This refreshing herbal cranberry, raspberry and orange mocktail is made with a surprising secret ingredient – Ricola boiled sweets!
Come the heat of summer I quite often do not want a alcoholic drink and will settle for a iced refreshing mocktail instead. I am often surprised at just how bad the soft drink selection can be in some pubs and restaurants in the UK, sometimes you strike it lucky, but all too often the choice is limited to juice or sweet fizzy drinks, at a disproportionate price.
This lightly sparkling cranberry, raspberry and orange cooler has a surprising ingredient – Ricola Swiss herbal sweets!
I have rather a soft spot for Ricola; as they remind me of my past trips to the mountains of Switzerland. Firstly for ski trips, then summer holidays in the mountains near to Interlaken, where I walked through lush green alpine meadows filled with same the flowers and herbs as depicted on the packets. As much as I adore winter sports, I think that the mountains are equally beautiful in the summer, and I am well overdue a visit.
Ricola has been making their herbal sweets; each containing a secret blend of 13 mountain herbs, including peppermint, marshmallow, sage and thyme since 1940. There are now 10 flavours; complex, packed with taste and not too sweet. A very grown up sweet indeed.
To make this drink, simply put the sweets into a mug, then cover with boiling water and leave to dissolve. You need a little patience, but with time the Ricola will completely dissolve.
Cranberry, Raspberry and Orange Cooler
Ingredients
- 1 packet Ricola Tasty Cranberry Sweets - use fewer for a more delicate drink
- 1 mug boiling water
- 150 g punnet raspberries
- 1 orange - sliced
- handful fresh mint
- Fresh cranberries - optional
- 1 litre sparkling water
- Ice
Instructions
- Place the Ricola into a mug, and pour boiling water over. Set to one side and allow to dissolve.
- Once dissolved add the raspberries (reserve a few for garnish) and blitz in a blender. Strain into a jug through a sieve.
- Add the remainder of the raspberries, sliced orange, mint and fresh cranberries if using, stir, and put in the fridge for a few hours to infuse.
- When ready to serve top up the cranberry mixture with chilled sparkling water and plenty of ice.
If you like the idea of a cranberry drink you may also like my cranberry smoothie with peas!
Recipe for Cranberry, Raspberry and Orange Sparkling Cooler commissioned by Ricola. All opinions our own.
The Food Hunter
I never would have thought to do this…very clever.
Helen
It works so well with the Ricola as they are packed with herbs which give a lovely complex flavour.
Dannii @ Hungry Healthy Happy
I never would have thought to use boiled sweets like this, that is such a great idea. This looks really refreshing too.
Helen
I think you need to use the right sweet, but we really enjoyed these.
Kate @ Veggie Desserts
This sounds crazy/wonderful! What a great idea to use the lovely herbal flavours of Ricola sweets in a cocktail. Genius.
Helen
It works beautifully as Ricola is not too sweet and has such an interesting flavour profile.
Bintu | Recipes From A Pantry
Oh, the perfect drink for summer and all those barbeques I plan to host. PS have a huge box full of ricola sweets as I adore them.
Helen
I loved this one. I am so pro good soft drinks.
Uma
Looks so refreshing! Like the color and presentation!! Got some idea :)
Helen
I love this idea, going to make some more with the other flavours.
Heidi Roberts
That looks really refreshing – I would never have thought to use a Ricola to make a drink though!
Helen
It works remarkably well!
Helen @ family-friends-food.com
Sounds delicious and very refreshing. I love those sweets and the idea of a drinkable version is great!
Helen
So refreshing and you can make as strong, or delicate as you like.
Laura | Wandercooks
Wow what a delicious idea. It’s crazy how much sugar is in most soft drinks these days so it’s nice to be able to make something so delicious with your favourite sweets and natural flavours from the fruit. Can’t wait to try! :)
Helen
I know, I find them unbearably sweet. I love infused waters like these.