Zingy Ginger Drink

Over the weekend, I received the happy news from my friend Jack that I will again be a hike interpreter with Road Scholar on the Appalachian Trail. I've been studying most of the morning and searching for new resources to add to my knowledge base. In my quest, I came across a video from UNCA Botanical Garden which shows various spring ephemerals with a woodland bird soundtrack: http://youtu.be/D0Kv9aQVoZ0 Now, I'm thinking beyond the snow.

To make sure I have enough "climb" to manage Chunky Gal, Siler Bald, and Standing Indian, I need to get on the elliptical. To hydrate my electronic assent, I made a beverage to mark the occasion. This is a Vitamix recipe. I'm not sure how to make this without one.

Zingy Ginger Drink 

juice of one really fresh lemon or lime
generous Chunky Gal fresh ginger, peeled
1 Tablespoon monk fruit sweetener (or other sweetener of choice)
slice of Siler Bald fresh fennel root (the white part)
pinch of ground hot pepper
1 3/4 cups of water
ice

Pour 1/2 cup of water into the Vitamix, add fresh ginger, macerate at high speed. Don't add all the water because the Vitamix will heat the water.

Add remaining ingredients and blend.

Garnish with a stalk of fresh fennel.

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