Tailgate parties are known for being fun, wild, and rowdy. That’s why it’s no surprise that beer is often the go-to beverage to enjoy before the big game. Most families pack a collection of snacks, a batch of burgers to cook on the grill, and a cooler full of beer to sip on before and after the game. But while beer has long been the reigning champion of tailgating beverages, this year there’s a new king in town: cold-pressed juice.
Not only is cold-pressed juice healthy and delicious, but it’s the perfect ingredient in any cocktail or mocktail recipe. Bold and refreshing, cold-pressed juice is the perfect thing to add a fresh twist to the tailgating experience.
What Is Cold-Pressed Juice?
Cold-pressed juice is a beverage made by crushing the juice out of fruits and vegetables using a hydraulic-powered press. Since it’s created without the use of heat, cold-pressed juice is much less processed than most other juices. The cold-pressed method prevents the killing off of vital enzymes and flavors, retaining the nutrients and flavor of fresh fruits and vegetables. Some cold-pressed juices do contain preservatives and added sugars, but the best ones are made from 100% organic fruits and vegetables–and nothing else.
Why Cold-Pressed Juice Is Tailgate-Ready
Tailgate parties are about a sense of community and a shared love of football, but beyond that, it’s about enjoying really delicious food and drink with loved ones. Many people don’t drink alcohol for a number of reasons, which makes cold-pressed juice a refreshing, alcohol-free alternative. For kids, it’s a better option than sugary sodas full of added sugar and preservatives. But even the pickiest eater will be able to find a flavor that’s perfect for their tastes.
Celebrity Chef George Duran has a lot of experience messing around with unique flavors to produce exciting new recipes. Outside of his work hosting TLC’s Ultimate Cake Off and his Food Network show Ham on the Street, Chef Duran has created several cocktail and mocktail recipes that incorporate cold-pressed juice in innovative ways. One of his tastiest recipes is his Wonder Melon Gin Fizz, a refreshing cocktail that combines cold-pressed melon juice and gin with the skill of a master chef. This cocktail is easy to follow and is the perfect thing to liven up any tailgate party:
Ingredients:
1 8.45 fl. oz. jar Wonder Melon Juice
2 oz. gin
1 oz. lemon juice
1 egg white
1 oz. seltzer
Directions:
Add ice into a large shaker and then add the rest of the ingredients.
Shake vigorously and strain into a chilled glass.
Serves 2
PHOTO CREDIT | Wonder Juice
The best part of cold-pressed juice is its endless number of combinations of fruits and vegetables. In his Wonder Melon Gin Fizz recipe, Chef Duran uses Wonder Juice, a brand of cold-pressed juice that relies on 100% organic fruits and vegetables free from artificial additives and added sugars. Those looking to branch out to new flavors can try out juices in the Wonder Melon, Wonder Lemon, and Wonder Beet brands. Wonder Beet Beet + Lemon + Ginger can be a great ingredient in a spicy-sweet cocktail, while Wonder Lemon Lemon Mint can be the perfect mocktail substitution for a hard lemonade.
Whether one is a drinker or abstains from alcohol, cold-pressed juice is a beverage that anyone can enjoy. Easy to mix into a cocktail/mocktail or enjoy all on its own, cold-pressed juice is healthy, refreshing, and packed with flavor. Before the next tailgate party, stock up on cold-pressed juice to impress guests with a drink that’s as delicious as
