Springtime Inspiration Recipes from Melissa Nasits, Monin Beverage Innovation Manager

Spring Inspiration from Melissa Nasits of

Health and wellness are still at the forefront of everyone’s minds, especially as we shake off the frostbite of winter and head into spring. Melissa Nasits, Beverage Innovation Manager for Monin, has a passion for creating innovative, flavorful and healthy beverage recipes. Her focus is on health and wellness, and she advocates the importance of creating recipes that support both the mind and the body. With more than 30 years of experience in the restaurant industry, Melissa has worked under esteemed chefs including Wolfgang Puck and Roy Yamaguchi. She has also created cocktail lists, built wine programs and opened restaurants for a variety of nightclubs, cruise ships, cocktail bars and fine dining restaurants. As a diabetic, fitness instructor and fitness competitor, Melissa is determined to show the versatility of food and beverage in our diet as a pleasure and as a remedy. These four libations combine a mixture of whimsy, wellness and springtime flair, so you can hit your internal defrost button and bring your beverage menus into the light of spring.

Strawberry Blossom

“Florals are popping up everywhere! The aroma, color and complex flavor make it a versatile tool in every innovator’s bag, though florals can still be off-putting to some customers, which is why the added strawberry in this drink makes it even more enchanting. This drink also has a silky, foamy texture with an extra sparkle of bubbles to make everything even better! Try your hand at painting a design on the outside of the glass using syrup, then sprinkling on colored sugar to really wow your guests and elevate this libation even further.”

Glass Size: 9 oz.

1 oz. premium Vodka 1 oz. Monin Strawberry Rose Syrup 1 oz. fresh lemon juice 1 oz. pasteurized egg white 2 oz. Champagne or sparkling wine

Shake and strain into chilled serving glass. Top with sparkling beverage.

Golden Ring

“Ginger is spicy, versatile and is one of the hottest flavor profiles out there right now. It is both good for you and very tasty, and I wanted to showcase it in the fan-favorite margarita cocktail. The touch of honey adds a healthy component and also helps to smooth out the spicy ginger notes while elevating the flavors in the drink.”

Glass Size: 14 oz.

1 ½ oz. premium Tequila ½ oz. orange liqueur ½ oz. Monin Honey Organic Sweetener ½ oz. Monin Ginger Syrup 1 oz. fresh lemon juice 1 oz. fresh orange juice

Shake with ice. Strain into glass with ice.

Lavender Lillet Highball

“Low ABV is a buzzword in the industry right now. After a crazy year of overindulgence, we are seeing people really embrace ‘lighter drinking.’ This soothing cocktail brings together honey and lavender for a relaxing, balanced sipper that is made even more trendy with its highball nature. Drink at the spa, by the pool, at lunch or on the town – it’s acceptable anywhere!”

Glass Size: 12 oz.

1 ½ oz. Lillet Blanc ½ oz. Monin Lavender Syrup ½ oz. Monin Honey Syrup 3 oz. soda water

Stir in glass with ice.

Muy Caliente

“In most parts of the country, people are still shaking off the winter icicles. It can also mean flu and allergies, depending on what part of the country you live in. I am a big fan of a classic hot toddy, but this little gem uses Tequila, which is a home remedy in and of itself! But what’s even better is that this drink is packed with over 500 percent of your daily recommended value of vitamin C as well as vitamins D and B3, and zinc, echinacea and elderberry — and you can’t even taste it!”

Glass Size: 14 oz.

Rinse of Mezcal 1 ½ oz. Reposado Tequila 1 oz. Monin Honey Organic Sweetener ½ oz. Monin Immunity Boost 1 oz. fresh lemon juice 8 oz. hot water