Hola amigos, it’s Oscar here, your Peruvian culinary wizard! Today’s recipe is one that will make your taste buds sing and your eyes dance with delight. I am talking about the Vegetal Garden of Delights Cocktail – a drink as refreshing and healthy as it is tasty. With a mix of fresh veggies and fruits bursting with color and flavor, this cocktail is the perfect summertime drink for any occasion. So, let’s get started on this intriguing cocktail adventure!
Oscar Rivera was born and raised in a small village in the mountains of Peru, where his family owned a small farm. After moving to the city to study anthropology, he became fascinated with cuisines from around the world and began experimenting with his own recipes. He now lives in a bustling urban area and works as a freelance photographer.
Oscar Rivera currently resides in the United States and grew up in Peru.
I come from a small town in the Peruvian Andes, where fresh produce and herbs are staples of everyday cuisine. Growing up, I learned how to cook from my mother and grandmother, who used ingredients from our own farm to make traditional Peruvian dishes. I later moved to Lima to study anthropology, and that’s where my passion for global culinary adventures took root. Over the years, I have traveled the world, trying new foods and experimenting with exotic blends of spices and herbs. Now, I’m eager to share my culinary creations with you!
The Vegetal Garden of Delights Cocktail is a recipe that I discovered during one of my travels to South America. I was in Colombia, wandering the streets of Cartagena when I stumbled upon a vibrant little bar that was just bursting with energy. The bartenders were busy mixing up colorful cocktails, and I had to try them all! That’s when I tasted this unforgettable mix of veggies, fruits, and spices. I asked the bartender for the recipe, and he was kind enough to let me peek over his shoulder as he made it. I made a few adjustments along the way and came up with this winning recipe that I’m excited to share with you all today. So, grab your shakers and let’s get to mixing, my fellow cocktail lovers!
What you need
This Vegetal Garden of Delights Cocktail is a healthy and refreshing drink that you will feel good about indulging in! With a colorful mix of fresh fruits and veggies such as grated carrots, diced cucumber, diced red bell pepper, and pineapple chunks, this cocktail is a feast for both your eyes and tastebuds. The addition of fragrant grated ginger and tangy lime juice add a great spicy twist and acidity to the drink. Super easy to make, you just need to muddle the ginger, add the chopped veggies and fruits, lime, ice cubes, and shake vigorously. The result is a sparkling, fruity, and lightly herbaceous cocktail that is perfect for summertime and any occasion. Don’t hesitate to give it a try!
Ingredients:
- Carrots – Grated carrots add a touch of sweetness to the cocktail and also provide a great texture. Any other sweet root vegetable, such as sweet potato, could be used as a substitution.
- Cucumber – Cucumber brings a refreshing element to the cocktail, and is perfect for hot summer days. If you don’t have cucumber, zucchini or celery can be used instead.
- Red Bell Pepper – Red bell pepper not only adds a bold color to the cocktail, but also a bright flavor that complements the sweetness of the carrots. Yellow or orange bell pepper could be used as a substitution.
- Pineapple – Sweet and tangy, pineapple is the perfect fruit to add sweetness to the cocktail. Mango or papaya could easily replace the pineapple if desired.
- Ginger – Ginger adds a little bit of heat to the cocktail which is balanced by sweetness of the other ingredients. Ground ginger could be used as a substitution, but fresh is highly recommended.
- Lime Juice – Lime juice adds the perfect amount of acidity to balance the sweetness of the other ingredients. Lemon juice could easily be used instead of lime.
- Club Soda – Club soda is essential to provide the drink with the necessary bubble and sparkle. Sparkling water could be used in its place.
- Ice Cubes – Ice cubes are necessary to keep the drink chilled and refreshing.
Utensils:
- Grater
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Cocktail shaker
- Muddler – If you don’t have a muddler, the back of a wooden spoon can be used instead.
- Jigger or measuring spoons
- Highball glasses
- Ice bucket
Ginger: My favorite spice
I absolutely love ginger and I think it’s the perfect addition to this cocktail. Not only does it add a little bit of heat, but it also has a host of health benefits. Ginger has been used for centuries to help with digestion and nausea, and has anti-inflammatory properties. Plus, the aroma of ginger is so pleasant and soothing. If you’re not a fan of ginger, you can use ground ginger instead, but I highly recommend using fresh ginger to get the full flavor and health benefits.
Rediscovering the Red Bell Pepper
I used to think of red bell peppers as boring vegetables that were best used as a colorful addition to a salad. But in this recipe, the red bell pepper really shines. It brings a bright flavor and bold color to the cocktail, which makes it a beautiful and refreshing drink. I also learned that red bell peppers are very nutritious, and have a lot of vitamin C and antioxidants. So now I’m always looking for ways to incorporate red bell peppers into my recipes. If you’re not a fan of red bell peppers, you can use yellow or orange bell peppers instead, or even roasted tomatoes for a different flavor.
What to serve it with?
For me, the Vegetal Garden of Delights Cocktail is a versatile drink that can be paired with a variety of dishes. One of my favorite options is to serve it with a light meal such as grilled fish tacos or a summer salad with avocado and quinoa. The combination of fresh, healthy ingredients in the cocktail complements the flavors and textures of the dishes perfectly, adding a refreshing touch to any meal. The cocktail also makes a great addition to any summer get-together or party. I love nothing more than sharing my love of food and drink with family and friends, and this cocktail always wows everyone with its unique blend of flavors and colors. So, whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just enjoying a quiet meal on your own, the Vegetal Garden of Delights Cocktail is the perfect accompaniment.
Summary
I hope you enjoyed this delightful Vegetal Garden of Delights Cocktail as much as I do! It’s a light, refreshing, and healthy drink that is perfect for any occasion. What do you think about using fresh veggies in cocktails? Have you tried any other unique drink recipes that combine fruits and vegetables in unconventional ways? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below! And if you make this cocktail yourself, don’t forget to snap a picture of your creation and tag me on social media. I’m always on the lookout for new inspiration and delicious recipes to try. Until next time, ¡Buen provecho, amigos!
Here’s the recipe:
Vegetal Garden of Delights Non-Alcoholic Cocktail
Equipment
- grater
- Knife
- cutting board
- Cocktail Shaker
- Muddler
- Jigger or measuring spoons
- Highball glasses
- Ice Bucket
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup Carrots
- 1/2 cup Cucumber
- 1/2 cup Red Bell Pepper
- 1/2 cup Pineapple
- 1 tsp grated Ginger
- 2 tbsp Lime Juice
- 1/4 cup Club Soda
- 1 cup Ice Cubes
Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables and Fruits - Grate the carrots and dice the cucumber and red bell pepper into small cubes. Cut the pineapple into small chunks or use canned pineapple. Grate fresh ginger using a fine grater. Juice the lime. - Make sure the vegetables and fruits are cut into small cubes or grated, so they blend well in the cocktail.
- Muddle the Ginger - Add the grated ginger to the cocktail shaker and muddle it until it's well crushed. - Use the back of a wooden spoon if you don't have a muddler.
- Add Vegetables and Fruits to Shaker - Add the grated carrots, diced cucumber, diced red bell pepper, and pineapple chunks to the shaker. - Make sure to add enough fruits and vegetables to get the desired yield for the cocktail.
- Add Lime Juice and Ice Cubes - Pour the lime juice over the fruits and vegetables in the shaker. Add the ice cubes on top. - Use freshly squeezed lime juice for the best flavor. It's important to add enough ice cubes to keep the cocktail chilled.
- Shake It Up - Close the shaker and shake vigorously for about 10 seconds. - Hold the lid down firmly to prevent spilling.
- Serve and Enjoy - Add 1/8 cup of club soda to each of your two highball glasses. Then, pour the cocktail mixture over the club soda. Give it a little stir and top with more ice cubes if needed. Enjoy your Vegetal Garden of Delights Cocktail! - You can garnish the cocktail with a slice of cucumber or a sprig of mint, if desired.
