Cyclists have much to look forward to at the beginning of a New Year.  New rides, new goals, new adventures, new (and old) friends.  And at times of celebration, there seems to be one universal drink:  Champagne.  As we at Loving the Bike look forward to a brand new year, we thought the best recipe would be one that rings it in right, a beautiful, half-way nutritious, good-luck New Year’s Eve drink.

Recipe of the week: New Year’s Coconut Grape Champagne

Ingredients:

• 17.5 oz. coconut water
• 1 cup 100% organic grape juice (or experiment with other juice)
• 1 bottle inexpensive champagne (or sparkling water for non-alcoholic)
• Small grapes

Instructions:

1. Mix coconut water and juice; refrigerate until ready to serve.
2. To serve, fill glass ½ full with juice mixture.  Add 12 grapes to each glass.  Top with champagne.
3. Cheers!

Comments:

We recently established coconut water as a great hydrator on and off the bike.  It works well with alcohol, too (but not on the bike, of course!).  In fact, by sipping a drink made with coconut water, you may save yourself any post-party hangover, as the electrolytes and fluid can keep you from dehydration-induced symptoms.   But there’s more to this drink.

Grapes are a wonderfully nutritious fruit.  In fact, they provide key polyphenol antioxidants that increase nitric oxide, reduce blood pressure, reduce bad cholesterol, reduce oxidative stress and protect the heart.  And, at the New Year, they’re lucky.  Some cultures bring in the New Year by eating 12 grapes at mid-night, to signify luck for 12 months.

Bonus Good-Luck Food: Kale Chips:

While grapes may be plenty lucky, there’s another nutrient powerhouse that’s believed to be beneficial for the New Year.  Kale (or Kale Chips) and other green are eaten at New Year’s because their rich green color represents money!  Maybe for a sweet Loving the Bike kit…

As we enter a new year, we wish you nothing but the best in 2013.  Health, love, peace (inside and out), family and friends…after all, these really are the best.  As you ride into 2013, “may the road rise up to meet you.”

Fuel Your Ride.  Nourish Your Body.

Top image c/o cdn.indulgy.com, bottom image c/o angelamay.net.