Strawberry Balsamic Soda

We are always looking for healthier ways to enjoy the foods and drinks we love so much. Whether it be a healthier version of pizza (maybe that's just me)...or in this case, a better alternative to the beverage I find myself craving daily, soda. 

Did you know soda is the second most consumed beverage in the U.S. next to water? And yet not many people know just how bad soda actually is for you. Check out these 8 ways soda negatively effects your health. But we're not here to tell you how bad soda is, we're here to give you healthier alternative without all the sugar or sugary-like chemicals.

Discovered almost completely out of sheer experimentation, this recipe happened upon us at work. Myself, who was/is trying to drink more water, needed something different. Something to drink that wasn't the 1 gallon of water I've been trying to chug down every day.

Enter my vegetarian, absolutely no soda allowed, work-mates.

They were bound and determined to help me get on the right track. With my problem in mind, they told me to try club soda. For me the seltzer-water was still just too bland. I needed flavor. But how to add flavor that isn't riddled with behind-the-curtain chemicals and sugars?

Discover the incredible health benefits of Balsamic vinegar!

"What if we add our Strawberry Balsamic Reduction to the club soda?" we speculated. So, a couple teaspoons of Strawberry Balsamic Reduction later and we had ourselves an refreshing, MUCH healthier carbonated drink that will forever replace commercial soda for me.

Check out the recipe at the bottom and give it a try at home!

Strawberry Balsamic Soda

WHAT YOU'LL NEED:

Club Soda
2 teaspoons Strawberry Balsamic Reduction
2 sprigs Mint leaves 
2 Strawberries, sliced in half

METHOD:

Place 3 mint leaves and half of a strawberry into a sturdy glass. Use a muddler to crush the mint and strawberry to release the mint oils and strawberry juice. Pour club soda into your glass.  Mix in the Strawberry Balsamic Reduction and stir. Garnish with a strawberry and mint leaves. Enjoy!

What do you think...will you give this a try? Let us know in the comments below!