Commons Café

Enjoy these vintage mocktails at your next holiday celebration (and beyond)! 🥂

1️⃣ Mint NA-lep | Inspired by a mint julep, fill a highball glass with a lot of ice and then add 3 parts ginger ale and 1 part mint simple syrup. Garnish with fresh mint!
2️⃣ No Tai | This mai tai inspired mocktail is 2 parts pineapple juice, 2 parts orange juice, and 1/2 part each grenadine and orgeat syrup. Mix this in a cocktail shaker with ice, then pour it into a glass with a lot of crushed ice. Garnish with a maraschino cherry and pineapple.
3️⃣ Not-So-Whiskey Sour | Steep assam tea and let it cool. Then, add 2 parts tea to 1 part lemon and 1 part simple syrup into a cocktail shaker. Add a dash of vanilla and an egg white and shake vigorously. Pour into a glass and garnish with a maraschino cherry and orange slice.
4️⃣ Apple Cidecar | Rim your glass with cinnamon sugar and set aside. Stir together 2 parts unfiltered apple juice, 1 part orange simple syrup, 1 part lemon juice, and 1/2 parts apple cider vinegar and orange bitters with ice until chilled. Then strain into your glass to remove any ice.

#Mocktails #NonAlcoholicDrinks #FestiveDrinks #Drinkstagram #CraftMocktails #Mixology ...

Chances are you have visited a holiday market at some point in your life, but have you heard of the storied and spirited history of them? 🎁 Either swipe through the carousel or read on below!

This now-global phenomenon likely traces its roots back to medieval Europe with roots in Germany in the late 13th century when Duke Albrecht I authorized a 14-day fair in the month of December.

Although scholars aren`t willing to proclaim the first Christmas market, Dresden Striezelmarkt and Nuremberg Christkindlesmarket have been operating annually since 1434 and 1628, respectively.

Consumerism changed the game for these markets, though. The popularity of the market in connection with Christmas rose in the 17th and 18th centuries, then fell in the 19th century, rising to popularity again in the 1960s and 70s, with some markets opening as early as November (sound familiar?).

Although the modern market is slightly romanticized compared to its actual roots, it has become a great way to support local artisans and makers and keep your spending local.

Plus, there is much joy to be had thanks to the feeling of community coupled with delightful scents and festive holiday foods!

#HolidayMarkets #ChristmasTradition #FestiveVibes ...

Is bone broth a miracle superfood to help keep you well ─ or just another crock of soup?

Bone broth, which differs from most traditional culinary stocks, is made by roasting bones (usually chicken, beef, or fish) then simmering them, sometimes with the meat attached, along with vegetables (typically carrots, celery, and onion) and herbs and spices for up to 24 hours before straining it.

What does the science say?
Bone broth claims to heal your gut, protect your joints, reduce stress, support your immune system, and more, but these claims are not well supported by research.

Bone broth may contain collagen and nutrients like calcium and magnesium, but these are not unique to this food and often vary from batch to batch.

What`s the takeaway?
🤧 Sipping some bone broth might be soothing when you`re sick, and there may be some effect on your immune function.
🍲 Bone broth is yummy and can be used in meals as a replacement for traditional stock.
❌ Be wary of the many grandiose and indefensible claims bone broth proponents make. It isn`t the cure-all for everything that ails you.

#BoneBroth #NutritionalScience #FoodFacts ...

Are adaptogens the mystical medicinal tonics that can naturally support your immune system and bust your stress? 👀

What are adaptogens? They have been used in Eastern Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine for centuries and are plant-derived compounds believed to help the body manage stress by balancing the stress response. They include maca, ginseng, rhodiola, ashwagandha, holy basil, and medicinal mushrooms known as lion`s mane and turkey tail.

Today, adaptogens are typically sold in capsules, powders, or liquid extracts and are often blended into coffee, tea, smoothies, or other beverages.

What does the science say?
👉 Short-term studies of commonly used varieties have shown some promise, but research in this area is still highly limited.
👉 Like herbal supplements, adaptogens are not well-regulated, and long-term side effects are largely unknown.
👉 Be aware of possible negative effects. Licorice root may increase blood pressure and ashwagandha and ginger are known to interact with some medications.

What`s the takeaway?
☑️ Check with your doctor before taking any adaptogens alongside your medications.
☑️ Skip the adaptogens (at least for now) and combat stress and improve your immune function by eating well, staying hydrated, exercising regularly, and getting adequate sleep.

#Adaptogens #ImmuneSupport #StressRelief ...

Herbal supplements make strong claims to "boost" your immunity, especially during cold and flu season. 🤧 But what does the science say?

Let`s clarify a few things first. There are two types of immunity:
1️⃣ Innate immunity is the immunity we are born with.
2️⃣ Adaptive immunity is the immunity that develops as our body is exposed to germs.

Anything that claims to boost immunity actually means that our body is being exposed to a "foreign invader" that imitates infections and causes our body to have an immune response. If that sounds oddly familiar, it`s because this is actually how a vaccine works to produce antigens against viruses!

Herbal supplements cannot boost immunity in a functional way, and FDA oversight of dietary supplements is much less stringent compared to other “foods”. This means many make it to the market without tests of their efficacy, and there isn`t even verification that the product you have purchased contains what it claims to.

What`s the takeaway?
👉 Herbal supplements are unlikely to support your immune system.
👉 Eating nutrient-rich foods such as fruits, vegetables, beans, nuts, fish, and whole grains can help support a healthy immune system.
👉 When paired with an active lifestyle, you can reduce comorbidity factors known to increase your risk for illness.

#HerbalSupplements #ImmunityBoost #HealthScience #ImmuneHealth ...