Anyone who knows me and my husband knows that we love a good cocktail. I personally think that a delicious drink fits right in with a holistic lifestyle. The key is to use high-quality ingredients, savor it slowly and intensely, and not to overindulge!

This is a drink that I made a few weeks ago and have decided it’s my new holiday fave. It’s light, refreshing, easy to make and perfect to sip while wrapping presents or, even better, unwrapping them. I’ve aptly named it “The Happy Holiday” and hope it brings you some holiday cheer!

The Happy Holiday

4 ounces of sake

1 ounce fresh-squeezed lemon juice, preferably organic

1/2 tablespoon – 1 tablespoon maple syrup (depending on how sweet you like it)

1) Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice cubes.

2) Add sake and lemon juice.

3) In a separate bowl, mix the maple syrup with a dash of hot water to bring it to a more watery consistency (makes for easier mixing/dissolving with the other ingredients). Add maple syrup to the cocktail shaker.

4) Shake shaker vigorously, then pour into a martini glass. Garnish with slice of lemon peel or slice of lemon if desired. Alternatively, you can serve in a highball over ice.