8 Cocktails You Can Drink All Night Without Getting Fat!
You've totally got this clean eating thing mastered. You know how to stock your cupboards and how to navigate restaurant menus and social functions. The only trouble seems to come when ordering a drink. Cocktails can be high in sugar and are anything but clean when it comes to your liver. BUT, you are only human and perhaps it is unreasonable to expect that you can go the entire holiday season, or even just the weekend, without at least one libation. If this is the case, this list is for you!
Here are the cleanest drinks you can order or make yourself!
No. 1: Bitters and soda
This is likely your best bet when it comes to clean and low-calorie cocktails. "Bitters are herbal mixtures of alcohol and other interesting ingredients, with about 30 to 45% alcohol. Combining that with a no-calorie club soda makes this a tasty treat that won't wreck your diet," says Beth Warren, MS, RDN, a dietitian in New York City and author of Living a Real Life with Real Food.
No. 2: Champagne
Did you know that a 4oz glass of Champagne is only 90 calories? Why save it for only special occasions? "Between the antioxidant polyphenolic content, the typically small serving size, and low calorie count, champagne would be my second choice for 'clean' drink options," says Warren.
No. 3: Coconut water + berry-flavored vodka
Coconut water is very hydrating which can counteract some of the dehydrating properties of the vodka. Light and refreshing.
No. 4: Mojito, minus the simple syrup
The mint, lime and soda water are fairly low in calories so adding a shot of rum will make this cocktail come in around 100 calories. Just be wary of the sugar content. Make sure it is no more than a tablespoon or skip it completely for a healthier option.
No. 5: Tequila and soda
Tequila, soda and a splash of lime is remarkably low-cal drink. It is only about 100 calories and, as Warren points out, "adding lime or any other citrus fruit will give you a boost of vitamin C and antioxidants."
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If you are hosting a party or like to play mixologist from time to time, Cassandra Rosen, head of mixology and recipe development for Crave Local has some tips for you:
Add bubbles and fruits for flavor.
"I find that adding sparkling water or infusing drinks with fruits and herbs can add layers of flavors without extra calories," says Rosen.
Ditch the dairy.
Take a pass on heavy cream and use coconut or almond milk instead. It is also a good idea to replace sugar or simple syrup with stevia or agave nectar.
Avoid sugary liqueurs.
"While they may taste good, they can be loaded with calories," says Rosen. If you have to use them, use sparingly. Here are 3 of Rosen's favourite 'clean' cocktail recipes for you to try:
Cucumber Green Tea Cooler
Serves
4 1.5 c brewed Sencha green tea3 Tbsp peeled, seeded, pureed organic cucumber
2 Tbsp muddled fresh mint
2 Tbsp fresh lime juice
1 packet Stevia powder
5 oz vodka
Cucumber slices, thinly sliced
Rosemary sprigs, for garnish
Combine all ingredients except vodka and sliced cucumber to pitcher and stir. Cover and chill for 1 to 2 hours. When well chilled, double strain mint and cucumber. Add vodka and stir. Add ice to each glass, and float thinly sliced cucumbers. Garnish with rosemary sprig.
Calories: 92 per serving
Sparkling Hibiscus Martini
Serves
1 .75 oz vodka.50 oz hibiscus tea, brewed and cooled
.75 oz white grape juice
.75 oz sparkling wine
Lemon peel
Mint
Add vodka, tea, and juice to shaker. Shake with ice and strain into martini glass. Top with sparkling wine. Squeeze lemon peel over glass to release oils, garnish with mint.
Calories: 96 calories
Sparkling Ginger Appletini
Serves
2 4 slices Honey Crisp apple
1 Tbsp lemon juice
.5 Tbsp Stevia ginger syrup*
1.5 oz vodka
1 oz hard cider
Muddle apple, lemon juice, and ginger syrup. Add vodka. Shake over ice, and double strain into ice-filled highball glass. Top with hard cider.
Calories: 120
*To make stevia ginger syrup, heat 3 packets of stevia stirred into 1/2 cup of water, along with 2 slices of fresh ginger. Simmer over medium to low heat 10 minutes, then cool. Will keep for about a week in the refrigerator.
Will you be trying some of these recipes? Remember, if you eat well the rest of the time, you can mitigate the damage done from consuming too much alcohol. For some really wonderful, tasty, and exciting meal ideas to get you back on track, check out the BodyRock Meal Plan! Source: Prevention