Mandarin Kumquat Spritzer

http://delightfulvegans.com/recipe/mandarin-kumquat-spritzer/

This Mandarin Kumquat Spritzer is a really great drink to quench your thirst. Perfect as the weather is getting warmer and we want nice fizzy drinks to revitalise and energise us - but without the refined sugar and preservatives!

I remember we had cumquats growing in our yard when I was younger, but we never used them - I thought they were just an ornamental tree! I got given some cumquats at the local organic farmers market a few days ago, and I thought they would be perfect in this spritzer drink!

Do you know what? This drink would team up perfectly with our Chickpea, Pumpkin and Dill Burgers!

I didn't realise that the humble little kumquat (such a weird name - don't you think?) is pretty much a super food! It is high in Vitamin C, E and A, and also contains iron, calcium, magnesium and zinc. It also has a range of health benefits, including relieving fatigue, immune system support and help with weight loss. Read more about these benefits here. The best way to eat it is whole - skin and all (check out this funny video I found on how to eat a kumquat!) - but I find them a little sour, so it was nice to use them in this refreshing Mandarin and Kumquat Spritzer!

If you don't have mandarins, freshly squeezed orange juice work work just as well! You could also substitute sparkling mineral water for soda water.

If you want even more delightful drink options - check out our Pear, Avocado and Rocket Green Smoothie, or for something a little warmer (and a little more decadent), try our White Chocolate and Cardamom Drink!

What you will need:

2 Juicy Mandarines (squeezed)
2 Kumquats (sliced)
1 tsp of Ginger (Sliced)
A few sprigs of Mint
Soda water

Muddle ginger, kumquats and mint in the bottom of a glass

Pour in mandarin juice and mix

Top with soda water

Add extra kumquats or mint as desired