MAKE MINE A SUPER FRUIT MARTINI

Being healthy when you drink is the ‘in’ thing these days. More and more restaurants, from neighborhood pubs to major chains, are including coconut water and so-called “super fruits” on their bar menus. Super fruits (which include açai, blueberries, goji berries, and pomegranates) are high in antioxidants, which some research links to improved health for their effect on free radicals responsible for prematurely aging of cells. “Healthy” cocktail creations seen around the US include: the Blackberry Smash made with coconut water, coconut rum and muddled berries (from the Hard Rock Café); a Super Fruit Margarita made with tequila, orange liqueur, a fruit mix and lime juice with a raspberry-sugar rim (from Z’Tejas), a casual-dining chain based in Scottsdale, Arizona; and the Far Land Fare which includes coconut water ice cubes, saffron vodka, kaffir lime vodka, cilantro-infused corn syrup, and lime juice (from Urbana Restaurant and Wine Bar) in Washington, DC. Additionally, the Westin Hotels and Resorts has offered a range of cocktails based on the SuperFoodsRX series of books. The cocktails, created by Francesco Lafranconi, Director of Mixology for Southern Wine & Spirits of America, were featured at more than 7O properties and include such ingredients as blueberries, ginger, green tea, and honey. You can almost feel yourself getting healthier! Now if they could just guarantee no hangover . . .