Sugar Free Drinks that hit the Sweet Spot!!!

Diabetes (among many other ungly words) runs in my family and I've known for a long time that I am officially border-line diabetic.  My doctor seems to think I can keep the pre-fix and avoid medication  longer if I cut sugar now.  To say that this was depressing news would be an understatement.  I love sweets, desserts, and all things carbs.  I've said before that if I didn't teach, I'd open a bakery- not a sugar-free one.  But, alas, I am all about making healthy changes and ones that are best for my body.  I will say that it has not been as difficult as I had imagined, which is a huge relief!  The key for me has been substituting, not completely abstaining.  In fact, sugar free syrups have been my lifesaver.  In the spirit of summer, here are a few wonderful ways that I've used the syrups in refreshing, guilt and sugar free, delicious drinks!

1.  Italian Soda- too easy to be true!

Buy a bottle of club soda and keep it in the fridge. The generic store brand should cost you less than a dollar for a liter and you will get 3-4 drinks out of it.  Fill a tall glass with ice and club soda but leave an inch or two at the top for your syrup.  If you are one for measureing, I'd start with 2 Tablespoons and add a little more at a time if you like it stronger.  I stir mine with a straw on my way out to the back yard.  My current favorite is Black Cherry or Strawberry Kiwi but any fruit or fruit combination would be delish!

2.  Iced Coffee- Look no further when you need an energy boost.

Brew your favorite coffee or espresso.  I like to transfer it to a pitcher and refridgerate so it doesn't get watered down when poured hot into a glass of ice.  You can use your one ounce shot from your latte kit to measure out the syrup or just a couple of tablespoons depending on how strong you like your flavoring.  If you like yours with cream like me, give soy or almond milk a shot- they are a bit thicker like cream and might just add a delighful depth to your drink.  My classic iced coffee flavor choice is hazelnut, but get creative with almond, brown sugar cinnamon or chocolate chip cookie dough, all available in sugar free, of course!

3. Flavored Iced Tea-  An old fave, just better for you...
Everyone has their own preference about iced tea and I'm not here to step on your toes.  I grew up on sweet tea.  I'm talking just-keep-dumping-cupfuls-of-sugar-in-the-pitcher sweet tea.  But once again, SF syrups to the rescue!  I've been making unsweetened decaffenated tea, cooling it in the fridge and sweetening a glass at a time with 2 Tablespoons of a flavored syrup.  I recommend Peach and Raspberry.  Here's another bonus: this drink has zero calories so keep the refills coming!

So, where to find sugar free syrups?  Your grocery store might have a few options like vanilla, caramel or hazelnut.  World Market carries a lot from Torani or you could order even more variety online.  My  friend , Becca C. and I stocked up a few months ago and bought several bottles online from DaVinci and got free shipping.   Check out www.davincigourmet.com and www.torani.com for dozens of flavors.

Let me know your favorite drink and flavor combo!