The Surprising Health Benefits Of Drinking Beer – Part 2
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To continue, here are more benefits to drinking beer.
Beer Lowers The Risk Of Diabetes.
Researchers discovered that the risk of acquiring type 2 diabetes is lessened by drinking a couple of glasses of beer every day.
The liquor content in brew increases insulin insensitivity, which restrains diabetes. Moreover, beer contains soluble fiber —a dietary material that can slow the absorption of sugar and help improve blood sugar levels.
Beer Decreases The Possibility Of Developing Alzheimer’s.
Studies have suggested that brew consumers can be up to 23pc more unlikely to have a psychological disability, Alzheimer’s disease, or other types of dementia.
One theory recommends that the notable cardiovascular advantages of moderate liquor utilization, for example, raising good cholesterol, can improve blood circulation in the brain and hence, brain metabolism.
The silicon content of beer could be an essential factor. Silicon reduces aluminum accumulation, which is one of the potential causes of Alzheimer’s.
Beer Can Cure Insomnia.
Beer is usually an alcoholic drink taken at the end of the day. Beers have been found to activate the production of dopamine, a compound prescribed by the doctors to those suffering insomnia.
You could increase the amount of dopamine in the brain by merely tasting beer – this manner makes consumers feel more settled. Nonetheless, researchers explained that these impacts are accomplished after just a taste, thus approximately one tablespoon of a brew is all you need.
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Beer Can Put An End To Cataract Formation.
Your eyes will thank you for drinking a moderate amount of beer, but too much liquor would result in a blurry vision.
A cataract is a condition wherein a clouding of the eye lens that results in impaired vision. Antioxidants found in beer protect the mitochondria against this, and with that, the researchers recommend one drink a day to keep the ophthalmologist away.
Beer Can Be A Cure For Cancer.
According to researchers, a key ingredient in beer, which are acids known as humulones and lupulones, can end bacterial development. Researchers would like to figure out how to extricate these mixes to create active agents that could be used to fight against cancer and inflammatory diseases.
Beer Can Aid In Losing Weight.
It may sound unbelievable because of the term “beer belly,” which makes us think that alcohol would make us gain weight. But researchers from the University of Oregon suggest that it could help you lose weight.
Source: pixabay.com
Unfortunately, the specialists presumed that people would need to drink about 3,500 pints of brew a day to feel the advantages of the ‘miraculous’ compound – so, all in all, they would need wonders to be alive.
Yes, beer has so many “health” benefits. But here is the reminder: you can only drink 8 to 16 ounces of beer each day to reap of these benefits. You can’t go on getting drunk each day to get the “health benefits” we talked about in here because online counseling from BetterHelp may not be enough to help you later. It has to be a moderate consumption if not little. It’s not about quantity, you know.
The Surprising Health Benefits Of Drinking Beer – Part 1
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June 15 is National Beer Day in the United Kingdom, which appears to be an excellent excuse for anyone to enjoy 16 ounces of the amber nectar. I know it is far from June right now, but just for the topic’s sake. Did you know that a container of beer daily can be beneficial for you? A University in Pennsylvania directed research that happened a few years ago, with approximately 80,000 adult volunteers, have discovered that 16 ounces or two bottles of beer daily could help lessen the dangers of having a stroke or acquiring the cardiovascular diseases. Also, everyday consumption of a moderate amount of beer is proven to help slow the decrease of good cholesterol rather than not consuming a drink at all.
Truth be told, there are more astonishing advantages covering up in your half quart glass that you may not know. But always remember to control the amount of beer you are drinking.
Beer Lowers Your Risk Of Developing Kidney Stones.
A year ago, an examination proposed that the danger of having kidney stones diminishes with expanding the utilization of beer.
Dr. Tero Hirvonen, a Finnish researcher from the National Public Health Institute of Helsinki, utilized their investigation of 27,000 middle-aged men to infer that “each container of beer taken every day was evaluated to diminish risk by about 40 percent”.
Also, Dr. Hirvonen noticed that both water and liquor found in brew appeared to increase the excretion of liquid body waste and dilute urine. Alcohol could also make the discharge of calcium higher, which is said to be the main component of kidney stones.
Beer Delays The Onset Of Heart Attack
A research conducted by a team from Pennsylvania discovered that dark beer can could diminish the occurrence of cardiovascular failures.
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Atherosclerosis is a disease in which plaque (fat, cholesterol, calcium, and other substances found in the blood) builds up inside your arteries. Dr. Joe Vinson, a chemistry professor and lead creator on a recent report, discovered that beer could cut the danger of Atherosclerosis by 50%.
Beer Decreases Your Chances Of Having A Stroke.
Studies have manifested that in contrast with people who do not intake beer, individuals who intake reasonable measures can cut their possibilities of strokes by up to a 50pc.
The most common type of stroke, Ischemic stroke, happens like this: the blood clots, and it will hinder passage from artery to brain. But, the bloodstream improves significantly, and arteries become flexible with the help of beer. Thus, no blood coagulations would exist, and your possibility of having a stroke decreases.
Beer Keeps Your Bones Strong And Sturdy.
Beer is known to contain significant levels of silicon, a component that advances bone development.
However, studies from Tufts University in Massachusetts have found that a couple of glasses of beer daily could fundamentally diminish your danger of cracking bones, but exceeding that amount would raise the risk of breakages.
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Be mindful of the amount of beer you intake, especially when entering a bar. You might end up being drunk, lose balance, and result in fractures due to weakened bones.
There are more surprising benefits of beer drinking, which will be discussed next week. But in all honesty, this article is not saying that you have to consume alcohol every day — you should still remember to have responsible drinking practices. The dangers of it becoming in addiction are imminent, more so if you cannot control the intake.
Anyway, for sport, more benefits are coming up next week!
The Right Amount When Drinking – Is There Such A Thing?
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Alcohol is a depressant drug. Some of us drink alcohol to relax their body, to unwind, and to some, it is a stress reliever. Stress, in a simpler term, is a tense feeling mentally, physically, or emotionally.
There many kinds and levels of stress, and it may influence your drinking frequency and quantity. But, is it okay to drink whenever we are stressed out?
Is Drinking An Acceptable Stress-Reduction Technique?
According to the Assistant Professor of Medicine in the division of cardiology at the University of North Carolina, Dr. Kevin R. Campbell, drinking is an acceptable stress-reduction technique. Oh, for the love of God! With this, people will use it as an excuse to be drunk all the time instead of getting real help from BetterHelp or other platforms! They might always say, “I’m stressed. I will drink!” It could be a disaster, to be honest.
Grabbing a bottle or two with colleagues after work can be an excellent way to relieve stress during work, sharing a couple of rounds with friends has a restorative power, and it helps you unwind and relax after a busy day. But, moderation is still the key, it is okay to have a glass of wine, but with multiple doses, it will get you addicted.
Addiction Realm
Addiction sounds unpleasant to us. Heavy alcohol consumption can lead to several medical and psychological problems and the risk of developing disorders and accidents related to alcohol.
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One of the things we should watch out is the vicious cycle-type of drinking situation. You drink at home after a stressful day, then the next day, you feel bad because you drink too much to the point of having a hangover, which will make your day more stressful.
The point here is, drink too much! Regulate the quantity of beer or wine you drink every night, a bottle or two is enough for you to wake up with no hangover.
Guidelines
Men drink more than women, but some women drink more than men too! For some, fifteen bottles are still not enough. But some also found it already excessive. With this logic, there is no fixed answer to how much alcohol you should drink in order not to have a bad hangover the next day. You set your guidelines concerning your lifestyle and family history.
So How Do I Do That?
“It’s all in the genes!” People usually say.
You should know your family background for any history of alcohol addiction. If there are few of your ancestors or relatives, then you are more at risk, and you must be aware of that. Also, you should have a healthy lifestyle to eat more nutritious foods and snacks, and you should mind your weight.
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All in all, there are lots of ways to relieve stress and more healthily. Other than drinking, it best for you to engage in sports to reduce stress. It is healthier and no hangover the next morning. It will give you lots of benefits. If you find sports tiring, then you can always go to the gym!
Drinking is not the only stress reliever out there. It is not the only thing you can you with colleagues after a stressful day at work.
But if you still insist on drinking after work or alone at home, remember, drink moderately! We don’t want you to have a more stressful day at work due to hangover!
When Alcohol And Stress Collide
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Life in modern civilization can be very stressful. So much in contemporary society can cause individuals to feel excitement, anxiety, fear, anger, and sadness. Being exposed to extreme temperatures, illness, or injury can lead to physical stress. Fear, depression, or grief can lead to psychological stress.
The body has an extensive and complicated process of dealing with dangerous or harmful situations caused by stress. The body attempts to maintain homeostasis or a physiological balance.
Whenever the body undergoes stress, specific behavioral and physiological changes are mobilized through the endocrine and nervous systems. These changes aim to maintain homeostasis and to cope with stress.
“Rooted in a belief that we can’t handle how we are feeling, believing our anxiety is dangerous just might be the most damaging approach we can take to coping with it.” –Alicia H. Clark, PsyD.
Unfortunately, many individuals deal with stressful situations by turning to alcohol instead of getting psychological help from the likes of BetterHelp. However, alcohol can have a stressful effect on the physiological balance of the body.
Research studies have shown that alcohol has adverse physiological and psychological effects on the body. Research studies have also shown that alcohol may increase the symptoms of stress.
Alcohol may provide temporary relief such as relaxation and a positive feeling. However, heavy consumption of alcohol may cause psychological and medical problems.
How Alcohol Affects Stress
An individual’s hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal system maintains the physiological balance of their body. However, the presence of alcohol places the body at an increased risk of harm.
More massive amounts of cortisol are released due to the presence of alcohol. This alters the chemistry of the brain. It resets what the body treats as the average physiological balance. The body’s hormonal balance is shifted by alcohol. It modifies how the body sees stress and how the body reacts to stress.
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The body is prevented by alcohol from going back to its original hormonal balance. The body then experiences allostasis wherein a new level of physiological functioning is set in the body.
The creation of a new hormonal balance in the body causes the body to deteriorate. It also makes serious diseases such as alcoholism more likely to occur.
“Alcoholism is a complex disease, which has been misunderstood and stigmatized.” –Cynthia Mascott, LMHC
Studies indicate that cortisol interacts with the pleasure or reward system of the brain. This contributes to the reinforcing effects of alcohol. This, in turn, forces drinkers to drink more to obtain the same result.
Cortisol promotes habit-based learning. This increases the risk of an individual turning into a habitual drinker. It also increases the risk of recovering alcoholic relapsing.
Researchers have found a connection between cortisol and the onset of metabolic disorders. They also found a link between cortisol and the emergence of psychiatric disorders like depression.
How Stress Affects Recovery From Alcoholism
Studies have shown that very stressed people would drink more alcohol. And the effect of stress on the individual can continue even after that individual gives up drinking. A correlation has been found between alcohol withdrawal symptoms and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal system, which handles the body’s stress response.
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Many recovering alcoholics would start drinking again to ease the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal. Researchers are, therefore, attempting to come up with medications that will bring back balance to the stress-response system of the body to ease the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal. This will help prevent recovering alcoholics from relapsing.
“The term “alcoholic” places the problem within the person, not within the nature of the drug.” –Sara Nash, PhD, LMHC
Research into the connection between alcohol and stress can assist medical professionals and healthcare providers. They can use the research findings to identify which of their patients are at greatest risk of relapsing during early alcohol recovery. The research can also assist patients to handle the way stress motivates them to drink.
How Too Much Alcohol Destroys Your Body And Mind – Ask A Doctor And Psychologist
There is nothing wrong with a glass of wine for dinner or having a great time with your friends and a few beers. This is tolerable, but the problem is that alcohol slowly affects our whole body, we may not see changes, but eventually, there will be – you can ask your doctor and psychologist about it.
Continue reading “How Too Much Alcohol Destroys Your Body And Mind – Ask A Doctor And Psychologist”
How To Pack For An Oktoberfest Trip According To A Therapist
One does not have be a licensed therapist to realize that attending the Oktoberfest in Germany seems to be the highlight of the year of everyone in and out of that country. After all, the festival does not merely allow you to have fun, get drunk, and meet new people (not specifically in that order). For 16 to 18 days, you get to listen to fresh and famous artists perform their hit songs and make the place livelier. Not to mention, the organizers tend to invite singers and bands from all over the world; that’s why you can listen to a variety of music while trying different alcoholic beverages.
Although there are tents set up across the field where Oktoberfest gets help, there is no doubt that it is an outdoor event. The upside of it is that you can breathe in natural air, let the music reach your ears without breaking your eardrums, and watch the moon replace the sun when you stay there until nighttime. You can also see tens of thousands of individuals dressed in traditional Bavarian clothes frolicking around and having the time of their lives. Nonetheless, it is not a secret either that the rain can pour anytime, and the tents prepared may not be able to provide shelter for all the attendees. Thus, if you are a little slow, you might end up soaked to the bones, which may make you susceptible to diseases and even prevent you from seeing the festival through to the end.
Considering you do not want natural phenomena to ruin your enjoyment or, worse, traumatize you from going back next year to attend the Oktoberfest, here are some things you should do.
1. Take What You Must
The reality of going to this festival is that there are not a lot of rules in place regarding what the visitors can or cannot bring. Of course, it’s a no-brainer to avoid packing guns, knives, and other deadly weapons because such items are banned in any occasion. Even with a table booked in a tent, you do not need to bring chips or lunch since the foods you can buy there are so delicious that you might regret not getting a taste of any of them.
A few things you should not forget are a change of clothes (you may get sweaty there), umbrella (in case the sun’s too hot, or the rain comes), camera (to capture the best moments and exciting activities), and a lot of euros.
2. Try Not To Bring A Huge Luggage
Here is a likely scenario that you may find yourself in when you attend Oktoberfest: As soon as you arrive at the entrance of the festival’s location, you will already see thousands of people swarming the entire place. There is no need to use brute force to muscle your way in, but everyone will practically be in each other’s personal space due to the vastness of the crowd.
For this reason, you should never consider taking a large suitcase with you, which can: 1) make folks trip over, and 2) keep you from having fun without worrying about your belongings. This is when you should opt for the smallest backpack (with 3-liter capacity at max) in your closet instead of a fancy purse as well. After all, you won’t be there to model your bag; you merely need something to hold your stuff without getting in the way.
With this kind of rucksack, you can hang it on your shoulders, and not on your arms. So, when you suddenly pump your fist in the air or toast your large glass of beer with friends or random strangers, you need not worry afterward if your bag hits someone in the head or causes a drunk person to fall on their face.
3. Before You Choose Your Outfit, Check Out The Weather Forecast
As mentioned above, Oktoberfest is the kind of festival in which everyone is encouraged to dress up like the Bavarians in the olden times. After all, before the event became a hit for individuals who love to drink, it was a cultural thing for the locals first. That’s why the organizers still prepare a grand parade, horse race, and other activities in the span of 16 to 18 days.
Still, the weather will determine what type of clothes you should wear. If the forecast says it will be sunny all day long – and you will most likely be drinking till you drop, it is best to put on comfortable clothes. E.g., a loose shirt, dress, pants, sneakers, or sandals. If, however, you have gathered that it will rain on the day when you’re scheduled to join the festivities, take a raincoat and be in clothes that you will not feel sad seeing muddy or soaked. Then, waders and rubber boots can be the better choices for shoes so that your feet will stay dry.
Once you remember the three tips mentioned above, you will undoubtedly be able to enjoy going to Oktoberfest. Cheers!
Growing Anxiety About What Really Happens At Oktoberfest
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Munich is known for its beautiful sights and scenes, one of the most popular cities in Germany. What makes it more famous to over six million people across the globe is its yearly beer festival called the Oktoberfest. I was lucky to visit Munich Last September 2018 with a close friend who had German relatives. As the event was fast-approaching, I could not explain the growing anxiety inside me. I had a lot of expectations about the festival, and at the same time, I was afraid I’d be so drunk that I won’t even last a day!
Then when the first day came, I just could not contain my excitement and my fear. As I saw women in white dresses and aprons all made up, and groovy men wearing suspenders with a beer in hand, I knew I had to survive. This was the biggest fair that I was yet to attend. The first day became several days and a taste of the best flavors of Germany. And as the festival was ending, I realized that not all of my expectations turned out to be a match to what happens at Oktoberfest.
Expectation Vs. Reality
If you’re a lover of beers who had dreamt of the Oktoberfest even before you were permitted to drink, you would have also imagined what would happen when you attend something like one of the biggest beer festivals in the world. But news flash – there are some things you thought that you wouldn’t know unless you were actually there. Here’s my list of what I thought the beer festival would entail versus what it really was.
Expectation 1. Of course, Oktoberfest begins in October.
Nope! It starts in September and ends in the early weeks of October. The beer fest is a representation of royal matrimony that happened in October of 1810. However, as the event was celebrated, it progressed into a two-week affair with the city customs and traditions beginning earlier so that the locals and the tourists can witness the changing of the weather.
Expectation 2. It’s going to be a dry season so it’ll all be tank tops for me.
Nope! Despite the festival happening in fall where the weather is expected to be dry and warm, temperatures in Germany drop low at times with a few rain showers after the summer months. So you better bring along your jacket or coat.
Expectation 3. It’s okay to ‘dress down’ all the time.
Nope! Munich knows a lot about fashion, and the adults make sure their kids will rock their dresses. You have got to get your traditional Bavarian costume ready, dress up, or don’t go to the festival at all.
Source: hickerphoto.com
Expectation 4. There’s No Call Time So You Can Get In Anytime.
Nope! The festival has prepared several tents that open at 10 in the morning – so there is call time. Plus, the lines are long, and they start at 7 AM. If you’re planning to visit the most popular tents for that day, you’ll need to wake up earlier than usual to save you an hour or two of waiting rather than drinking already.
Expectation 5. You’ll be the last man standing because you can party all night.
Nope! First, it is so difficult to drink successive glasses of beer while walking around the tents all day. You’ll be drained physically and mentally (I was!). Second, and the most obvious reason why you can’t do it all night long, is because all the days of the two-week event always end at midnight! So you don’t have to consume a lot of energy drinks. Take a rest, please. Tomorrow is another day.
Expectation 6. There’s nothing else you’ll do but drink beer.
Nope! Much as you want to believe that the beer fest is just all about beer, it’s not. There’s a range of delectable German cuisine served around the different tents, and you’ll see waitresses bringing oversized bratwurst and pretzels on their trays. In the evening, you can check out the exciting festival rides that are decorated with beautiful lights. But perhaps you can do that when you’re not drunk!
Expectation 7. You’re used to beer, and you can manage your beer drinking.
Nope! Don’t be so sure, because the fact is that German beer is a lot stronger than our usual Bud Light. Also, the beers served during Oktoberfest are made extra special – or stronger – just for the festival. So if you think you can handle it because you are a beer drinker, think again. Or else panic attacks and anxiety after drinking will just visit you, and you can’t finish the whole event!
Source: wikimedia.org
Expectation 8. It’ll be the grandest time of your life.
Hmm. Perhaps you might lose your watch in one of your drunken days, or spoil your best shirt with your puke, or maybe spend more cash than you planned, but this I will agree – you’ll have the grandest time of your life.
In case the ending of Oktoberfest upsets you too much, or you have other worries in life, you should know that BetterHelp is only one chat, text, or call away. Try to reach them for psychological advice whenever you need to.
6 Best Moscow Mule Recipes To Share With Friends And Family
Moscow mule is a type of cocktail drink that friends and members of the family can enjoy. It was invented in the early 1940s by John A. Morgan of The Cock and Bull restaurant in Hollywood, Rudolph Kunett of Pierre Smirnoff, and John G. Martin, the owner of the G.F. Heublein Brothers, Incorporated. Its first production occurred in Chatham Hotel, New York as a result of the trio’s experimentation when they have mixed their primary products – ginger beer and vodka – with a lemon. Success has come to them since the initial taste test, and the beverage has been introduced to a lot of bars and clubs in the United States afterward.
Nevertheless, Moscow mule’s story does not merely end with a happily ever after. Meaning, not all consumers felt contented with the classic blend of the drink, considering they have come up with various additional ingredients to enhance its flavor.
Below are the six best Moscow mule recipes.
Mint Mule
The #1 concoction on the list has mint in it. Similar with any beverage or food that consists of this herb, it adds a refreshing flavor to the drink.
Ingredients:
70 mL of vodka
70 mL of ginger beer
30 mL of lime extract
20 mL of maple syrup
Mint ice cubes
Instructions:
Start by preparing the mint ice cubes. While boiling a cup of water, chop a handful of fresh mint leaves and combine with a ¼ cup of sugar. Once you have the hot water, drop the dry mixture into it and don’t stop mixing until all the sugar granules are gone. Allow this flavor to combine with the water before you strain it and pour onto the ice tray.
When the mint ice cubes are ready, get them from the fridge and add to the liquid blend. Once the ice melts, the distinct taste of the herb will also fuse into the drink.
Pear Mule
Liking beverages with alcohol do not mean that you cannot look after your well-being. Since every individual on the planet requires a high amount of fiber in their diet, there is a variation of this cocktail that can aid you with that – the pear mule. Among the nutrients one can obtain from the fruit are vitamins B, K, and C, which are responsible for strengthening your immune and nervous systems.
Ingredients:
150 mL of ginger beer
30 mL of vodka
15 mL of lime extract
¼ ripened pear
Instructions:
Dice the pear finely to let most of its juices out. After that, pour in the lime extract, vodka, and five pieces of ice. You may or may not remove the crushed pear when you serve the beverage to add extra texture to it.
Healthy Mule
Some of the best Moscow mule recipes sometimes have ingredients which you may only expect to see in a garden salad or on your face, helping you rejuvenate your skin. A great example of that is the healthy mule, which contains cucumber and berries of your choice (read further here: verywellfamily and bounty)
Ingredients:
100 mL of ginger beer
60 mL of vodka
20 mL of lime extract
10 mL of water
5 rounded cuts of cucumber
20 mL of crushed blueberries (or any berry)
Instructions:
Thinly slice the cucumber before letting it sit with the crushed berries at the bottom of a shaker. This way, their juices will infuse with the other ingredients longer. Add the remaining liquids, shake the container for a few seconds, and then use a filter to get rid of the solid pieces when you are ready to pour it in a mug.
Honeydew Mule
Many look forward to summer not because they all like to be sweaty, but because it is the time when they can devour their favorite tropical fruits. However, if you want to try consuming honeydew differently, why don’t you follow this recipe to make a mule?
Ingredients:
100 mL of ginger beer
1 cup of honeydew (diced)
20 mL of vodka
10 mL of lemon juice
Instructions:
Crush the honeydew squares in a container, then dispense the vodka, the lemon juice, and the ginger beer.
Apple Cider Mule
In recent years, apple cider has been proving that it is a superfood that can lower cholesterol and blood sugar levels, as well as body fats. You may include it to your meals or drink it directly. Furthermore, you can use it to create an apple cider mule.
Ingredients:
80 mL of vodka
40 mL of apple cider
20 mL of ginger beer
10 mL of lime juice
Dash of cinnamon powder (optional)
Instructions:
Prepare your cocktail by combining apple cider, vodka, lime juice, and ginger beer (in that order). If you are not satisfied with the hint of spice that the ginger brings, feel free to add a dash of cinnamon. Stir everything well.
Festive Mule
When the holiday season is being discussed, the Festive mule should not be far from your mind. You see, it can bring you back to those days when you get to wake up to the smell of freshly cooked omelet and pancakes and have nothing else to do but wait for the foods to be ready. The sweetness of this beverage can remind you as well of the happiest moments in your life.
Ingredients:
30 mL of vodka
70 mL of ginger beer
15 mL of sweetened cranberry juice
Slices of cranberry fruit
Instructions:
Mix the juice with the vodka before pouring the blending them with the ginger beer. Add the cranberry slices last.
Follow the drinking tradition in your family, but do not hesitate to make several changes to the ingredients that will suit your palate. Cheers!