9 Healthiest Cocktails You Can Make at Home
To help, we called on several experts from the founders of liquor and wine brands to even a mixologist to share just nine healthy cocktails you can make from the comforts of home. And speaking of low-sugar, be sure to check out The Best Keto Cocktail Recipes for a Low-Carb Happy Hour Treat for additional ideas.
Are you trying to cut down on calories? Most of the time, when people want to lose weight, the first thing they do is cut back on booze (looking at you, dry January). However, there are many ways to stick to your goals and still enjoy a drink with friends at the bar. The key is to look at the drink menu and choose healthy options, like soda water mixers, clear, high-proof spirits, and fresh fruits, herbs, honey, or agave. Once you know what to look for, it’s easy to avoid the “sugar trap” in cocktails, but the best way to know what’s in your drink is to brush up on your mixologist skills and make some drinks at home. We chose 19 of the best easy-to-make cocktail recipes that are also good for your health and will fill your cravings without adding extra calories.
Kumquats Smash
Kumquats are those adorably tiny citrus fruits with big, bright flavor and tons of antioxidants. Said to regulate digestion, boost the immune system and improve hair and skin, they also add a vitamin wallop to this smash variation. Muddle and then shake them with Old Tom gin, lemon juice, maraschino liqueur and nutmeg for a refreshing drink that just might help keep that winter cold at bay.
The common kumquat may not be the most well-known citrus fruit, but it has a lot to offer. This distinctive, oblong-shaped tiny orange fruit stands out for having a pleasant, eatable peel. It has an interesting flavour that combines the juice’s strong acidity with the peel’s sweetness.Although kumquats are less frequent than oranges, they offer similar advantages. Kumwauts are rich in antioxidants, vitamin C, and fibre. Go no farther if you’re looking for a sweet fruit.
This is a look at the kumquat’s usage, nutritional value, and health advantages.
Bloody Mary
Up your veggie intake with this savory brunch staple. Vodka mixes with tomato juice, spices and a host of other veggies to garnish, so you can get your vitamins in. Tomato juice alone is loaded with magnesium and potassium, two minerals that are crucial to heart health, and is a great source of B vitamins to stimulate your metabolism. Not a bad way to start the day!
A brunch staple for many of us, this drink also makes for a nice dinner cocktail. “One of my favorite go-to drinks is a bloody Mary. The tomato juice is low in calories and tomato juice also cuts appetite so it’s a great drink to enjoy when going out for dinner,” Lisa Young, PhD, RDN, author of Finally Full, Finally Slim, and adjunct professor of nutrition at NYU.
Low sugar wine
Calorie count: between 90 and 120
Having two or more glasses of wine after work can add up in terms of calories.”When I drink wine, I want the real thing, which means full taste, full ABV, and good wine. But I also want to make a healthier choice, like so many other people who are looking for drinks that fit their lives,” says Stephanie Ferrari, MS, RDN, president and co-founder of FRESH Communications. “Along with drinking in balance, the most important thing I do to choose a better alcohol is to choose one with less sugar. FitVine Wine is my go-to because of this.”
ROSE
Calorie count: 120
A glass of rosé can be one of the easiest low-calorie drinks to order—as long as it’s not too sweet, Moskovitz says. Stay away from dessert rosés, which can be high in sugar. Rule of thumb: The higher the alcohol percentage, the higher the calories in any given bottle, so look for labels with a lower alcohol by volume (ABV) to keep the calorie content as low as possible.
Try: Avaline, an organic wine free of additives and added sugars; or, if you’re a rosé superfan, get bottles delivered straight from Dry Farm Wines, purveyors of sugar-free all-natural wines.
Diet gin and tonic
Calorie count: 120
If you can’t part with tonic water, keep the calories low by choosing diet. “Regular tonic is rich in sugar and calories, but you can cut at least 60 calories by choosing diet tonic and a splash of regular tonic,” Ansari says. You could also swap it with sparkling water. Get creative with your garnishes by topping it with a sprig of fresh rosemary or a slice of grapefruit to lend it more flavor. The presentation and taste will keep you satisfied.
Try: Gray Whale Gin, distilled from organic California botanicals like juniper and mint, or Ritual Zero Proof Gin Alternative.
Kombucha
Calories: 90
Kombucha has become a popular fermented health drink, thanks to its high probiotic content. Kombucha is usually made with tea and sweetened with sugar, which is eaten by the SCOBY, a starter bacteria. “While studies are on-going, many tout the health benefits of improved digestion, a reduction in cholesterol and better-managed blood sugar,” says Planells. Because it’s a fizzy flavored drink that boasts some gut benefits, it makes a great mixer with an ounce of vodka. Just be mindful of the sugar in kombucha and stick to low-sugar varieties.
Save yourself a step: Try female-owned Luna Bay Booch Co. hard kombucha, available in delicious flavors like Palo Santo Blueberry, Ginger Lemon, and Hibiscus Lavender.
Cucumber Elderflower
The Cucumber Elderflower cocktail is surprisingly healthy, considering they contain gin . Gin is a distilled alcohol made from juniper berries. While it doesn’t have the health benefits of red wine , it is lower in calories than other liquors.
Combined with cucumber and elderflower, this healthy gin cocktail allows you to enjoy yet be healthy at the same time. This drink can be garnished with cucumbers which are an excellent source of Vitamins C and K, as well as magnesium, potassium, and fiber.Elderflowers are also high in Vitamin C and have been traditionally used to treat colds and flu. So, not only is Cucumber Elderflower cocktail delicious, they’re also good for you.
Golden Roots
Hang on! Healthy and cocktails in the same sentence? You must be thinking we’re pulling your leg. But we’re not, we promise! The Golden Roots cocktail is a delicious and guilt-free option for those looking to indulge.Made with vodka , pineapple juice, and lemon juice, this low-calorie drink will satisfy your taste buds! The base liquor in this cocktail has long been considered a healthy drink option. It is low in calories and carbs, and it does not contain any sugar.
In addition, vodka is made from fermented grains or potatoes, which are a good source of antioxidants. Additionally, vodka can help to improve heart health by reducing the risk of blood clots and heart disease. It also has antibacterial properties, which can help to protect against infections.Also, both pineapple juice and lemons are both healthy ingredients that offer a range of benefits. Pineapple is a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, potassium, and magnesium. It also contains bromelain, an enzyme that can help to reduce inflammation.Meanwhile, lemonade is also rich in vitamin C and antioxidants that can help protect against cell damage.So, make this beverage instead if you’re craving something tasty but don’t want the calories or carbs found in most cocktails.
Lemon and Ginger Mule
When it comes to healthy cocktails , the Lemon and Ginger Mule is surprisingly intoxicating and delicious. This drink is perfect for summer entertaining, but it’s also low in calories and full of antioxidants. Made with vodka and ginger beer, the Lemon and Ginger Mule is a healthy way to enjoy a summertime cocktail.For starters, vodka helps to boost the immune system and ward off colds and flu. It also helps to improve circulation, which can help prevent heart disease. And that’s not all—vodka also acts as a natural diuretic, helping flush toxins from the body.
Meanwhile, ginger beer is made by fermenting ginger root, and it contains all of the same health benefits as fresh ginger. In addition to being a digestive aid, ginger is also thought to help reduce inflammation and pain.Additionally, the fermentation process gives the ginger beer a slight probiotic boost, which can further contribute to gut health.