By: Hettie Basil Lighttower

So glad you all enjoyed the Tea Talk last week. I received this from one of my readers: “I’ve always considered the art of making and enjoying tea to be a very soothing ritual. The whole experience of it just has a special feeling.…… You’re making me want to get back into drinking tea like I used to. I’d always have a cabinet full of so many different types. Some people may not get what you’re talking about but I sure do!”
Another reader says, “A cup of tea with a friend is a loving bonding experience. Just to sit down and chat while both are holding a hot cup of tea is so relaxing and calming. And then as the conversation blossoms another cup of soothing heat on the hands, throat and heart just makes me happy.”
I personally have a friend of which sharing a cup of tea is one of her favorite things with a friend to do. I can always expect a sweet pleasure when I visit her. Crumpets may or may not be involved, but never necessary. The tea is just fine all on its own. Thanks for the feedback. I’m so glad the discussion warmed your heart and encouraged some of you to return to the simple pleasure of a hot cup of tea.
Recently I was introduced to a sparkling water flavor called mojito. I had never heard of it before. When Michael offered me a can of La Croix, which I love and am familiar with, I was not privy to this new flavor, mojito. LaCroix is a great alternative to soda pop. Which is another whole discussion of whether it is called soda or pop. Haha! This sparking water has zero calories, zero sugar, zero artificial color, zero artificial flavor but is flavored with essences.
And the way I understand it to be flavored by essence is a distilling process. Now, even though this drink is zero everything practically, it is carbonated and quite flavorful without all the weight of syrup or sugar. So, it is light and fresh and actually quenches your thirst. This flavor of mojito was now the focus of my curiosity.
If you are a drinker of rum or a person familiar with Caribbean recipes then you probably already know all about mojito. For those of you on the same journey as myself, I will describe it to you. Originally a flavor combination designed for an alcoholic beverage made with rum, this combination of lime, mint , crushed ice, a splash of soda water and a dash of sugar “mojito” is quite popular. Bartenders and “mixologists” tweak and twist these ingredients with their own flares and measurements. But the basic lime and mint is the nuts and bolts of the flavor.
La Croix of course only uses the lime and the mint part in their translation of mojito. Man is it delicious! I never would have thought to put these two flavors together. They have done a good job to evenly combine the two components which makes them quite equal and neither over-powers the other. I am now thinking that the next time I want to enjoy a cup of mint tea, I will add lime juice to it. I never use the already made lime or lemon juice. I will juice the lime myself. I am curious as to my preference: hot or cold tea? I will have to try both.
La Croix is not the only company that makes sparkling water. There are a few other newer companies available. However, I do not know if the others make this particular flavor. I do like the fact that La Croix uses the essence process to flavor instead of artificial flavoring. It is definitely a healthier alternative to pop or soda or soda pop for the upcoming feasts this time of year.
Some of the other flavors I have enjoyed from this company have been grapefruit, key lime, tangerine, hibiscus, limoncello, berry and razz-cranberry. They have many other new flavors that I haven’t seen in our local stores. Beach Plum is one that intrigues me and I hope to try it one day.
One thing I must include at the end of all this lovely discussion which may dismantle everything we have built upon in this discussion…… any carbonated drink is technically not good for your bones!
Sadly, the carbonation depletes the calcium in your bones. So, if you are a person at risk for osteoporosis or other situation where you are trying to strengthen your bones or are already low on calcium retention, think twice about drinking any carbonated beverage on a daily or regular basis.
When I was going through my cancer journey and learning about avoiding sugar I then learned of fabulous LaCroix flavors and fun. But then I also learned that the chemo weakens your bones and that includes your teeth, because it depletes the calcium. In my research about calcium and bones, I then discovered this about the carbonation in beverages.
Moderation is key to most everything. And don’t forget we have also talked about ways to retain calcium in your bones. So, make sure you are counteracting with good measures and keeping your bones strong and healthy! Happy Thanksgiving everyone. Talk to you next week~*
What are your thoughts about all this? Send in your notions and comments to [email protected]. Kindness is contagious~*