sidekick to water, it helps keep your skin hydrated as well as contributing vitamin C and colorful plant pigments—called carotenoids—which may help maintain a youthful glow. Glowy skin and feeling well go hand-in-hand.
3. Target key ingredients.
   Think: Vitamin C and iron. Both are crucial for immune health. From legumes to beets to leafy greens, iron is essential during the colder months. Vitamin C helps the body absorb iron from plant-based foods, pair those foods with Florida Orange Juice—just eight ounces is an excellent source of vitamin C.
4. Move your body.
   Move well, feel well. On bright, brisk days, go for a walk. Or wind down with a slow-flow yoga session. Exercise quiets the mind, improves blood flow, and releases endorphins. Before my workouts, I like to grab a glass of Florida OJ—the natural sugars are key for energy. Plus, it’s super hydrating: Almost 90% of 100% orange juice is water! And, it naturally contains several electrolytes, including magnesium, as well as potassium and calcium in fortified juice. All of these aid in fluid balance.

Taking an Ayurvedic Approach to Winter Wellness

When it comes to boosting your mood and health during the winter, consider an ayurvedic approach. In essence, this means emphasizing foods that are warm and oily. Just as the atmosphere becomes cold and dry, so does our skin. We need nutrients that nourish our bodies from the inside out. Like, citrus. Florida Orange Juice contains vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients to help support overall skin health. But rather than sip on cold or iced drinks, opt for warm or hot beverages.

Ultimately, we know healthy living can feel complex and convoluted. With varying wellness trends out there, it’s hard to know what’s worth it—and what’s not. While we love trying new products and routines, simplicity reigns supreme. Especially when it comes to immune-supporting ingredients. 

Health Benefits of 100% Orange Juice

When it comes to consuming 100% orange juice during the winter, it isn’t just a delicious breakfast favorite: It’s a nutrient-dense ingredient you can feel good about serving yourself (and your family!) throughout the winter months. Florida Orange Juice and its nutrients are associated with many health benefits, including heart, brain, skin, bone, and immune system health. It provides a variety of important nutrients—vitamin C, potassium, folate, and thiamin. As part of a balanced diet and lifestyle, citrus’ superior nutrient profile can help support the immune system and fight inflammation (all year long). 

Orange Juice Wellness Elixir Recipe

Fighting inflammation is key. Especially during the winter. Sipping on an 8-ounce serving of Florida Orange Juice is a win-win: it’s an excellent source of the antioxidant vitamin C, which can help fight inflammation. Additionally, OJ delivers electrolytes that can aid in hydration. It’s naturally sweet, too. Our favorite way to incorporate 100% orange juice? In a warm, slightly spiced elixir. Of all our winter wellness tips, this is the most delicious one. You’ll want to sip on this nourishing drink all winter long. Read on for the recipe!

The post The Nutritionist-Approved Wellness Elixir We’re Sipping All Winter Long appeared first on Camille Styles.

Every good holiday party needs a signature drink, and Elle Florescu just shared the most festive one yet. This dairy-free eggnog cocktail recipe is a spin on the classic Christmastime drink, using Fronks nog in place of traditional egg and milk mixture.

If you’ve yet to experience the magic that is Fronks milk, it’s an Austin-based organic nut milk–and it’s totally delicious. This simple swap makes the cocktail dairy-free and perfect for everyone on your guest list, especially when it tastes this good. The cocktail gets its sweetness from Cinnamon Vanilla Syrup and is topped off with a gorgeous sprinkle of nutmeg. Save the recipe for this Dairy-Free Nogtini for your next holiday gathering.

Step inside Elle’s festive holiday party right here, and keep scrolling for this dairy-free eggnog cocktail recipe…

The post Your Search For a Dairy-Free Eggnog Cocktail Ends Here appeared first on Camille Styles.

Perhaps I’m seeing the world through a macchiato mindset, but it seems, in the competition of cool, coffee tends to drown out tea. Coffee, with its jittery attitude, and potentially punchy personality, can intimidate its tea counterpart. Though I’ve gotten away from it over the years, trading cup and saucer for trendy butter-infused cups of caffeine, I’m here to shine a sweet light on the steeping beauty behind a soothing cup.

In considering my mission, I thought back to tea’s lovely traditions. When I was young, I not only loved to host tea parties for my stuffed animal guests, but I also loved a proper high tea. The scones and clotted cream. The French lace doilies, porcelain cups, and sterling teapot. There were cucumber finger sandwiches and sweet little sugar cubes. I’d wear a dress and a set of pearls for the occasion. I felt fancy, grown-up, despite my feet often dangling from the too-tall chair I was seated in to enjoy the experience. 

As I’ve grown, so have my taste buds. My once Constant-Comment-or-nothing mentality has shifted, and I’ve opened up my eyes to a whole world of teas. In the doldrums of a Texas summer, my new refreshing pick-me-up is a green tea on ice, and when I need to warm my bones, I reach for a hot cup of matcha or chai. 

While I’ve enjoyed learning about teas on my own, I know there is a deeper saucer to dive into. I set out to shed my loose-leaf knowledge and up-level my education by the dynamic Billy Weston, Beverage Director and GM at Otoko and Watertrade in Austin. 

Read on to learn the types of teas, brewing tips, and which kind of tea really isn’t tea at all…

First things first, what really is tea?

Tea is, at its most basic, the Camellia Sinensis plant which is an evergreen shrub/small tree. The leaves are the primary source of tea and there are a handful of other cultivars in the same genus that you can use to make tea as well (Assamica and Crassicolumna) though Sinensis is by far the most prevalent. How you treat the leaves/sticks/plant once it’s being harvested is where we get into the different styles of tea available out there.

What are the types, caffeine content, and health benefits of tea?

This question would take me a MUCH longer time to review in-depth, but I’ll cover the basics that most people are probably familiar with (and some they may not be!) and cover the answers to both below: 

White tea
Delicate, minimally processed teas. Light body and flavor profile, low in caffeine. 

Green tea
Some oxidation, tends to be either steamed or pan-fired in order to halt oxidation. Mild taste, medium caffeine (quarter of a cup of coffee roughly). Japanese green teas tend to have higher caffeine content than Chinese green teas due to the harvesting + firing methods.

Purple tea
Typically found growing wild in the Assam region of India, Kenya is the largest producer of this type of tea. Similar to oolong in harvesting method and drying style from these regions, it can be found coming from China in a much lighter format as well. Caffeine levels are very low but it is high in antioxidants. Lighter bodied, mellow flavor. 

Yellow tea
Very rare type of tea, the process is similar to making green tea but the added step of encasing it prior to steaming creates a milder flavor profile than green. Expensive stuff! Caffeine levels are equal to green tea, mellow flavor. 

Oolong tea
Partially oxidized, more so than green but less than red tea (or black as we know it), they can range widely in how much oxidization a particular tea can undergo. This creates a wide range of possibilities when selecting oolong teas. Oolongs from China and Taiwan are particularly well known to tea drinkers. These teas tend to have a heartier liquor and aroma, their caffeine level higher than green teas. 

Red tea
This is what we know as black tea. Most of the tea-drinking world refers to this style of tea as red tea. They tend to brew a reddish color and be nearly half of a cup of coffee in their caffeine content. Depending on where the tea hails from and its method of preparation, it can have wildly different traits. 

Pu Erh tea
Aged and partially fermented, Pu Erh and aged teas are what most of the tea world knows as black teas. These are the richest, deepest teas. The leaves are harvested, steamed, and pan-fired to halt oxidation as all teas are, but they undergo the additional treatment of being aged and fermented and always coming from Yunnan province, in China. Think of Pu Erh tea like you would Champagne—it has to be from Yunnan to be called Pu Erh!

Tisane (herbal tea)
Not *technically* a tea as it’s not from the Camellia Sinensis plant, herbal teas are actually referred to as tisanes. Very rarely do they contain caffeine, as they tend to be made of herbs and spices blended together.

How do tea pairings work with food?

Tea pairings are just like any other pairing, though they work particularly well with Japanese cuisine as their flavor profiles are far more delicate. You either want to complement a flavor profile or provide an opposing profile that refreshes the palate.

Should tea be consumed hot or cold?

That depends entirely on your mood and what you want to get from your tea. Try all sorts of different ways! One of the most interesting aspects of tea is the way it transforms if you brew it cold, hot, Gong fu style, Western method. It’s quite the adventure for the palate.

What is the difference between the Western Style tea and the Gong Fu brewing method?

The difference between these two methods is a matter of time. The Western method operates with a single infusion (or steeping) of tea over the course of a minute to several minutes depending on the type of tea. This style of brewing is great for a one-and-done scenario. If you really want to experience what tea can be, try the Gong-fu method. This takes the tea through several steepings, including an initial rinse in hot water to awaken the leaves’ potential. It’s a very zen experience and I highly recommend participating in a tea ceremony with a trained tea professional sometimes. The tea progresses over a number of steepings, depending on the style of tea. Darker teas can be steeped longer and over the course of many infusions. Each steeping sees a transformation of the flavor profile, maybe an added hint of something that wasn’t there before. 

Tell us about your Yoshi-cha tea you created.

Yoshi-cha! This is the tea that Yoshi (Okai of Austin’s Otoko restaurant) and I created with Smith Teamaker. Yoshi had worked with them before at Feast, liked their tea, and got to see their headquarters when he was in Portland. The pandemic hit and blew our plans to high heaven, as they did for everyone! We finally came back around post-pandemic and I suggested we reopen the conversation about the tea with Smith and it was off from there. We wanted to encapsulate the perfect sushi accompaniment that combined elements of Yoshi’s various influences—Texas and Japan being the primary! The amazing team at Smith met with us remotely, discussed our thoughts (we knew we wanted a Hojicha-style tea), and added in some suggestions based on the conversation. We settled on some key elements of sansho pepper and yaupon being in the mix, with sage and yerba santa making up the remaining balance of the blend.  

What food pairs best with Yoshi-cha and how do you like to drink it?

We pair the Yoshi-cha with the latter end of the sushi portion of the meal at Otoko. This pairs it up with uni and madai, as well as with some composed sashimi dishes. The bolder nigiri and the multi-faceted flavors of the sashimi dishes work really well with how dynamic the Yoshi-cha is. It’s bold yet calming, refreshing but earthy and grounding too. 

What is your favorite way to drink Yoshi-cha at home or at the restaurant? 

I love it as a cold brew when I’m drinking it casually though adding it into a cocktail or a punch is amazing! Try it in a Philadelphia Fish House Punch to really wow your next party guests. 

Teabags or loose leaf?

Loose-leaf if you have the time. Get yourself a tea infuser! It’s so worth it. 

Fave teapot? And teacups?

Teapots
Literally, anything I can find, ha. I love thrifting for cute vintage ones where I can. 

Teacups
The more the merrier! I get my fix by shopping for teacups for the pairing set, so come check it out at Otoko sometime and see my new finds. It’s all about Etsy!

Any other insights you want to leave us with?

Don’t be scared by tea, just drink it. It’s a fun beverage and despite what some tea elitists may tell you, you can enjoy it however the hell you want!

The post Team Loose Leaf or Teabag? We Ask an Expert to Spill on the Best Way to Brew Tea appeared first on Camille Styles.

‘Tis the greatest time of the year! When it comes to the holiday season, my usual minimalist tendencies take a backseat to everything holiday. Being with my closest friends and family means I go all out in celebrating my time with them, and for me, that always means gathering around food. Between quick weeknight dinners with family friends and holiday gatherings, I’m always looking for fun new ways to add a special element to time spent with those I love. And during this time of year, adding extra cozy holiday vibes with a hot chocolate board feels ultra special.

There are so many holiday cookies and treats around this time of year, so when I think about having dessert, I’m almost not interested. I know, it’s blasphemous for me to even admit that because my sweet tooth is almost unmatched. That doesn’t mean I’ll skip dessert, but it does mean I want to open up my options for an evening treat. A mug of hot chocolate feels indulgent and sweet without being over the top. Rich cocoa that’s piping hot feels like the perfect nightcap that satisfies a chocolate craving in the most cozy of ways—especially when you just can’t look at another Christmas cookie. It’s even better when you make the hot chocolate mix yourself!

This is my formula for a stellar holiday hot chocolate board:

1. Hot Cocoa Mix (see recipe below!)
   While you can have cocoa ready to go on the stove, it’s also fun to keep a jar or large bowl of cocoa mix on or near the board with a kettle of hot milk/water ready to go. Then people can serve their own mugs of hot chocolate fresh and piping hot.
2. Marshmallows
   There are tons of marshmallow options out there these days. From vegan options to chocolate coated and even flavored versions, the choices are endless. And now is the time to grab all the favorites! I opted for a variety of sizes and shapes for this board to not only add visual interest, but let people deck out their mugs of cocoa exactly how they like. From packed to the brim with classic mini mallows, to my friends who prefer just one large marshmallow to melt into their cocoa, everyone will be ecstatic to mess around with the options.
3. Sauces
   Having sauces and whipped creams as a component of the board really takes your cocoa over the top. Drizzle chocolate sauce into the bottom of mugs for an extra dose of chocolate, or drizzle the rim of the mug with salted caramel for something out of wonderland.
4. Peppermints and Candy Canes
   Not everyone agrees that mint and chocolate goes together. I am firmly in the peppermint chocolate camp and welcome all to join me. Hanging a candy cane on the side of your mug also makes this feel like a special occasion, plus they work as drink stirrers.
5. Cookies and Chocolates
   These are more for filler. As much as I love a cookie and candy board for this time of year, keep them minimal here. They should function as a secondary option to the cocoa. Think chocolate coated tuiles that work as drink stirrers and truffles that can be popped into a mug of cocoa for a double dose of chocolate.

Cozy up with a hot mug of cocoa, and be sure to save some for Santa this holiday season!

The post How to Make a Hot Chocolate Board That Even Santa Claus Will Love (Plus, a DIY Hot Cocoa Mix!) appeared first on Camille Styles.

I’ve been an early morning riser for as long as I can remember. No, I’m not one of those lucky people with an internal alarm clock that gets me up at 5 a.m. without fail (side note: if you want to become one of those people, read this). Instead, I’m a well-trained caffeine connoisseur. My morning cup of coffee is motivation enough to never hit snooze and walk (re: sprint) over to the kitchen, where I’m only minutes away from enjoying its energizing warmth.

And while there’s certainly a time and place to sip on the most bitter brew my beans can make, there’s nothing I love more than indulging in a bit of creamy goodness. But with my New Year’s intentions already in mind, I’m actively trying to weave in healthier ways of getting my morning fix. Solution? This list of the best and most delicious healthy coffee creamer alternatives.

Because here’s the thing about coffee: It can just as easily be a sugar-bomb of artificial ingredients as it can be a magical elixir that’ll help you reach your health goals every morning. While I definitely won’t turn down the occasional coffee shop treat every once in a while, I want my daily beverage to be a bit more supportive and functional. So, with the hopes of making that happen, here are my top six picks for the best coffee creamer alternatives that are healthy and sure to brighten up your morning

feature image by kate thompson

MUD\WTR Creamer

The Price: $25 for 30 servings

The Story: Minimalist enthusiasts, MUD/WTR is the creamer for you. Just a few high-quality ingredients plus packaging that’s pleasing to the eye makes for an all-around enjoyable treat. But its pros don’t stop there. MUD/WTR is plant-based, vegan, sugar, and gluten-free, plus, it’s packed with energizing and brain-boosting MCT oil. Love the environment as much as you love your coffee? Good news: The bag is compostable and it’s shipped to you in a plastic-free, recyclable box.

The Taste: Mixing in a scoop to your morning coffee creates an undeniably creamy flavor that’s deliciously decadent.

MUD\WTR 30-Serving Creamer

Trust me: It’s even better than a latte made by your favorite barista.

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MUD\WTR 30-Serving Creamer, $25

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Laird Original Superfood Creamer

The Price: $18.95 for 16 ounces

The Story: If you’re looking for a creamer that’ll power you through whatever you bring into your day (be it a workout, jam-packed to-do list, or anything in between), this is the one you want to be adding to your coffee. Laird Superfoods is committed to helping everyone live a cleaner lifestyle by creating functional foods that nourish your mind and body. This best-selling pick is the perfect plant-based solution if you’re looking to step away from the traditional sugary options without having to sacrifice flavor. Sustainably produced without any artificial flavors or additives, you’ll feel confident you’re doing something good for yourself by sipping on this.

The Taste: While admittedly less indulgent than other picks, you still get a smooth, silky texture with just a touch of sweetness.

Laird Original Superfood Creamer

Works in smoothies and oatmeal, too. Your breakfast of champions awaits.

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Laird Original Superfood Creamer, $24.99

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Vital Proteins Collagen Creamer

The Price: $31 for a 10.3 ounce canister

The Story: Vital Proteins has amassed a cult following over the past few years for its success in bringing collagen into the zeitgeist. Wellness enthusiasts and the more casual healthy eaters among us can’t get enough of Vital Protein’s powders and creamers. Created to address the founder’s need for a product that would support his joint health, Vital Proteins has expanded its offerings to offer collagen-rich options that’ll strengthen your hair and brighten your skin. Choose this creamer and make upgrading your wellness routine as simple as portioning out a scoop, stirring into your coffee, and sipping away. 

The Taste: Choose from three flavors, mocha, coconut, or vanilla. While vanilla’s my favorite, I’ll admit that the coconut isn’t too coconut-y and the mocha is just sweet enough, so if those are more your style, by all means, dive in.

Vital Proteins Collagen Creamer

Worth the hype.

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Vital Proteins Collagen Creamer, $31

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Picnik Vanilla Oatmilk Adaptogen Creamer

The Price: $21.99 for a 2-pack

The Story: If you’re like me, you thrive on the rituals and routines that add structure to your every day. Of course, coffee is a part of that, and adding Picnik’s Oatmilk Creamer only amplifies the experience. Introducing adaptogens like lion’s mane, cordyceps, eleuthero, and ashwagandha into the mix supports increased focus and clarity (something the majority of us are begging for in the morning). Add to that a healthy dose of l-theanine for sustained, non-jittery energy, and you have everything you need to take on the day.

The Taste: Dreamy, creamy, and absolutely delicious—don’t sleep on this pick.

Picnik Vanilla Oatmilk Adaptogen Creamer

It’s fine if you’re sold on the packaging alone. This pick delivers.

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Picnik Vanilla Oatmilk Adaptogen Creamer, $21.99

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Primal Kitchen Collagen Fuel Protein Mix

The Price: $28.80 for 24 servings

The Story: There’s nothing that Primal Kitchen makes that I wouldn’t want to devour. Dips, sauces, dressings, marinades, and more than almost all boast a Whole30-approved label? I’m fully on board. This mix is made with 10 grams of collagen peptides for hair, skin, and nail support plus is paleo and keto-friendly. Basically, all boxes are checked.

The Taste: An abundance of health benefits wrapped up in a creamy coconut milk powder and a crowd-favorite vanilla flavor? I wouldn’t blame you if you find yourself making a second cup mid-morning.

Primal Kitchen Collagen Fuel Protein Mix

Healthy hair and stronger nails await.

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Primal Kitchen Collagen Fuel Protein Mix, $39.99

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Califia Farms Better Half Creamer

The Price: $20.94 for a 6-pack

The Story: The ingredients are simple and streamlined, and in all honesty, it’s probably the closest match to the half and half you’re looking to sub out. Plant-based, vegan, non-GMO, and without any sugar to boot, there’s really nothing stopping you from stocking up.

The Taste: This creamer is all about the flavor. Bringing together almond milk and coconut cream creates a rich but not overwhelming taste that blends beautifully with your morning cuppa.

Califia Farms Better Half Creamer

A popular supermarket staple for a reason. This pick makes plant-based sipping simple and delicious.

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Califia Farms Better Half Creamer, $20.94

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