Tart Cherry Mocktail

This tart cherry mocktail by Shayna Feinerman, MS, RDN, is a refreshing, vibrant drink packed with powerful anticancer ingredients. Tart cherries are rich in anthocyanins, the deep-red plant compounds that give them their color and act as potent antioxidants, which research suggests may help reduce inflammation and protect cells from the kind of oxidative damage linked to cancer development. They also provide polyphenols that support the body’s natural defenses. A splash of pomegranate juice adds extra antioxidants and ellagic acid, a compound studied for its anti-inflammatory properties, while fresh lime juice brightens the flavor and provides vitamin C to help combat oxidative stress. Finished with sparkling water for a little fizz, this colorful mocktail comes together in just a few minutes and is a simple, delicious way to support your health every day.

Makes: 1 servings
Time: 5 minutes
Equipment needed: a large glass

INGREDIENTS 

NOTES

• Variations: Use different types of fruit, such as kiwi, mango, or pineapple. Use a blender or mini food processor for fruits that are too firm to mash with a fork.
• Storage: This jam can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Serving Ideas: Serve over yogurt, mix into overnight oats, use it to top pancakes or waffles, or make a “PB&J” with peanut butter, chia jam, and whole grain toast.

REFERENCES

Courneya, K. S., Vardy, J. L., O’Callaghan, C. J., Gill, S., Friedenreich, C. M., Wong, R. K. S., Dhillon, H. M., Coyle, V., Chua, N. S., Jonker, D. J., Beale, P. J., Haider, K., Tang, P. A., Bonaventura, T., Wong, R., Lim, H. J., Burge, M. E., Hubay, S., Sanatani, M., Campbell, K. L., … CHALLENGE Investigators (2025). Structured Exercise after Adjuvant Chemotherapy for Colon Cancer. The New England journal of medicine, 393(1), 13–25. https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa2502760

Wilson, O. W. A., Matthews, C. E., Wojcik, K. M., Tarasenko, Y. N., Butera, G., Gorzelitz, J., Schechter, C., Sheng, J. Y., & Jayasekera, J. (2025). The Effects of Post-diagnosis Recreational Aerobic Exercise among Breast Cancer Survivors: A Systematic Review/Meta-Analysis. Cancer epidemiology, biomarkers & prevention : a publication of the American Association for Cancer Research, cosponsored by the American Society of Preventive Oncology, 34(8), 1252–1263. https://doi.org/10.1158/1055-9965.EPI-24-1798