This vegan chicken sandwich features a delicious combination of vegan chicken strips made with marinated oyster mushrooms, tikka masala sauce, and fresh greens. It is a quick, easy, and healthy meal that is perfect for lunch or dinner. It is not easy t…
This vegan chicken sandwich features a delicious combination of vegan chicken strips made with marinated oyster mushrooms, tikka masala sauce, and fresh greens. It is a quick, easy, and healthy meal that is perfect for lunch or dinner. It is not easy to find a vegan sandwich that is both healthy and delicious. But with...
This moist, decadent vegan chocolate cake is the perfect ending to any dinner night! Made 100% from scratch and topped with a rich yet light chocolate whipped cream, it requires just one bowl for the batter and one for the frosting. If you love chocola…
This moist, decadent vegan chocolate cake is the perfect ending to any dinner night! Made 100% from scratch and topped with a rich yet light chocolate whipped cream, it requires just one bowl for the batter and one for the frosting. If you love chocolate as much as I do, your mouth will certainly water...
Bechamel sauce is incredibly easy to make using three pantry staple ingredients and is a recipe every home cook should know. You can use it for a variety of dishes like lasagna and even mac and cheese. Bechamel sauce may sound intimidating to make, but…
Bechamel sauce is incredibly easy to make using three pantry staple ingredients and is a recipe every home cook should know. You can use it for a variety of dishes like lasagna and even mac and cheese. Bechamel sauce may sound intimidating to make, but it is far from it. This white sauce requires only...
This simple Thai-inspired Green Curry Noodle recipe uses a creamy coconut sauce with tofu, Thai green curry paste, and vegetables. It’s vegan, gluten-free and anti-inflammatory. Thai Green Curry Noodles These vegan Green Curry Noodle Bowls are so…
This simple Thai-inspired Green Curry Noodle recipe uses a creamy coconut sauce with tofu, Thai green curry paste, and vegetables. It’s vegan, gluten-free and anti-inflammatory. Thai Green Curry Noodles These vegan Green Curry Noodle Bowls are so good and comforting. This dish is perfect for any anti-inflammatory diet since it’s high in protein, gluten-free, and […]
This Moroccan Butternut Squash Stew is packed with tender butternut squash, protein-packed chickpeas, and Moroccan-inspired spices. It’s a little bit savory, a little bit sweet, and a whole lot of delicious. I’ve always been a sucker for butternut squa…
This Moroccan Butternut Squash Stew is packed with tender butternut squash, protein-packed chickpeas, and Moroccan-inspired spices. It's a little bit savory, a little bit sweet, and a whole lot of delicious. I've always been a sucker for butternut squash. I mean... what's not to love? It's a hearty veggie that makes a great base for...
These ultimate vegan eggplant recipes taste great, are easy to make, and absolutely family-friendly. I have curated a list of the 40+ vegan eggplant dishes that will win you over. Eggplant is such a versatile ingredient to have around. I show you how m…
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Craving a fun gin drink but short on time? Here’s how to craft simple gin cocktails with just a few…
Craving a fun gin drink but short on time? Here’s how to craft simple gin cocktails with just a few ingredients and minimal effort.
Sometimes you’ve got time to mix up some fun cocktails, but other times you want something that’s quick and easy. If you’ve got a bottle of gin on hand, here are our top simple gin cocktails that are easy to throw together.
What’s a simple gin cocktail?
How do we define simple here? We’ve got a whole list of our best gin cocktails that includes all the classics. This collection is a sub-set of gin cocktails that take 5 minutes and are made with only a few ingredients and no fancy techniques. Many of them you can build right in the glass, so you don’t even need to dirty a cocktail shaker!
There’s everything from two-ingredient gin cocktails to simple bubbly highballs. Here’s what to mix with gin (tonic water and beyond!) to make an easy, breezy drink to enjoy. Alex and I have made these recipes multiple times, and we love every one of them! Some top favorites are the Gin Rickey, Gin Gin Mule, and Salty Dog.
The Gin Rickey is one of the best simple gin cocktails there is! Gin, soda water, and lime make the best bubbly, refreshing highball drink: and you can built it right in the glass.
It’s minty, it’s bubbly, it’s refreshing: meet the simple Gin Gin Mule! Considered a modern classic cocktail, it’s a mashup of the mule and minty Mojito. You’ve got the bubbly ginger beer and lime of a mule, balanced by fresh mint.
Here's another fun simple gin cocktail: the Salty Dog! It's got a fun name and a beautiful pale pink color, pairing gin and grapefruit juice with simple syrup. It’s tangy and refreshing.
What’s a more classic simple gin cocktail than THE gin and tonic? Its crisp, botanical flavor is straightforward but intriguing: quite a feat using only 2 ingredients! It’s no wonder that this is one of the world’s popular simple cocktails.
Need an easy 2 ingredient cocktail idea with gin? Try this Gin and Lemonade! It might sound overly simple, but gin and lemon are a natural cocktail pairing featured in many classic drinks.
Here’s a classic cocktail that is super refreshing and takes only 3 ingredients and 5 minutes to whip up! Not only is it simple to make, it’s the perfect balance of sweet and tart with the botanical flavor of gin.
Looking for a fast and simple gin cocktail? Try Gin and Soda! Adding club soda to gin lets you enjoy the botanical intrigue of the flavor: and it takes no time at all to mix up.
Here’s a fun simple gin cocktail you can build right in the glass: the Finnish Long Drink! This concoction of gin and usually grapefruit soda was invented in Finland in the 1950’s. It’s now becoming available canned in the US: but why not make it homemade?
This gin cocktail's got a unique name and a beautiful pale pink color! Just grapefruit juice and gin make one tangy and refreshing cocktail! It's perfect as a brunch drink or for happy hour.
Best types of gin
The general rule around gin cocktails: the better the gin, the better the drink. Don’t buy the cheapest gin you can find. Try to invest in a mid-price range gin: the drink will only taste as good as the gin you invest in! Here are a few notes:
Malfy, Aviation, Beefeater London Dry have a developed, botanical flavor that blends well in cocktails.
Locally distilled ginis a great option! In Indianapolis, we like 8th Day Distillery, Hotel Tango, and Big Heart Gin.
Steer clear of strong flavored sipping gins in cocktails. For us this includes brands like Tanqueray gin (very floral) and Opihr gin (spice-forward). These types of gin can overpower the subtlety in many mixed drinks.
More gin cocktails
Looking for more gin cocktail ideas? We’ve got recipes for every season! Here are a few of our top ideas:
Here are all the top winter gin cocktails for when the weather is chilly! Winter citrus, honey, and warm liqueurs…
Frequently asked questions
What kind of gin should I use for these cocktails?
Malfy, Aviation, and Beefeater London Dry is a versatile choice for most simple cocktails. However, you can explore other styles like juniper-forward gins or citrusy gins depending on your taste preference.
Do I need fancy ingredients for these cocktails?
Not at all! Most recipes use readily available ingredients like citrus juice, tonic water, and simple syrup.
Can I make these cocktails without a shaker?
Absolutely! Many of the recipes, like the Gin and Tonic, Gin Rickey, and Gin and Lemonade can be built directly in the glass. For drinks requiring mixing, a mason jar or even a tightly sealed mug can work in a pinch.
How can I add a personal touch to these simple cocktails?
Experiment with different garnishes! Fresh herbs like mint, rosemary, or thyme can add a touch of elegance. You can also use slices of cucumber, orange, or lemon for a pop of color and flavor.
Cool down with a refreshing Hugo Spritz! This bubbly cocktail mixes elderflower liqueur, sparkling wine, and fresh mint for a…
Cool down with a refreshing Hugo Spritz! This bubbly cocktail mixes elderflower liqueur, sparkling wine, and fresh mint for a light and flavorful summer drink that’s easy to make at home.
This cocktail might be the literal definition of refreshing. If you love bubbly spritzes, run don’t walk to try the Hugo Spritz cocktail! This Italian cocktail is a spin-off on the Aperol spritz and even better, in our opinion.
Why we love this recipe: A Hugo Spritz is made with delicate floral elderflower liqueur and bubbly Prosecco, which compliment each other perfectly. The bubbly combination transports you right to Northern Italy, where this cocktail was born and is popular to this day! It’s nuanced and lightly sweet, compared to the bold sweetness of an Aperol spritz.
What’s a Hugo Spritz?
The Hugo cocktail is a spritz cocktail made with Prosecco, elderflower syrup, and soda water. The drink was invented in 2005 by Roland Gruber in Northern Italy (the South Tyrol region just south of Austria). He created the drink as an alternative to the classic Aperol spritz, and it quickly spread across the country and into Europe.
Hugo Spritz ingredients
The Hugo Spritz cocktail is light and floral, accented with the delicate bubbles of Prosecco. Where the Aperol spritz is sweet and citrusy, this spin is sophisticated and even more refreshing. The original Hugo Spritz used elderflower syrup. Here in the US it’s easier to find a bottle of St Germain elderflower liqueur, so it’s a natural substitute. Here’s are the ingredients you need:
St-Germain liqueur: St-Germain is a liqueur made with elderflower, known for its floral flavor.
Prosecco: This Italian sparkling white wine is from the Veneto region, with a delicate flavor and light bubbles. You can use any type of champagne if desired.
Soda water: Use club soda or unflavored sparkling water (we use our SodaStream to make it at home). Avoid tonic water here, since it is flavored with quinine and lightly sweetened.
Fresh mint: Fresh mint as a garnish is what makes it a Hugo Spritz.
Tip: A 750 ml bottle of Prosecco is 25 ounces, enough for 8 drinks. If you’re making 2 drinks, a mini bottle is perfect—it holds 187 mL or about 6 ounces!
How to make a Hugo Spritz cocktail
The Hugo cocktail is so easy to make: you don’t even have to dirty a cocktail shaker! The spritz family of drinks is fantastic because you simply pour the ingredients into a glass.
The Hugo spritz is easy to make, and you can build the drink it right in the glass. This makes it a great choice for entertaining, especially as a summer cocktail. Here are the basic steps (or jump to the full recipe):
Step 1: Add St-Germain to a glass filled with ice and stir. Top with sparkling wine.
Step 2: Add soda water. Garnish with fresh mint and serve.
More about St-Germain
The key to this Hugo spritz cocktail is the elderflower liqueur, which infuses a delicate floral flavor throughout the drink. St-Germain is one of our favorite unique liquors to stock. Here’s a bit more about it:
St-Germain is a liqueur that’s made with elderflowers, the small white flowers of an elderberry plant. The flavor is light, sweetly floral, and fragrant.
How do you say St Germain? The name is French, so say “Sahn-jer-MAHN” with your best French accent.
Fun fact: it’s relatively new to the scene. Get this: St Germain was invented in 2007! The vintage-looking bottle makes it seem like it has hundreds of years of history, but it’s a newcomer. (Here’s the story behind it.)
Traditionally a Hugo spritz cocktail uses Prosecco, the Italian version of champagne. But you can use any type of sparkling wine you like! Make sure it is “Brut,” which means that it is dry. Here’s a breakdown of the major types of sparkling wine including Prosecco vs Champagne:
Prosecco: Italian sparkling wine. It’s a slightly sweeter than champagne and has lighter bubbles. It’s fruity and flowery, with notes of apple, pear and lemon.
Champagne: French sparkling wine. It tastes bubbly and fruity, with undertones of almond and orange. It’s typically the most expensive sparkling wine.
Cava: Spanish sparkling wine. It has more citrus notes, and is a little more savory and less fruity.
More spritz recipes
There are lots of members of the spritz family! The Aperol spritz is the most popular, but try these other types of spritz recipes to enjoy bubbly drinks all season long:
Try the famous and undeniably delicious Aperol Spritz
What’s the difference between a Hugo Spritz and an Aperol Spritz?
Both are refreshing spritzes, but Aperol Spritz uses a bitter orange liqueur, while Hugo Spritz features the floral and delicate elderflower liqueur (like St-Germain).
I don’t have elderflower liqueur. What can I use instead?
St-Germain is the classic choice, but you can substitute with another elderflower liqueur or elderflower syrup. Elderflower is key the flavor here.
How can I customize my Hugo Spritz?
Get creative! Try adding muddled berries, a squeeze of citrus, or a sprig of rosemary for a unique twist.
Cool down with a refreshing Hugo Spritz! This bubbly cocktail mixes elderflower liqueur, sparkling wine, and fresh mint for a light and flavorful summer drink that’s easy to make at home.
Ingredients
1 ounces (2 tablespoons) St Germain liqueur (chilled if possible)
3 ounces (6 tablespoons) Prosecco or other sparkling wine, chilled
Try these delicious and healthy Mediterranean diet desserts! From refreshing fruit variations to whole food spins on classics, find the…
Try these delicious and healthy Mediterranean diet desserts! From refreshing fruit variations to whole food spins on classics, find the perfect way to end your meal.
Eating the Mediterranean diet and want a treat to end your meal? This way of eating has been called one of the healthiest in the world. As you might guess with this lifestyle—all treats are acceptable in moderation! But there are a few fun ways to incorporate the principles behind this diet into sweet treats, too.
Here at A Couple Cooks, we’ve been eating this way for over a decade and we’ve never felt better! Here are our top 50 Mediterranean Diet Recipes of all time. You’ll notice there aren’t a ton of desserts in that post, so we’ve rounded up all of our favorites that fit into this way of eating!
What’s the Mediterranean diet?
The Mediterranean diet has been called one of the best diets in the world, according to US News and World Report. This way of eating and living derives from the countries that border the Mediterranean Sea, like Italy and Greece. It’s not a strict diet, but more a set of guidelines. Here’s how the Mayo Clinic defines the Mediterranean diet:
Daily consumption of vegetables, fruits, whole grains and healthy fats (like olive oil)
Weekly consumption of fish, poultry, legumes (beans & lentils), and eggs
Moderate portions of dairy products
Limited intake of red meat and added sugar
A study by The American Journal of Medicine found that “the Mediterranean diet is arguably the best-studied and most evidence-based diet to prevent not only cardiovascular disease, but also other chronic diseases, as it has become the standard for healthy eating.”
Let’s see what Mediterranean diet desserts look like
Balance and moderation are key when it comes to treats in the Mediterranean diet. Eating any type of treat in moderation is okay, from fruit desserts to chocolate desserts. There’s nothing really “healthy” about eating a healthy dessert, no matter how you try to spin it.
Trying to limit your intake of added sugar is what is important on the Mediterranean diet. But if you want to eat a Mediterranean diet dessert that fits into that way of eating, try to prioritize whole grains (like oats), fruits and vegetables, and nuts and seeds. Per the Cleveland Clinic, here is what desserts on the Mediterranean diet should look like:
The lifestyle is really what’s important when it comes to the Mediterranean diet. This eating philosophy originated based on the longevity of people in the Mediterranean, and researchers noticed there were factors beyond food that contributed to overall health. One key when it comes to added sugars is eating treats in moderation.
It’s also important to also stay active and exercise regularly, avoid smoking, reduce the amount of stress in your lifestyle, and be invested and engaged in your community. Keep this in mind as you browse these recipes!
These chewy, rich, fudgy chocolate brownies star olive oil and peanut butter! This is an ideal Mediterranean diet dessert by baking up a treat with olive oil and peanut butter instead of the traditional butter. There's just a small amount of flour (use almond flour for gluten-free). A fan favorite!
Here's a fun Mediterranean diet dessert using frozen yogurt as the base. Mix Greek yogurt with a little honey and vanilla, then sprinkle with toppings of your choice: fruit, granola, chocolate chips, and nuts. Freeze it up and break it into pieces, and each bite is creamy and refreshing.
This fruity ice cream requires no ice cream maker and just one ingredient! When you’ve got ripe bananas, this is one of the best ways to use them! It’s a fun recipe that tastes like a treat: just pure bananas with no added sugar.
These energy bites taste like dessert, but they’re a simple combination of peanut butter, oats and honey. There’s a bit of dark chocolate thrown in too, which works on the Mediterranean diet! This homemade treat is extraordinarily delicious and perfect for a small sweet treat after a meal.
Here’s a simple Mediterranean diet dessert that’s easy but impressive: Strawberry Sorbet! The flavor is like taking a bite of 100 strawberries at once: sweet, pure, and tangy. The frosty texture is like an Italian strawberry gelato: cold and creamy, with just the right robust vibrancy to each bite. For a natural sweetener, use maple syrup instead of sugar.
This dark chocolate pudding is a simple Mediterranean diet dessert made with Greek yogurt, dark cocoa powder, and maple syrup. You get the protein and probiotics of yogurt while getting your chocolate fix. Even better, you can make it in 2 minutes! Or, try Vegan Chocolate Pudding for a plant-based option.
Here’s a fun Mediterranean diet dessert that's ultra delicious: Chocolate Covered Bananas! The crunch of a crisp dark chocolate coating around an icy banana makes magic. It gives you a healthy treat in the freezer anytime a chocolate craving hits.
Here’s a dessert that’s fast, easy, massively flavorful and pleases everyone: mango sorbet! It’s irresistibly creamy and frosty, with a pure honey-sweet tropical mango essence and a pop of lime on the finish. It’s so refreshing, and there’s almost no one who will turn this down. For a natural sweetener, use maple syrup instead of sugar.
What’s more fun than chocolate covered strawberries, in drinkable form? This tasty recipe features strawberries, banana, almond butter and cocoa powder, blended up into a lusciously creamy puree. It tastes just like a dessert!
Try this ridiculously easy no bake Oatmeal Bars! These are big winners in our house and part of our weekly repertoire. These bars star peanut butter, honey, and Old Fashioned oats, and they’re a healthy dessert or snack you can feel good feeding yourself or your family.
Frequently asked questions
Can I really have dessert on the Mediterranean diet?
Absolutely! The Mediterranean diet emphasizes balance and moderation, not deprivation. You can enjoy sweet treats occasionally.
What makes a dessert “Mediterranean diet-friendly”?
These desserts typically focus on whole foods like fresh fruits, nuts, honey, and yogurt. They limit added sugar, processed ingredients, and unhealthy fats.
Can I still have cake or cookies on the Mediterranean diet?
Occasional indulgence is okay! Look for recipes that use natural sweeteners like dates or maple syrup, and healthy fats like olive oil. Remember, portion control is key.
What are some substitutes for sugar in Mediterranean diet desserts?
Honey Dates Figs Maple syrup Ripe fruits like bananas or applesauce (can add sweetness and moisture)
Note: Make sure the base of the ice cream maker is frozen overnight before making this recipe.
Place the strawberries in a food processor or high-powered blender and puree. Add the sugar, lime juice, salt and ice and puree until smooth. (To make ahead, you can refrigerate at this point until you want to churn, up to 2 days.)
Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and freeze for 20 to 25 minutes. The texture will be very frosty and creamy at this point. Serve immediately. Or, line a container with parchment paper and freeze up to 2 hours for a scoopable texture. Store in a parchment lined sealed container for up to 1 week; allow to come to room temperature for about 20 to 30 minutes before scooping.
This strawberry compote recipe makes a thick, sweet sauce that’s perfect for drizzling over ice cream, waffles, cheesecake and more!…
This strawberry compote recipe makes a thick, sweet sauce that’s perfect for drizzling over ice cream, waffles, cheesecake and more!
Got ripe berries? Here’s a quick and fun way to use them: make strawberry compote! Cooking down strawberries with a bit of sugar reduces it into glossy, luxurious tangy sauce that’s like an amped version of taking a bite into this sweet berry.
Why we love this recipe: This strawberry compote is outrageously tangy and bursting with sweet berry flavor! Alex and I love whipping this up as a versatile topping for ice cream, pancakes, waffles, or oatmeal. A compote is a great way to use fruit that’s almost overripe, but there’s no need to wait for that for this recipe. Anytime is the perfect excuse!
Ingredients for strawberry compote
A compote is a fruit sauce where the fruit is cooked with water, sugar, and seasonings until thickened. Compote works as a sweet sauce for desserts, or to spoon over breakfast items like yogurt, oatmeal and waffles. This strawberry compote has a minimal ingredient list and comes together in just 15 minutes! Here’s what you’ll need:
Fresh strawberries: Both fresh strawberries and frozen berries work in a compote. It’s quick to make with either and there’s no thawing required.
Granulated sugar: This type of sugar brings out the most intense sweet tart flavor and helps to make a thick, syrupy compote. You can also substitute pure maple syrup or honey as natural sweeteners, and the taste is comparable.
Lemon zest: Fresh lemon zest brings a pop to the flavor; the acidity of the lemon is almost like salt in a savory dish. While it’s optional, we highly recommend it!
Cornstarch: Using cornstarch makes a thick, glossy body to this sauce. A good cornstarch substitute is arrowroot powder.
Vanilla extract and salt: These ingredients around out the flavor.
How to make strawberry compote (basic steps)
Strawberry compote is quick and simple to make: you’ll need about 5 minutes to prep the strawberries and 5 minutes to cook them. Here are the basic steps (or jump to the full recipe):
Step 1: Add the strawberries to a small saucepan with the sugar, lemon zest, and 2 tablespoons of the water. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally while it bubbles gently.
Step 2: After 5 to 7 minutes when strawberries start to break down, whisk 2 tablespoons water with 1 tablespoon cornstarch. Pour the mixture into the pan and stir until thickened, 1 minute. Reduce the heat. Mash the strawberries with a potato masher or fork.
Step 3: Remove from the heat and stir in the salt and vanilla. Taste and add additional sweetener, depending on the ripeness of your berries. The compote will thicken as it cools. Serve warm or cooled slightly.
Using a cornstarch slurry
This strawberry compote recipe uses a cornstarch slurry: a mix of cornstarch and water (or another room temperature liquid). If dry cornstarch is added directly to a dish, it clumps up. So, it’s best to add it to sauces and stir fries mixed with a little liquid first.
Cornstarch must be heated to around 203°F for the thickening to occur. It’s called “starch gelatinization,” which is a fancy word for the process where the the particles of cornstarch absorb water. Once you add the cornstarch slurry to the warm sauce, it immediately starts to thicken: the starch gelatinization has been activated!
Storage info
How long does homemade strawberry compote last? Store it refrigerated for up to 2 weeks. Or, you can freeze it in a freezer safe container for up to 6 months.
Compote becomes very thick when it’s cooled, so make sure to bring to room temperature or warm it on the stovetop before serving. This is especially important if you’re serving with a warm food like pancakes or waffles.
Ways to serve strawberry compote
There are so many ways to serve strawberry compote! This fruit sauce is versatile enough to work with desserts or breakfast food items. Here are a few ideas for how to serve fruit compote:
This strawberry compote recipe is vegetarian, vegan, plant-based, dairy-free and gluten-free.
Frequently asked questions
What’s the difference between strawberry compote and strawberry jam?
Compote is a looser and fresher-tasting fruit sauce compared to jam. It uses less sugar and cooks the strawberries for a shorter time, preserving their shape and some of their natural texture.
Can I use frozen strawberries for compote?
Absolutely! Thaw frozen strawberries completely before using them in the compote. They might release more liquid, so adjust the cooking time slightly to achieve the desired consistency.
Add the strawberries to a small saucepan with the sugar, lemon zest, and 2 tablespoons of the water. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally while it bubbles gently.
After about 5 to 7 minutes when strawberries start to break down, whisk 2 tablespoons water with 1 tablespoon cornstarch. Pour the mixture into the pan and stir until thickened, about 1 minute. Reduce the heat. Mash the strawberries to the desired texture with a potato masher or fork.
Remove from the heat and stir in the salt and vanilla. Taste and add additional sugar if desired, depending on the ripeness of your berries. The compote will thicken as it cools. If it’s too thick, add a little water.
Serve warm or cooled slightly. Store in a sealed container refrigerated for up to 2 weeks (or cool and freeze up to 6 months). Warm on the stovetop before serving.