If the current heatwave is anything to go by, Summer is well and truly here (and it’s about time!) For me, nothing says Summer more than sipping on refreshing cocktails whilst basking in the sun. Are you, like me, conscious about your health but still love booze? Or just want to feel a little less guilty about that one extra tipple? Then read on for 7 cocktails with a health kick twist!
(https://www.thetastesf.com/strawberry-mojito/)
Ginger and Kale Margarita
http://www.saveur.com/article/Recipes/Garden-Variety-Margarita?src=SOC&dom=pin
Kale is still growing strong as THE green leaf to have with its high vitamin and mineral content. This cocktail uses kale juice for a nutrient hit. Using agave syrup in place of sugar gives this cocktail a more natural sweetness and the added ginger helps to benefits the digestive system, perfect if you’ve overindulged at the BBQ!
Carrot Mimosas
http://www.kitchentreaty.com/carrot-mimosas/
Using carrots instead of the traditional orange means this cocktail is lower in sugar but high in beta carotene and fibre. Prosecco has less calories than most wines so helps to keep this drink waist friendly (for even less calories opt for the new skinny prosecco – http://www.selfridges.com/GB/en/cat/thomson-26-scott-skinny-prosecco-750ml_414-3004657-SKINNYPROSECCO/ ). Just make sure to use pure carrot juice and not a sugary juice drink. Have with brunch in place of regular mimosas to start your day off with a lower sugar vitamin burst! *
*do not drink if you have work – or do – depends on how relaxed your boss is…
Bloody Mary
http://helloglow.co/homemade-bloody-mary-mix-with-turmeric-and-black-pepper/
The traditional Bloody Mary cocktail isn’t actually all that unhealthy compared to other alcoholic drinks. This one however, is even better. It has black pepper and turmeric, both of which are high in antioxidants. The anti-inflammatory properties from the turmeric help the liver recuperate after a boozy night – did someone say hair of the dog?
Coco No Loco
http://www.olivemagazine.com/recipes/drink/coco-no-loco/
Drinking alcohol depletes your electrolytes but coconut water helps to restore them so this cocktail is a win-win. Coconut water is high in potassium (250mg per 100ml). Since potassium cannot be made by the body it is important to get enough in our diets. Coconut water will help you on your way to reach your recommended intake of 3,500mg. This drink is low in added sugar as the sweetness comes from the coconut.
Peach Gin and Tonic
A summer twist on a refreshing classic – no added sugar and you can switch to diet tonic water to make this drink even healthier. Gin has zero carbs so this drink is perfect if you’re watching your carb intake but still want to relax with a cocktail. Keep the peach slices to snack on when you’ve finished to count towards one of your 5 a day!
Skinny Pina Colada
https://recipes.sparkpeople.com/recipe-detail.asp?recipe=49903
The traditional recipe calls for coconut cream which is very high in saturated fat. This recipe uses low fat vanilla yogurt for a creamy protein hit. Opt for coconut greek yogurt for even more protein or dairy free coconut yogurt to make it vegan friendly. Flavoured yogurts often contain a lot of added sugar so swap for plain yogurt if you want to further reduce the sugar content.
Matcha Tea Gin Sour
https://www.beautifulbooze.com/matcha-tea-gin-sour/
Matcha is everywhere at the moment, so it was only a matter of time before it showed up in our cocktails. It is a nutrient dense, green tea powder that helps to fight cancer, viruses and heart disease. Agave syrup adds an unprocessed sweetness to balance out the sharpness of the gin and matcha. This recipe calls for ready-made matcha latte – follow my recipe here for a quick and easy method http://kristenivie.com/blog/2018/03/20/simple-matcha-latte-recipe/
All of these cocktails can be adapted to be alcohol free whilst still keeping the health benefits if that’s your cup of tea (or glass). Having a drink but still nourishing your body? I’ll cheers to that!
