Leafy greens like kale, spinach, and arugula are having a moment on meal plates all over the country. From brunch specials and bright salads to light lunches and dinner courses. But what about trying leafy green cocktail recipes?
Fresh greens are full of nutrition and rich, earthy flavors, making them a favorite. So why not give it a whirl? Buy the freshest local and organic leafy greens you can find, and then mix with fresh fruit juices and your favorite spirits for winning summer combinations that put a twist in cocktail hour. Each recipe makes one cocktail.
Sign up for the newsletter to find more easy and delicious cocktail recipes.
1. Kale-Cucumber Collins
Tom Collins is a classic gin highball cocktail, and this popular recipe gets a tweak in this clever combination with kale, cucumber, and fresh lime juice. You’ll need a juicer for this adventure.
Start by making 1 ounce of fresh kale juice (from ¼ pound of kale). In a shaker, muddle 3-4 thick slices of cucumber. Add 1 cup of ice, kale juice, 1 teaspoon of agave syrup, 2 teaspoons of fresh lime juice, and 1 ½ ounces of gin. Shake well, and then strain into a Tom Collins glass filled with ice. Fill to the brim with soda, and garnish with a slice of cucumber.
2. Arugula Mojito
Move over, mint. This refreshing mix harnesses the peppery punch of arugula for a lively version of the Cuban cocktail.
First, make your simple syrup with arugula. In a small non-toxic saucepan, combine 1 cup of granulated sugar and 1 cup of water. Set it to high heat and dissolve the sugar, stirring constantly. Bring the syrup to a rolling boil, add 1 cup of arugula. Reduce the heat to low, and simmer for 10 minutes. Let cool to room temperature and sit for at least one hour. Strain if desired. Now you’re ready to mix.
Fill your cocktail shaker with ice and add 1 ½ ounces of vodka, 2 teaspoons of fresh lime juice, and 1 teaspoon of arugula syrup. Strain into a cocktail glass filled with ice, and garnish with a slice of lime and a sprig of arugula.
3. Orange Arugula Margarita
Remember that arugula simple syrup? Use it to make another summer cocktail that’s perfect for an evening celebration.
In a blender, combine one cup of ice with 3 teaspoons arugula syrup, 1 teaspoon fresh lime juice, 2 teaspoons fresh orange juice, 1 ½ ounces of silver tequila, and ½ ounce of orange liqueur (like Triple Sec or Grand Marnier). Blend your little heart out, then pour into a chilled margarita glass, garnish with an orange wheel, and enjoy.
4. Spinach Cooler
Easy to make, this breezy frozen cocktail presents a pale green tinge with fruity island accents.
In a blender, combine 1 cup of ice, 1 handful of baby spinach leaves, 2 tablespoons of cream of coconut, 2 ounces of light rum, and ½ cup of fresh or frozen pineapple. Add more ice if needed. Pour into a chilled cocktail glass, and savor the sunshine.
Read More on Organic Authority
5 Green Juice Drinks with A Boozy Fix for a Cleansing Cocktail Hour
Coconut Water Drinks: 3 Recipes to Try [With or Without Alcohol]
5 Retro Cocktail Recipes to Make at Home
