These next few weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas can be taxing on a girl’s schedule, emotions and waistline. While I’m coming up empty on helpful advice for the former two, I’ve spent a bit of time brainstorming on solutions to the latter: How can we translate healthy eating principles to the cocktail world?
The most obvious change to make is the least fun: fewer drinks! But when it’s time to socialize and cocktails are in order, I need to be prepared.
So what’s the best way to balance (relative) healthiness and flavor in a cocktail? Here are a few tips I’ve discovered – some of them are super obvious, others are a bit more creative, but all will put a healthier spin on your cocktail indulgences.
- Use good liquor: Using high-quality liquor means you can usually go lighter on the mixer, or just add calorie-free soda water or water to let the flavor shine through. And Sister Mojito is teaching me to like scotch & soda, the perfect waist-friendly winter cocktail.
- Make friends with citrus: A squeeze of lime or lemon
Sparkling wine with pomegranate seeds & juice? Yes, please!
can add tons of flavor while adding far fewer calories than other mixers.
- Add instead of take away: I like to take advantage of a few mixers that add a healthy boost to my drink. Pomegranate juice for antioxidants, for example, or grapefruit juice for a smidge of vitamin C.
- When it doubt, make it bubble: A bit of club soda added to white wine can stretch the drink into a refreshing spritzer without adding calories. And some bubbly champagne on its own rings in at a cool 75 calories.
- Make friends with agave: This sweet nectar is a great alternative to simple syrup, and packs fewer calories.
- Don’t take things too far: I tried to switch out my standard gin & tonic for a gin & soda. Bad idea.
Just because I’m relying on these simple tips doesn’t mean I’ll turn up my nose at a well-made margarita or mojito! But during the busy holiday season, it’s nice to have a few lighter options up my sleeve.
Miss Mojito wants to know: Do you have any tips for upping the health-factor in your drinks and cocktails? What’s your beverage of choice when you’re trying to be a bit calorie conscious?
Shoes & Cocktails 
I usually opt for red wine when trying to be health conscious. I also like flavored seltzer waters mixed with a splash of juice, citrus and vodka or gin. Let’s not forget the old trick of having a glass of water in between each adult drink!
CQ, your mother taught you well – hydrate, hydrate, hydrate!
Miss Mojito, I took many of your health conscious principles to heart over the weekend when I made a Hot Toddy to sooth my scratchy throat. I made it with green tea (full of powerful antioxidants), fresh lemon juice, honey (just a bit) and a splash of bourbon. And what do you know? I felt instantly better.