Dear Spicebox Travels readers,

Happy New Year! To get your off on the right foot in 2026, I’ve got two things to share with you:

1. Are you hoping to improve your health by cutting down on alcoholic beverages for Dry January? One tip for success is to find a substitute non-alcoholic drink that still feels special. I’m sharing my recipe for the classic mocktail, Lemon, Lime and Bitters. Unlike many mocktails, which are high in sugar, this refreshing beverage can be enjoyed without any added sweeteners. See recipe below. And here’s a good resource for additional Dry January tips.
2. Let me help you with your health and wellness goals! If you are a California resident, you can schedule an 1:1 Physician Consultation with me in Lifestyle or Culinary Medicine. For the month of January, we are offering a special 25% discount! The special applies to new consultations booked and paid for during the month of January, but can be scheduled at a later date. All adults in California, both Kaiser Permanente members and non-members, are eligible for this fee-based service. I would be honored to help you or your loved one reset your health in the New Year! Please visit the site for terms and conditions and additional details.

Lemon, Lime and Bitters

This is a classic low/no alcohol mixed drink popular in Australia and other parts of the former British Commonwealth. It is traditionally made with a few drops of Angostura bitters, which contribute a negligible amount of alcohol in the quantity used, but you can certainly use non-alcoholic bitters. It is usually sweetened with simple syrup, but I find it even more refreshing without any added sweetener.

Makes: 1 drink

Ingredients

5 dashes of Angostura bitters

5 ice cubes, or enough to fill a highball or other tall glass

1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 1/2 of a small lemon)

1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice (about 1 small lime)

about 8 oz sparkling water or club soda

traditional but unnecessary/not recommended: 1.5 tablespoons simple syrup

Method

1. Dash your bitters into an empty highball or other tall glass and swirl around the bottom and sides to “pink” the glass.
2. Fill glass with ice.
3. Add lemon and lime juice and simple syrup, if using.
4. Fill glass with sparkling water/club soda and stir or swirl to combine. Garnish with a lemon or lime wheel if desired.

I wish you a healthy and happy 2026. Cheers!

Photo credit: Scott Draper