The holiday season is synonymous with indulgence, often leading us down a path of delicious excess with food and drinks galore. While we might not have the power to trim the calories from your family’s feast, we can certainly introduce a twist to your holiday libations. Imagine cocktails that delight your taste buds and pack a nutritional punch. Below are five cocktails designed to let you enjoy the festive cheer without the usual side of guilt. Each drink incorporates ingredients celebrated for their health benefits, making every sip a toast to your well-being.
Hot Toddy: A Warming Winter Elixir
- Ingredients: Whiskey, Honey, Lemon, Hot Water
- Health Highlight: Lemon is not just a sore throat remedy; it’s a vitamin C powerhouse. This citrus fruit can bolster your immune system, enhance cholesterol health, fortify bones, and offer anti-inflammatory benefits that may deter the growth of cancer cells.
Recipe:
Add a quarter of one lemon’s liquor, honey, and juice to a mug or Irish coffee glass. On the side, heat water in a tea kettle and add the tea bag to make hot tea. Pour the steaming tea into the glass and stir.
Swedish Mule: A Ginger-Infused Refreshment
- Ingredients: Potato Vodka, Ginger Beer, Lime, Simple Syrup
- Health Highlight: The ginger in ginger beer is renowned for its digestive aid and anti-inflammatory properties. It can alleviate nausea, soothe pain, and may even play a role in cancer prevention. Opt for brands with real ginger content, or make your own for the full benefits.
Recipe:
Add all ingredients to a Collins glass filled with ice and stir.
Blueberry Smash: An Antioxidant-Rich Cocktail
- Ingredients: Vodka, St. Germain, Blueberries, Lemon, Lime, Mint
- Health Highlight: Blueberries are the superstars of the antioxidant world. They aid in brain health, memory retention, and motor coordination. Their potent antioxidants can also protect against cancer more effectively than many other fruits.
Recipe:
- 1 1/2 cups of Vodka
- 3/4 cup of St Germain (or Elderflower Cordial)
- 1 cup of blueberries
- 1/2 cup of mint leaves
- lemons
- limes
Slice 2 lemons and 2 limes into rounds. Using a muddler or the handle of a wooden spoon, coarsely mash blueberries, lemons, limes, and mint in a large pitcher. Stir in vodka and St. Germain. Divide the drink among 6-8 highball glasses filled with ice and garnish each with a mint sprig.
Pomegranate Bourbon Cocktail: A Heart-Healthy Choice
- Ingredients: Bourbon, Pomegranate Juice, Pomegranate Molasses, Orange Juice, Bitters
- Health Highlight: Pomegranate juice is a treasure trove of antioxidants, surpassing even red wine and green tea. It supports heart health by reducing arterial plaque and lowering the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Recipe:
- 2 oz of Bourbon
- 1/2 oz of Pomegranate Juice
- 1/4 oz of pomegranate molasses (or Molasses)
- 1/2 oz of Orange Juice
- Angostura bitters
- orange peel
Fill a cocktail shaker with ice and add bourbon, juices, molasses, and a dash of bitters. Shake vigorously until cold. Strain into a cocktail glass. Gently squeeze an orange peel to release the oils and drop it into the cocktail.
Avocado Daiquiri: A Creamy, Nutritious Twist
- Health-Boosting Ingredient: Avocado
- Health Highlight: Avocado elevates this cocktail with its heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, which reduce cancer risk and promote blood and tissue regeneration. It’s also rich in lutein, an antioxidant that supports skin health.
Recipe:
- 1 1/2 oz of Light Rum
- 3/4 oz of Lime Juice
- crushed ice (or ice)
- avocado
Blend the rum, lime juice, 1 cup of ice, and 1/4 of an avocado until smooth. Pour into a glass and garnish with a lime wedge.
These cocktails offer a way to merge holiday festivities with health-conscious choices, proving that you can partake in the season’s joy without completely sidelining your dietary goals. So, as you navigate the holiday parties and family gatherings, consider mixing up one of these healthier options. Not only will you bring something new and exciting to the table, but you’ll also be doing your body a favor.
Remember, moderation is key—even with these healthier choices. Enjoying these cocktails as part of a balanced holiday eating and drinking approach can help you maintain your health without missing out on the seasonal fun. Cheers to a holiday filled with joy, wellness, and delightful cocktails!