Spiced Cider Mocktail

As we settle into fall and the holiday season, I start craving comfort from warm drinks and seasonal foods. Nothing says fall to me quite like apple cider so I created a special hot mocktail with spiced cider and a boost of brain power from WishGarden's Genius Juice formula. This is the perfect warm mocktail for the whole family as the adults can add in our regular Genius Juice while the kids can opt for Attention Ally Focus Friend — specially formulated for the needs of younger brains and bodies.

Not only is this mocktail delicious, but it also fills the whole house with the smell of spices that'll get everyone in the spirit of fall and the holidays. Of course, it also provides some great nutritional support with a focus on optimizing brain function.

While apple juice can be high in sugar content, the addition of mulling spices like Cinnamon and clove helps to slow the absorption of sugar into the bloodstream. Apple juice is packed with vitamins and plant compounds that support heart health and a healthy inflammatory response and is also rich in malic acid which supports the liver in its detoxification processes. Since liver congestion can be a contributing factor in brain fog and sluggish energy, this is another important strategy for creating better overall health.

Adding in a dose of our Genius Juice formulas is the perfect way to nourish the brain while creating an instant increase in energy and mental clarity. During this challenging back-to-school season, Genius Juice can give your whole family the boost they need to succeed at work and school, especially when you need to stay focused on a computer all day!

Genius Juice contains gotu kola, gingko, eleuthero, dandelion, Cinnamon and prickly ash

Gotu Kola is one of the world's best brain tonic herbs and in traditional Ayurvedic practices is taken as a daily tea. This formula also focuses on healthy circulation, balancing stress response and supporting the liver, providing a whole-body approach to increasing mental clarity and energy.

Attention Ally Focus Friend has milky oat tops, gotu kola, passionflower, skullcap, nettle and Cinnamon. The gotu kola is the key brain support while the rest of this formula provides nutrition and support for the nervous system. For kids, calming frazzled nerves is a key strategy in helping improve focus.

Spiced Cider Mocktail

Makes 4-5 servings

Ingredients:

• 1 32oz bottle organic, unfiltered apple juice
• 4 Tablespoons mulling spices (I used Davidson's)
• 6-8 pumps or 2-3 full dropperfuls Genius Juice*
• Cinnamon stick for garnish

Instructions:

1. Add apple juice and mulling spices to a sauce pot
2. Bring to a boil and then let simmer for 30 minutes
3. Strain out mulling spices and serve into mugs
4. Add dose of Genius Juice
5. Garnish with a Cinnamon stick (whipped cream would be a yummy addition too)

*If using Attention Ally Focus Friend, adjust amount according to age and sensitivity to herbs.

Enjoy this delicious warm beverage all fall and winter. This would also be a hit at a holiday party and, of course, no one would argue if you wanted to spice it up with a little rum or other spirit of choice.

Jamie McKeown has a BA in Film & Communications from the University of Michigan. She has studied holistic nutrition and natural healing for over 15 years and recently completed an herbalism certification at Green Wisdom Herbal Studies in Long Beach, CA. She is a holistic health coach and the Los Angeles Sales Rep & Educator for WishGarden.

For educational purposes only. This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease, or to sell any product.