Mocktails with Heather Graham’s “Tangled Threat”

What is a mocktail doing with a book review of “Tangled Threat” by Heather Graham?

It’s because I’m a book reviewer with a day job. So, I have to find time to read a book so that I can write a review. And though it is technically still “work,” it is also my fun time. Wine is my go-to drink when reading, but I also like trying new things, hence the mocktails.

And that is the reason why mocktails became part of this book review. After all, the book and the drink are both new experiences for me.

First the book. “Tangled Threat” is a characteristic Heather Graham romantic suspense. A police procedural and second chance romance, “Tangled Threat” follows Maura Antrim and Brock McGovern who were teenage lovers once upon a time.

Now both adults with successful careers and Brock McGovern an FBI agent at that, they meet again where their love started and died. Twelve years ago, a murder occurred, and Brock was wrongfully accused.

Instead of standing by her man, Maura left, leaving Brock to deal with everything on his own. But, fate had other plans for them.

Maura was back at the same resort where she and Brock were young lovers when two women went missing. Brock was sent by the Bureau to investigate. As Maura and Brock faced off, they realized that their love never died.

Their love might have baggage attached to it, thanks to what happened a dozen years ago. Still, the chemistry between them cannot be denied. But, their love is once again tangled with a threat. So, before Maura and Brock can find their happily ever after, they have to solve the crime and neutralize the threat.

A fast and easy read, “Tangled Threat” will keep you guessing until the end with its so many twists and turn.

“Tangled Threat” is Rated T for Teens due to some violence.

Now… with the book review done, time to tackle the mocktails! And ask the question why drink mocktails when wine is available?

The answer – because alcohol is dehydrating and sometimes, a girl just needs to hydrate! So mocktails it is. A mocktail not only replenishes your vital fluids, hydrating you and providing important nutrition your body needs, but it’s yummy, fun and festive to drink.

Another reason, when you add a super food like a Chiquita banana to your mocktail, you’re adding vitamins and minerals, including vitamin B6, which helps muscles function, boosts your immune system and helps with formation of red blood cells; potassium, which can help level out your blood pressure; fiber, protein, antioxidants, vitamin C, magnesium and more.

Bananas balance out the flavors of the more tart or acidic fruits you’re using in your recipe, while boosting the nutritional content.

Another great thing about mocktails? They are super easy to prepare, taking only about 10 minutes of prep time. All you need is a blender and the ingredients of your choice. Serve each mocktail over crushed ice or ice cubes in a decorative glass and add a tiny umbrella or a small fruit skewer with berries and banana slices for a festive party presentation.

Try one of these vegan, gluten-free and lactose-free recipes for mocktails

Tropical Chiquita Banana Colada Shake with Coconut Water (serves 2)

Ingredients

2 Chiquita bananas
2 cups coconut water
2 cups mango juice
3 sprigs fresh mint
2 limes

Directions

Chop the bananas in pieces and blend them together with the coconut water, mango juice and the juice of one lime. Pour the juice into the glasses and garnish with the other lime (sliced or quartered) and the sprigs of mint. Enjoy and share your Banana Colada shake recipe using #Chiquita Banana.

Pink Sunrise Mocktail with Chiquita Bananas and Watermelon (serves 2)

Ingredients

2 Chiquita bananas
1 grapefruit
3 slices watermelon
2.5 cups sparkling water
1 lemon
Fresh mint to garnish

Directions

Mix the two bananas with half of the grapefruit, 3/4 cup sparkling water and one squeezed lemon. Set this mixture aside.
Using another bowl, blend 1 and 1/2 cup sparkling water with the 3 slices of watermelon and the other half of the grapefruit.
Fill half of the glass with the red juice (with the watermelon in it) and pour the other juice (containing the blended bananas) on top.
Garnish with a piece of watermelon and mint.
Enjoy and share your Pink Sunrise Mocktail recipe using #ChiquitaBanana.

For other fun and delicious drink recipes to add a festive touch to your get-togethers, check out https://www.chiquita.com/recipes.