In this post, we are going to share our ideas on how to spice up non-alcoholic drinks by adding maple syrup into them! We have tried a lot and now want to share the most delicious, bright and healthy beverages full of maple flavors.
Right at the beginning of spring, when everything is still covered with snow, the sugaring season comes to Vermont. Though it is pretty cold outside, for maple vendors it is the hottest time of the year because they start collecting and turning maple sap into the liquid Gold.
As a result, Pure Vermont Maple Syrup, the best what maple trees can share, is poured into differently shaped bottles and shipped all over the USA.
We know many traditional ways of using maple syrup and up to now believe there is no better breakfast than delicious pancakes with it. Nevertheless, have you ever considered using maple syrup in beverages? A wide world of warming and refreshing drinks enriched by this organic sweetener can really make the difference!
The list we are going to present is our Top 3 favorites of non-alcoholic beverages with maple syrup! Here, at Viking Farms, we really hope you would love them too.
1. Smoothie.
Maple syrup pairs great with all kinds of berries. Fresh or frozen it doesn’t matter if you have some, just whizz up with natural yogurt, banana or apples, add maple syrup and enjoy smoothie drinks!
Nevertheless, our choice today is the smoothie with super healthy ingredients, which not many people like – celery. In our fresh smoothie recipe you will hardly find its taste but receive all goodness celery contains!
So, to make our Green Smoothie you need:
- Celery (chopped) – 2 ribs (about 1,5-2 cups or 150 grams);
- 2 apples (chopped);
- 1 kiwi (cut);
- Lemon juice (fresh) – 2 tablespoon;
- Water – 1-2 cups;
- Viking Farms Maple Syrup – 1-2 tablespoon.
The steps for making it are easy – take 1 cup of water with all other ingredients and put them into a blender. Blitz until smooth adding more water if necessary. Take beautiful glasses, pour into and have a sip! Better to drink after breakfast.
2. Coffee.
The fresh cooked black coffee is a morning ritual many of us have to stick to wake up! The aroma and invigorating taste of this elixir can bring truly delightful moments we want to repeat.
Among many ways of having it, we love the one that doesn’t change the flavor of the drink but makes it brighter and more intense – Turkish style.
This type of coffee is very easy and quickly to make but the result is highly pleasant. Especially, if you flavor it with maple syrup. Pure maple imparts a smooth taste and thick aroma of the drink that makes it worth our Top 3.
So, to brew Turkish Coffee with maple syrup you will need the following materials and ingredients:
- Turkish Coffee Pot (called a cezve);
- Fine water;
- Ground coffee (the grounds need to be almost powdery in texture);
- Cardamom (eastern herbal spice);
- Maple syrup.
Brewing process: add the desired amount of water to the pot, heat it slowly until the water begins to heat up. Add one to two teaspoons of ground coffee (per 3 ounces of water) and a little cardamom. Do not stir and keep cooking on low heat.
Once the coffee begins to sink, stir it until you see the foam. Never let the water boils but keep heating it while stirring to create as much foam as possible. When there are bubbles begin to form (it means you are very close to boiling), remove the coffee from the heat, add a little of the syrup, cover with something and let it stand for 3 minutes.
Now the coffee is ready and it is just the right time to pour it over the cups. Another plus of this method is that the leftover grounds usually just settle at the bottom and don’t get into your cup.
The Turkish coffee brewing method is very old and used to be cooked on the hot sand. So when you have a sip you can feel the warmth of the desert and, at the same time, a distinctive taste of Vermont.
3. Fruit Punch.
The Fruit Punch is one of our favorite drinks to enjoy during hot summer days, barbeque or kids’ parties. The fresh citrus taste, bright cranberry color and a little sweetness of maple syrup is the best combination we can think of!
To mix this tasty punch you will need:
- orange juice – 1 cup;
- pineapple juice – 1 cup;
- cranberry juice – 1 cup;
- sparkling water – 1 cup;
- fresh lime juice – 1/4 cup;
- maple syrup – 1/4 cup.
You know that cooking any punch is easy, just combine all ingredients, stir well, add some ice and fruit. Voila! The Fruit Punch with maple syrup is ready!
All of our favorite non-alcoholic beverages with maple syrup is a great opportunity to drink something tasty and full of nutrients. In all of our recipes, it is important to use only pure maple syrup to save all flavor characteristics and health benefits.
We hope you will enjoy our Top 3 as much as we do and share your ideas on using maple syrup in everyday drinks!
