Shanthi Appelö is a registered dietitian and health and wellness spokesperson for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan based in Detroit. Passionate about the science of nutrition and behavior, Shanthi has experience working in clinical nutrition, public health and teaching in the university setting. She earned her Master of Science in Public Health Nutrition from the University of Tennessee and has a research background in maternal and child health nutrition and public health, as well as a Certificate of Training in Obesity Interventions from the Commission on Dietetic Registration. In her free time, she enjoys experimenting in the kitchen, exploring the outdoors, working on art and spending time with family.
Three Non-Alcoholic St. Paddy’s Day Drinks
Spicy Green Mock-A-Rita
Serving Amount
Ingredients
1 blood orange, quartered
1 jalapeño, sliced, seeds removed if desired
4 large limes, juiced
6 tablespoon simple syrup
1 12-ounce. can lime-flavored sparkling water
Ice
Optional – 1 Tbsp. coarse salt for the rim, 1 drop green food coloring
Instructions
Step 1
If a salt rim is desired, rub some lime juice along the rim and dip in coarse salt
Step 2
In a glass, add a few jalapeño slices and press down with a muddler or spoon. Leave the jalapeño slices in there if you desire a spicier aftermath. Add ice, squeeze a quarter wedge of blood orange and 1 lime. Add 1 ½ tablespoons of simple syrup and stir well. Adjust sweetness if desired. Top with lime sparkling water. Stir in 1 drop of green food coloring if desired. Cheers!
Cucumber Lime Agua Fresca
Serving Amount
Ingredients
5 English cucumbers ends trimmed, chopped, reserve a few slices for garnish
1⁄3 cup fresh lime juice
1⁄2 cup mint leaves
1⁄3 cup sugar
11⁄2 cup filtered water
Ice
Instructions
Step 1
Add all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.
Step 2
Pour contents over a fine mesh sieve over a bowl and pour the blender contents through. Press using a spoon or spatula to ensure as much liquid as possible is pushed through. Taste and adjust sugar according to taste. Serve sieved liquid divided among 4 ice-filled glasses. Garnish with mint and a cucumber slice. Cheers!
Kiwi Coconut Refresher
Serving Amount
Ingredients
6 kiwi fruit peeled and roughly diced, plus 1 kiwi sliced for garnish
1 cup coconut water
2 12-ounce cans pineapple sparkling water
1⁄3 cup agave nectar or sugar to taste (more or less depending on the sweetness of the kiwi)
Ice
Instructions
Step 1
Place kiwi and lime juice in a blender and blend until smooth.
Step 2
Divide mixture among 4 ice-filled glasses and top with pineapple sparkling water. Garnish with a kiwi slice. Cheers!
