Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply looking to unwind after a long day, having a few refreshing drinks on hand can elevate your experience. However, traditional cocktails often come packed with sugar and empty calories. Luckily, there are plenty of healthy alcoholic and non-alcoholic options that are just as delicious. Here are some great recipes for healthy cocktails and mocktails that not only taste great but also are better for you!
Healthy Cocktails
Skinny Margarita
Ingredients:
- 2 oz silver tequila
- 2 oz freshly squeezed lime juice
- 1 oz Cointreau
- 1 oz agave nectar
- Coarse sea salt
- Lime wedges for garnish
Instructions:
- Squeeze some limes.
- Pour sea salt in a shallow dish. Generously run a lime wedge over the rim of your glasses, then turn it upside down and twist to salt the rim.
- Combine tequila, cointreau, lime juice and agave into a shaker filled with ice.
- Shake, then pour into your ice-filled glass and enjoy!
Tips:
- Add jalapenos for a spicy margarita.
- Skip Cointreau or triple sec if you’re truly watching the calories, however don’t for a true authentic taste
Cucumber Mint Mojito
Ingredients:
- 1 oz white rum
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- 1 oz soda water
- Fresh mint leaves
- Cucumber slices
- Ice
- Optional: Stevia or agave syrup for sweetness
Instructions:
- In a glass, muddle mint leaves and cucumber slices together.
- Add lime juice and rum, then fill the glass with ice.
- Top with soda water and stir gently.
- Garnish with a cucumber slice and a sprig of mint.
Skinny Grapefruit Moscow Mule
Ingredients:
- 2 oz fresh grapefruit juice
- 2 oz sparkling/carbonated water
- 2 oz cup ginger beer
- 1.5 ounces vodka
- 2 teaspoons fresh lime juice
Instructions:
- Combine all ingredients and pour over ice
- Garnish with more fresh grapefruit or lime
Spicy Paloma
Ingredients:
- 2 oz tequila
- 1 oz fresh grapefruit juice
- 1 oz soda water
- A slice of jalapeño (adjust for spice preference)
- Lime wedge
- Ice
- Optional: Salt for rimming the glass
Instructions:
- If desired, rim the glass with salt.
- In a shaker, combine tequila, grapefruit juice, and jalapeño slice with ice.
- Shake well and strain into the prepared glass filled with ice.
- Top with soda water and garnish with a lime wedge.
Delicious Mocktails
Pineapple Ginger Fizz
Ingredients:
- 4 oz pineapple juice
- 1 oz fresh ginger juice (or ginger syrup)
- 2 oz soda water
- Lime wedge
- Ice
Instructions:
- Fill a glass with ice.
- Combine pineapple juice and ginger juice, then pour over the ice.
- Top with soda water and stir gently.
- Garnish with a lime wedge.
Virgin Berry Lemonade
Ingredients:
- 1 cup mixed berries
- 2 oz fresh lemon juice
- 2 cups water
- 1-2 tbsp honey or agave syrup (to taste)
- Ice
- Mint leaves for garnish
Instructions:
- In a blender, combine mixed berries, lemon juice, honey, and water. Blend until smooth.
- Strain the mixture through a fine sieve into a pitcher to remove the seeds.
- Serve over ice and garnish with mint leaves.
Apple Cider Mocktail
Ingredients:
- 4 oz Apple Cider Vinegar
- 1 oz Lemon Juice
- 1 oz Water
Instructions:
- Combine all ingredients and pour over ice
- Garnish with cinnamon sticks or apple slices
Tip: You can add Kombucha for some extra fizz and probiotics
Tips for Enjoying Healthier Drinks
- Mind the Mixers: Choose fresh juices and soda water over sugary sodas or pre-made mixers.
- Sweeteners: Use natural sweeteners like honey, agave, or stevia sparingly.
- Experiment: Don’t be afraid to swap ingredients or add herbs and spices for extra flavor.
- Hydrate: Alternate alcoholic drinks with water to stay hydrated.
With these recipes, you can enjoy delicious and healthy sips whether you’re celebrating or simply relaxing. Cheers to healthier, more mindful drinking!
You can find more recipes to healthier cocktails here:
https://physicalkitchness.com/low-sugar-low-calorie-cocktails/
https://mindfulmocktail.com/mocktail-recipes/
