Would You Like a Shot of Antioxidants With That Cocktail?

26/04/07 A healthy happy hour? This oxymoron can be a reality if you nix the fried finger foods and opt for a strawberry margarita or daiquiri. New research reveals that alcohol gives strawberries a nutritional boost.

According to research published in the Journal Of The Science Of Food And Agriculture, the antioxidant capacity of strawberries can be significantly enhanced when they are combined with ethanol, the type of alcohol found in rum, vodka, tequila and other spirits. Researchers from USDA and Thailand tested four different natural, volatile compounds, including ethanol, for food storage applications. In addition to measuring the rate of fruit decay the researchers also analyzed the antioxidant capacity while in storage.

Not only did the authors conclude that the natural compounds kept the berries fresher longer, the ethanol applied to fresh berries increased the antioxidant and free-radical scavenging potential of the berries compared to the strawberries left untreated. Harmful free-radicals can cause cancer, arthritis and heart disease.

With or without a chaser, strawberries pack a nutritional punch. They are one of the richest sources of antioxidants, ranking third out of 1,000 commonly consumed foods and beverages measured. A serving of strawberries (about 8) has more vitamin C than an orange and provides 160% percent of the USDA daily value. They are also naturally low in sugar -- only eight grams per serving -- so it might be easier to dance off that strawberry daiquiri or mojito than some other favorite beverages. Strawberries are also a source of fiber, potassium and folate.

Here are some deliciously easy strawberry cocktail recipes to enjoy in moderation:

The Red Mojito

1 ounce fresh lime juice (count on 1 lime per 1 ounce)
5-6 fresh mint leaves
1 3/4 ounces white rum
2 ounces strawberry juice (see recipe below)
Ice cubes
3 ounces club soda (or to taste)

Strawberry Juice:

1 (16-ounce) package frozen California strawberries with sugar, thawed
2 teaspoons lemon or lime juice

Combine lime juice and mint leaves in the bottom of a highball glass; use a wooden spoon to muddle mint. Stir in rum and strawberry juice. Fill glass with ice cubes and top with club soda. Stir. Garnish glass with a lime slice and a whole strawberry, and serve. This recipe may be made up to 1 hour in advance. Place thawed berries, including juice in a very fine-mesh strainer or chinois. Push through as much juice as possible. Discard berries. Add lemon or lime juice to strawberry juice and serve or use in drink recipes. Makes about 1 cup.

Frosty Strawberry Daiquiri

3 ounces of frozen sliced California strawberries in syrup, partially thawed
2 ounces light rum
1 ounce lemon juice or sweet and sour mix
1 scoop ice
Whole fresh California strawberry
Lime slice

In a blender combine sliced berries, rum, juice and ice; blend smooth. Pour into stemmed glass. Garnish with whole berry and lime slice.

Strawberry Margarita

4 ounces frozen sliced California strawberries in syrup, partially thawed
1 1/2 ounces tequila
1 ounce lime juice or sweet and sour mix
1/2 ounce triple sec
1 scoop ice
Whole fresh California strawberry
Lime slice

In a blender, combine all ingredients except whole strawberry and lime slice; blend smooth. Pour into stemmed glass rimmed with salt and sugar. Garnish with whole strawberry and lime slice.

- Chanjirakul, k, wang sy, wang cy and siriphanich j. Natural volatile treatments increase free-radical scavenging capacity of strawberries and blackberries. J sci food agric. 2007 doi: 10.1002/jsfa
- According to the 2005 dietary guidelines for Americans, moderate alcohol intake is one drink for women and two for men.