All Hail, Kale!

Green Up Your Cocktails

Mixologists have been getting creative with ingredients and adding Superfoods (foods rich in nutrients beneficial to one’s health) to their cocktails. While nutritionists are quick to tell you that you shouldn’t rely on veggie cocktails for your nutrients, it’s unlikely that most folks think sipping a veggie cocktail is “health food.” But, if the cocktails you are already consuming include some healthy ingredients, it stands to reason that you are bound to absorb some nutrients, right?

One Superfood that mixologists have been experimenting with is kale. Why should you add kale to your diet? There are many reasons to consume this Superfood.

1. Kale has zero fat is low in calories and is very high in fiber.
2. Kale is high in many vitamins, including K (which protects against many cancers, helps bone health and blood clotting, and helps people suffering with Alzheimer’s Disease), A (for your vision, your skin, and to prevent lung and mouth cancers), and C (for your immune system, metabolism, and hydration).
3. Kale is high in iron (more than beef, per calorie) and calcium (more than milk, per calorie).
4. Kale is a major antioxidant.
5. Kale can lower your cholesterol.
6. Kale is a great anti-inflammatory (which helps with asthma, autoimmune disorders, and arthritis).
7. Kale is great for detoxifying the body.

Add some kale to your diet by mixing up one of these kale-inspired cocktails. We won’t promise any major health perks, but a well-made, tasty cocktail definitely can make you feel good!

Kale Cocktail

Courtesy of Jackson Holland

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 oz. Gin (gin with minimal juniper works best)
• 1/2 oz. Cynar (Italian Artichoke Liqueur)
• 1/4 oz. Fresh Squeezed Lime Juice
• 1/2 oz. Kale Syrup*
• 3-4 dashes Orange Bitters
• Smoked Salt and Pink Peppercorn Rim (recipe to follow)

Add all ingredients (except salt and pepper) to a large shaker. Add ice, shake and strain into coupe or martini glass.

Kale Syrup

• 2 cups Sugar
• 2 cups Water
• Kale Leaves (large handful)

Preparation: Boil water and stir sugar to dissolve, then remove from heat. Add large handful of kale leaves. Let steep 5 minutes. Add to blender or food processor. Blend thoroughly, then strain into a clean sealable container. Should last 1 week in fridge.

Smoked Salt and Pink Peppercorn Rim Using spice grinder or mortar and pestle, crush smoked sea salt and pink peppercorns to a very fine consistency. Use lime wedge to wet rim of glass and dip in the salt/pepper mixture.

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Kale Pineapple Basil Smash

Courtesy of Autumn Giles

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup Fresh Pineapple (peeled and cut in 1-inch chunks)
• 8 Basil Leaves, Divided
• 1 1/2 oz. Rye
• 1/4 oz. Fresh Kale Juice
• Basil Sprig and Pineapple Slice (for garnish)

Preparation: 
Muddle pineapple and 5 basil leaves in cocktail shaker until you’ve made a pulpy puree. Fill the cocktail shaker with ice, add rye and kale juice. Shake until well chilled, about 20 seconds. Place remaining 3 basil leaves in an old fashioned glass. Fill glass with ice, strain cocktail into glass, and garnish with basil sprig and pineapple slice. Serve immediately.

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Green Goddess Kale Cocktail

Courtesy of Sakara Life

Ingredients:

• 4 oz. Tequila
• 1 oz. Ginger Juice
• 1/2 cup Pineapple Juice
• 1/2 cup Kale Juice
• 1/2 Lime
• Ice (for shaking)
• Frozen Pomegranate Seeds (for garnish, if desired)

Preparation: In a cocktail shaker combine the ice, tequila, ginger juice, pineapple juice, kale juice, and lime. Shake until all ingredients are mixed together and drink is chilled from the ice. Strain and pour in your favorite glass, top with frozen pomegranate seeds and an extra squeeze of lime.

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Kalejito

Courtesy of Jennifer Iserloh


Ingredients:

• 2 tsp. Superfine Sugar
• 
4 oz. White Rum
• 1/2 cup Packed Torn Kale Leaves
• 1/2 cup Packed Mint Leaves (plus 2 sprigs for garnish)
• 
Juice of 2 Limes (about 1/4 cup)

Preparation: Combine all the ingredients in a blender and blend on high speed. Pour over 2 glasses filled with ice. Garnish with the mint sprigs and serve immediately.

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Kale Martini

Courtesy of Chalk Point Kitchen bartender William Bastian

Ingredients:

• Ice
Soda water
• 1 oz. Fresh Pressed Cucumber Juice
• 1/2 oz. Fresh Pressed Celery Juice
• 1 oz. Fresh Pressed Lime Juice
• 1/2 oz. Fresh Pressed Lemon Juice
• 1/2 oz. Fresh Pressed Kale Juice
• 1/2 oz. Ginger Beer
• 1 1/2 oz. Absolut Orient Apple Vodka

Preparation
: Put ice and soda water in a martini glass to chill. Set aside. Add ice to a shaker and pour all measured juices and ginger beer, one by one, over top. Add apple vodka and shake vigorously. Empty the martini glass and pour the contents of the shaker into the glass. Serve and enjoy.