Detox Activated Charcoal Cocktail & Mocktail Recipe

Unwind and detoxify simultaneously with our delicious Activated Charcoal Cocktail (or mocktail) creations.

Full disclosure. I have a pretty darn sensitive stomach and am usually good at living the “everything in moderation” motto.

But during the holidays, you’ll find me reaching for a second (and third, and fourth) helpings of everything.

The next day, my body tends to go straight into WHAT-HAVE-I-DONE mode! This is where this activated charcoal cocktail recipe comes in!

So I, Colleen have been experimenting with different restorative recipes and hangover cures for years.

Homemade honey-ginger syrup has long been the heavy hitter in my stomach-soothing lineup. And you’ll find some in this recipe.

But recently I’ve found relief in another (admittedly trendier) ingredient. Activated charcoal! Before we get to the recipe, let’s do a little myth busting here. 

What Is Activated Charcoal?

Activated charcoal is typically made from coconut, peat, or wood that’s been exposed to certain gases at very high temperatures, creating microscopic pores.

These pores then work like tiny traps — compounds and particles are bound to the surface of the charcoal and then safely carried out of your body.

It is traditionally used in emergency rooms to treat poisoning or drug overdoses. Crazy, right?!?

Activated charcoal isn’t a cure-all by any stretch. And there are some seriously shady claims floating around out there about its endless benefits.

When it comes to over-imbibing, research shows that it doesn’t have an effect on the alcohol itself. But it may have an effect on the additives and chemicals that we ingest as byproducts of the alcohol.

Worse-than-usual hangovers and really bad headaches likely come from our intolerance to some of these byproducts.

Ssooo getting rid of them might take the edge off (but not completely cure — it isn’t magic) your worst hangover symptoms.

You’re still gonna need extra hydration and some caffeine. But since activated charcoal is completely tasteless and gives your drink a super cool jet black hue, why not give it a shot, right?

Ingredients Needed

• Vodka or seltzer of non-alcoholic version
• Beet juice
• Lime juice
• Honey ginger syrup
• Activated charcoal powder
• Salt

How To Make An Activated Charcoal Cocktail

For the Alcoholic Version

Step 1 – Combine all the ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice.

Step 2 – Shake and pour into a coupe glass over one large ice cube.

Step 3 – Garnish with lime curls or candied ginger (another ingredient I always have on hand to soothe an upset stomach). 

For the Non-Alcoholic Charcoal Beet Drink Version

Step 1 – Combine all the ingredients but the seltzer in a cocktail shaker with ice.

Step 2 – Shake and pour into a coupe glass over one large ice cube.

Step 3 – Top with seltzer.

Step 4 – Garnish with lime curls or candied ginger (another ingredient I always have on hand to soothe an upset stomach).

Why Is Activated Charcoal Healthy?

Activated charcoal is made from carbon-rich materials like wood or coconut shells that have been treated with oxygen to create small, porous pieces of charcoal.

This activated form of charcoal is said to be more absorbent than other forms of charcoal, meaning it can more easily bind to toxins and chemicals in the body. This makes activated charcoal a popular choice for detoxifying the body and removing harmful toxins.

It’s even been used as an emergency treatment for poisoning and drug overdose. Additionally, activated charcoal is said to help with gas and bloating, diarrhea and other digestive issues, and even whiten teeth.

While activated charcoal is definitely beneficial in some ways, it’s important to note that it can also have negative effects. For example, activated charcoal can bind to nutrients and minerals in the body, preventing them from being absorbed.

Remedial powers aside, this drink just tastes so-darn-good. a bright, refreshing answer to heavy holiday fare. Beet juice (another stomach settler), ginger, and lime are exactly what I want to be sipping on after a long night of sweet, rich eggnog.

In fact, the charcoal works best when taken in tandem with the bad stuff, so I’ll often make this my last drink of the night instead of my first drink of the morning. Make it with or without alcohol — Black Friday IS a Friday, after all!

Other Healthy Uses for Activated Charcoal

Kind-of-funny tip: Activated charcoal can also be used as a gas reliever.

If you can’t find bags of activated charcoal powder near the vitamins and supplements in your food store, you can usually find capsules in the pharmacy over with the Beano! Just cut them open to get at the powder.

We love a monochromatic look (once in a while). So we made activated charcoal ice cubes for these. The powder from one 260 mg capsule colored a 4 cube tray. Don’t they look a bit like pretty, squared-off coals?

Related post:

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• Sparkling Pimm’s Cup Cocktail 
• Coffee Old Fashioned Cocktail Recipe
• Classic Rum Punch Cocktail Recipe
• Glossary of Color: 3 Colorful Easy Flavored Margarita Recipes

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