Miami - October 12, 2007

Sip the Life Fantastic

Bradford Tonic Health Drinks

You’re all for drinking to your health. As long as it involves vodka.

But healthy drinking? Protein shake is an oxymoron, and acai is some kind of Japanese self-defense thing, right?

Bradford Tonic will make you a believer in beverages with a boost. Made in North Miami, the tonic is the brainchild of Brad Beckerman, who created the drink after being in a near-death accident and seeking out alternative medical treatments. A Jamaican chef introduced the onetime party boy to Irish sea moss, and he was wowed by its mad healing powers.

After lots of test mixing, Beckerman came up with three 100 percent vegetarian concoctions: the original B-Tonic, a cinnamon-tinged combo of Irish moss, West Indian roots (an aphrodisiac), and ginkgo; the Red Sorrel Revitalizer (dubbed the “other cranberry”); and the Ginger and Lime Refresher.

For a kick, Beckerman even suggests adding a little rum to the latter two.

Cheers to that.

Available at Whole Foods Market, 6701 Red Road, Coral Gables (305-421-9421); 21105 Biscayne Boulevard, Aventura (305-933-1543). For more information, go to bradfordtonic.com.