Six classic cocktails, six unlikely twists and one less guilty conscious in the morning when you think about all that you drank last night. Instead of drinking a “skinny” cocktail or even just a “mocktail,” bartenders around America have been experimenting with healthier options to get you through the weekend and so are we. Check out our own health inspired recipes and how one simple change can make an ordinary cocktail just a splash healthier!
MINT TO PEA
Peas are low in calories, high in fiber and proteins, and rich with antioxidants and vitamins A, K and C.
CLASSIC MOJITO RECIPE: (serves 1)
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- 1 1/2 oz white rum
- 2 tsp sugar
- Mint leaves
- Soda water to top off glass
OUR TWIST: Before pouring in any of the liquids into your cocktail shaker, throw in your mint leaves and 1 tbsp. of fresh peas. Use a muddler to carefully muddle (or smush) the peas and the mint in a twisting motion until the skin breaks on the peas and you can smell the mint. Then combine the lime juice, rum, and sugar to the shaker to finish mixing the drink. Strain into a glass over ice and enjoy!
CINNA-RITA
Cinnamon is packed with antioxidants, lowers blood sugar, helps to fight infections and is an anti-inflammatory.
CLASSIC MARGARITA RECIPE: (serves 1)
- 2 oz tequila
- 1 oz lime juice
- 1 oz Cointreau
OUR TWIST: Depending on how much cinnamon you want in your life, there are two ways to make this drink. You can either substitute the regular tequila with cinnamon tequila and garnish with cinnamon, or just garnish a classic margarita with cinnamon. Either way, the cinnamon on top will give it that healthy kick that you wouldn’t get from a margarita otherwise!
KOMBUCHA MULE
Kombucha is a probiotic that is said to help with acne, arthritis, blood pressure and hangovers.
CLASSIC MOSCOW MULE RECIPE: (serves 1)
- 4 oz. ginger beer
- 1 1/2 oz. vodka
- 1/6 oz. lime juice
OUR TWIST: Swap the ginger beer with 4 oz. of ginger kombucha. The flavor will be pretty similar because of the ginger taste, and if you use a kombucha that is slightly fizzy, then it will also give the drink a similar feel to the carbonation in the usual ginger beer. Don’t forget to serve your new and improved Moscow mule in a copper mug and enjoy!
BLOODY
MARY VINEGAR
Apple cider vinegar helps to kill harmful bacteria, fight diabetes, lower blood sugar and cholesterol, and can aid in weight loss.
CLASSIC BLOODY MARY RECIPE: (serves 1)
- 3 oz. tomato juice
- 1 1/2 oz. vodka
- 1/2 oz. lemon juice
- 2 dashes of Worcestershire sauce
- 1 dash tabasco sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
OUR TWIST: This one’s easy. Just add all of your usual ingredients to your glass over ice, then toss in an extra 1 1/2 oz. of apple cider vinegar.
KALE COLLINS
Kale is packed with vitamins A, K, C and B6, rich in antioxidants and can help lower cholesterol and the risk of heart disease.
CLASSIC TOM COLLINS RECIPE: (serves 1)
- 2 oz carbonated water
- 1 1/2 oz Old Tom Gin
- 1 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1/2 oz sugar syrup
OUR TWIST: Once you have your Tom Collins ingredients together, you will need to add 1 oz. of kale juice to the mix. Now, this one might be a bit tricky because you might need to juice the kale yourself using a juicer, or if you can and kale juice either online or in-store, that could help make the cocktail recipe quicker and easier.
BEETEN, NOT STIRRED
Beets are low in calories, contain fiber, vitamin C and potassium, and can help lower blood pressure.
CLASSIC MARTINI RECIPE: (serves 1)
- 3 oz. gin or vodka
- 1/2 oz. dry vermouth
OUR TWIST: Add in 1/2 oz. of beet juice and 1/6 oz. lemon juice to your concoction. Fill your cocktail shaker full of ice and shake well. Put your martini glasses in the freezer for about 10 minutes before pouring in the final product to get the full chilled effect!
*Drink Responsibly. Over 21 only please.
