Blueberry Focus Elixir

Today we are going to focus on blueberries and count the number of ways blueberries are beneficial to our health. Blueberries are high in antioxidants, fight cancer and boost brain health. I’m pairing the blueberries with violet leaves, which are almost as high in vitamin C as oranges and vitamin A as spinach! This elixir can be mixed with sparkling water or used in a blue Manhattan cocktail, recipe follows.

Blueberry Focus Elixir

Make the elixir – In a medium saucepan, bring the water to a boil. Remove from the heat and add the remaining ingredients. Cover and steep overnight. Strain and pour into a glass jar. Store in refrigerator. The elixir keeps for 1 month.

To make a blue Manhattan – 

2 oz Buffalo Trace bourbon

1 oz the Dolin red vermouth

2 oz blueberry elixir

1 tsp agave nectar

3 dashes of lemon bitters

Fill a cocktail shaker with ice and add bourbon, red vermouth, agave nectar, and elixir. Shake for 15 seconds. Strain into a Manhattan glass with 1 large square ice cube. Top with a few drops of bitters. Garnish with fresh blueberries.

makes about 1 quart

ELIXIR

  • 3¼ cups of filtered water
  • 12 oz frozen organic blueberries
  • 2 tbsp molasses
  • 2 tbsp American Oak extract
  • 2 tbsp violet tea leaves
  • 1 tbsp white tea leaves
  • 3 strips of lemon peel
  • a 1″ piece of fresh ginger, coarsely chopped
  • 1 tsp vanilla 
  • 5 cloves
  • 1 medium cinnamon stick