My little bartenders loved making these drinks!  But a little background first.  Since training for this upcoming marathon, I've had some pretty painful knee problems.  It was clear to me that inflammation due to overuse was to blame.  So, obviously I got online to find remedies, cause I wanted to continue to run. One thing I came across in several articles stating tart cherry juice can reduce pain caused by inflammation during exercise. Check out this exciting study:

Abstract (source)

Background

Long distance running causes acute muscle damage resulting in inflammation and decreased force production. Endurance athletes use NSAIDs during competition to prevent or reduce pain, which carries the risk of adverse effects. Tart cherries, rich in antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, may have a protective effect to reduce muscle damage and pain during strenuous exercise. This study aimed to assess the effects of tart cherry juice as compared to a placebo cherry drink on pain among runners in a long distance relay race.

Perfect! I thought, so I went out to buy some cherry juice.  The cheapest way to buy it was concentrated at the health food store.  Pure cherry concentrate, nothing else added.  By itself, its quite syrupy, but add a little water and its delicious.

So, I made some "cherry ice cubes" first.

Then we pulled out some frozen cherries from when they were in season, and a few other frozen berries.

Then we got some sparkling water, and mixed it all together!

  My kids called it cherry soda, but it was obviously tons healthier than anything with artificial sweeteners or high fructose corn syrup!

Have Labor Day! Hope you are out enjoying family and celebrating. Do you know what we are celebratig? The creation of the labor movement. Apparently its a day dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American Workers. :)