There is something about mixology that is considered magical. It is more than just a skill of mixing a drink and the right flavours; it is about weaving a narrative through all the senses. The sounds as the ice blocks and different ingredients poured, the smells everywhere, the colours created and how about the first sip; either pulling in surprises or calming the senses. But when you throw in the mix of health and wellness, pleasure becomes even nicer in mixology – this is because it ceases to be just an indulgence but a drink for the body, mind and spirit.

It is at StolenTime in Saint Lucia that we have further escalated the wellness approach to drink mixing. This resort, set between white sands and green bushes has always been an escape from the rat race for those who want some spa time, self-development and get back to the joys in life. Since there seemed to be a barrier while introducing wellness in our drinks, it had to be removed. Be it a thirst-quenching warm or cold drink after a yoga session, an immune-boosting drink or just a drink for the sake of it while the sun goes down, our drinks and ordering program is more than expected for your well-being.

The Evolution of Mixology: Post-Cocktail Age Shift to Health-Oriented Drinks
Prior to discussing the process we are using to make healthier drinks at StolenTime, it is important to discuss the history of mixology. In the past, it was all about concentration—creating a perfect blend of sweet, sour, bitter and umami. Even in the past, bartenders have always been molecular gastronomy practitioners who combine items to make an epic experience. Gradually, their attention to fresh-product-based ingredients – herbs, fruits, and other organic products has increased, indicative of a healthy trend in food consumption.

At StolenTime, we believe that mixology is a part of the wellness journey. Just like yoga helps in body-mind alignment or meditation helps in focusing our mind, these healthy drinks also promise similar balancing and nurturing concerns. It is not only quenching one’s thirst but nourishing one’s self in all aspects.

Ingredients: The Core of Wellness Mixology
The ingredient is king to the creation of a healthy drink. On the island of Saint Lucia, there is an ample selection of fresh, local fruits and vegetables, herbs, and spices, which provide the foundation for our healthy cocktails. Each item is chosen with care not only for taste but for its nutritional value as well.

Let us consider one of our commonly found ingredients, which is fresh turmeric. It’s known to have healing properties, and a little lemon or another sour ingredient would make a brilliant refreshing drink good for aching muscles after a hard day of exploring the island. Another one of our favorite ingredients is ginger which is well known to have properties that aid in digestion. After some yoga on the beach, a ginger lime spritz with a sprinkle of mint would hit the spot.

Fruits and vegetables are great but things like celery, chia seeds, moringa etc. are like superfoods and we love using them as well. Celery is an extremely healthy flowering plant that provides a lot of vitamins and minerals and makes smoothies/mocktails coloured pretty green. Chia seeds help provide some texture since they are high in fibre and help in keeping the body moist. Because of the numerous ways it improves one’s health, moringa has been nicknamed “the miracle tree”. As a result, moringa is often added to herbal teas or cocktails for an energy boost rich in antioxidants.

Alcohol Substitutes and Conscious Consumption of Alcohol
Indeed, for many, any break would not be complete without a cocktail in hand. However, at StolenTime, we are changing the experience of the vacation drink. Yes, we do provide classic cocktails for those who wish to treat themselves, however, there is also a rising trend towards mindfulness which encourages one to enjoy alcohol-free drinks without compromising on the taste or experience.

All mocktails are prepared with the same dedication and effort as any other real cocktail. The components include freshly squeezed juices, herbal blends, and sparkling water, and we have fictitiously made some beverage options that feel indulgent but are void of drunkenness. One of the most popular drinks with the guests is the combination of seedless watermelon, Lemon juice, Cantaloupe, Banana, pineapple, and Basil – “Summertime Blast”. It is an excellent beverage to enjoy while waiting for the sun to go down.

For the more adventurous patrons requiring a little kick but not enough to leave them tipsy, we like to facilitate the making of: “session cocktails”, which are cocktails that you can have multiple servings of and still feel sober at the end: low on the vodka, but plenty of other flavours added in to fill you up with a satisfying drink. These drinks use lower-proof spirits, that help the drinker buzz themselves without the scampering dehydration or hangover after a cocktail binge.

StolenTime’s Principles of Mixology Coexists With Comfort and Health
It is also important to note that mixology at StolenTime is also an active and engaging process. Guests are happy to participate in such classes as it allows them not only to learn something new but also to spend time with other people and understand how various elements can affect taste and health. Classes in the process of making healthy cocktails are gaining popularity among our guests because of these benefits.

Quite recently in one of the lessons, I had the chance to pick the brains of our mixologist, as he guided us on how to make a drink that was not only delicious but healthful as well. We proceeded to use fresh island pineapples which are said to have anti-inflammatory properties and accompanied it with coconut water to make it more refreshing. Then adding some cucumber and mint it would make it a higher temperature beverage which helps too while providing nice herbs. What was the final outcome? A lovely vitamin-enriched mocktail ideal for the hot afternoon further down our session.

While pouring, chopping, and beating ourselves in the act of making cocktails, I should say the atmosphere was quite electric. The intention was more than just drink preparation; it was about interaction, education and nostalgia for the effectiveness of ideas, starches and greenery when used in the proper ratios.

Beverages with Functionality: Inner Recovery
At StolenTime we were particularly excited because it allowed us to do something that many establishments these days seem to forget – develop functional beverages. These include drinks aimed at addressing specific health issues, with detox smoothies as well as immune tonics and others.

It seems that our breakfast smoothie, fondly dubbed the “Coconut & Mango Breakfast,” is very popular with the early risers. The drink consists of Chia Seeds, coconut milk, Vanilla extract, Mango, and flaked coconut which makes it packed with nutrients. There is no crash that one usually gets from caffeine, as this drink is purely herbal.

For those getting ready for bed at night, we offer is a very interesting ‘Calm Elixir.’ A selection to choose from chamomile tea, peppermint and the addition of honey to soothe the mind whilst preparing the body for a good night’s rest.

Taking the Experience Beyond the Resort
The interesting thing about our mixology classes and offerings is, they are meant, not just for the enjoyment of the guests while on holiday, but also when they go home. We would like our guests to further extend their wellness journey even after leaving our resort. Be it picking up a tumeric powder and making a drink which helps to reduce inflammation or preparing an impressive chia seed mocktail, we offer all the information and tools that are requisite for following such healthy lifestyles.

A Sip of Stolen Moments
Ultimately, mixology at StolenTime is about experiences. It’s about appreciating simple elements and appreciating how long It takes to do something lovely and most of all, it’s about the joy of filling your body with something wholesome and delectable from within you.

Next time you are on the quiet beaches of Saint Lucia, take a step back and indulge in a cooling drink whilst watching the world obey your command to slow down. Because at StolenTime, we have made an unwritten promise to ourselves… every sip should be transported to the taste buds, every moment should be captured and the experiences should be crafted to allow one to reconnect with self and the environment.

Here, as in many other bars, mixology is not just shaking cocktails but capturing stolen moments creatively one healthy sip at a time.