This Is the Anti-Inflammatory Beverage I Drink When I’m Sick

In an iced glass, I pour in tart cherry juice and seltzer water—it can be plain, but I think lime flavored seltzer works great here. Then, for sweetness, I thin out a tablespoon of honey by mixing it with a tablespoon of hot water before adding it to the drink. Stirring all of this together makes for an easy drink with delicious nutritional benefits.

Tart cherry juice is a great source of antioxidants, which are important for your overall health but can also help reduce inflammation in the body. As someone that struggles with chronic inflammation, it’s really important to relieve my inflammatory symptoms, especially when, on top of that, I’m sick. One thing at a time, please!

Plus, staying hydrated is important when you’re under the weather, so when I feel like I’m starting to show signs of sickness, a refreshing drink like this alongside water throughout the day is really helpful in easing oncoming sinus pressure.

And because of its antioxidants (specifically polyphenols) and its source of magnesium, tart cherry juice can also help you sleep, which is something I personally have trouble with when I’m sick. So I recommend my concoction or our mocktail to be enjoyed in the evening for a pre-bed ritual.

Here is the recipe:

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons hot water
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 6 fresh sage leaves, plus more for garnish
• 1/2 cup pure tart cherry juice
• 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
• Ice
• 3/4 cup sparkling water
• Lime wedges for garnish (optional

Directions

1. Stir hot water and honey together in a cocktail shaker until the honey dissolves. Add sage; muddle with a muddler or the handle of a wooden spoon until the leaves are slightly bruised and fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add cherry juice and lime juice. Fill the shaker with ice; cover and shake until the outside frosts and the drink is chilled, about 15 seconds. Strain into 2 ice-filled rocks glasses; top with sparkling water. Garnish with sage leaves and/or lime wedges, if desired. Story by Danielle DeAngelis 

PHOTOGRAPHER: JENNIFER CAUSEY