LYRA MAG.

A lcoholic liquids... the opposite of some of the new better for you  functional fluids hitting the market can be the perfect pairing of dress-upped, mixed drinks. Ideas on how to update the last decades fav Red Bull and Vodka-include  now 'cleaner' carbonated alternatives-plus fluids boasting health benefits. via GIPHY The new behind the bar staples??? Lifeway's slightly sparkling organic Elixir-fresh tasting-in fruity tangerine, elderberry, hibiscus and our fav, warm spicy ginger-delivers active culture probiotics. Served chilled -with clear alcohol-like gin or vodka-or 'straight up'- over ice ...naturally low in calories-and gluten/caffein free, vegan +kosher.  Apple Cider vinegar is the old/new remedy for human ailments-including diminishing detoxifying inflammation,  sore throats, help in weight loss, support heart health, improve blood sugar/insulin levels etc. That abrasive tartness though-on its own-or swoished in water-isn't for most. ...

ATHLETE-LIFESTYLE OPTIONS for DRINKING WELL The growing movement in food transparency (think natural sourced food coloring-vs artificial,  Vermont's GMO labeling law-causing household name companies-Kellogs, General Mills - to label correctly etc)...also applies to beverages. AND... The growing awareness of the obvs link between super-sized sugary drinks and obesity-diabetes...getting everyones attention---is  opening up hydration opportunities for functional ingredients loaded into beverages...to challenge the likes of Vitamin Water. Teas have been a medicinal fav for generations-and are found worldwide. Healing-beneficial properties from indigenous herbs and plants-steeped in water-tasty or not-now occupy American grocery store shelves -online options- way beyond the Lipton Tetley Snapple we grew up with. NEW: Brassica harnesses the super anti- oxidant-anti-inflammatory Glucorphanin which is found in abundance in raw broccoli and manages to deliver a meani...

Trends:   Bringing the Party: Pre-mixed Booze,  Indulgent Snacks- Real Ingredients, Craft Beer- Bourbon- Rum Flavors,  Holiday Packaging, Limited Edition Spices+Spiced,  NYC: Experiences are the preferred gifts-but that leaves a lot of leeway-as to what an 'experience' is---and holiday entertaining and foodie occasions are the first thing to signal it's that time of year again. Bottle of wine and expensive liquors-are  standard options for the holidays  ..but we noticed a new trend of pre-mixed, cleverly packaged alcohol options...to say 'cheers.' DEEP EDDY- fun retro packaging -hand crafted,  distilled from corn, authentically flavored vodkas made in Austin TX  how to mix it up DAILY's   Cocktails -creamy wine mixers--- a blend of alcohol and real dairy cream-which taste great...not icky sweet at all-reminded us of Black Russian-White Russian cocktails... interesting 'way' to mixup wine...actually works. 3 flavors...Sal...