It’s pretty tricky to avoid the holiday cheer so we thought we’d give you 5 holiday cocktails that come equipped with at least one healthy reason to imbibe.
1. Ginger Honey Lemon Fizz. Steep some peeled and sliced ginger, add freshly squeezed lemon juice and honey to taste and allow to chill. Serve this ginger concoction in a champagne flute with an equal part sparkling water and garnish with frozen blueberries for a refreshing non-alcoholic treat. Or, add a splash of tequila or spiced rum in an ice-filled tumbler for a beverage with a little more kick.
Benefits: Ginger, vitamin C and honey are all superheroes when it comes to fighting off evil holiday colds.
2. Mulled Wine. There is nothing quite like a steaming goblet of mulled wine to evoke visions of being ensconced in a ski lodge whilst snuggling fireside. If hot drinks aren’t your thing; re-invoke the summer with sparkling organic sangria.
Benefits: Mulled wine is made with red wine, which is rich in free-radical busting antioxidants, heart-health boosting resveratrol and anxiety-vanquishing melatonin.
3. Fruity Mojito. To advance the nutritional benefits of a traditional mojito muddle in some fresh fruit (strawberries and raspberries are particularly yummy). And, if you really want to give it a healthy makeover, swap out your regular simple syrup for your own, made with organic raw sugar (equal parts) or honey (1/3 honey to 2/3 water).
Benefits: With or without the rum, this cocktail offers mint’s detoxification and digestive assistance. Plus, your breath will be minty fresh (which will help everyone overlook those raspberry seeds in your teeth).
4. Fresh Squeezed Mimosas. If your family cheer starts at brunch, you can upgrade your indulgence by using freshly squeezed juices. Load up the blender with freshly squeezed juices, pop in some bubbles and you’ll have a sparkling smoothie. Opt for organic sparkling like Summerhill’s Cipes Brut and it’s almost a healthy breakfast. Almost.
Benefits: You get vitamin C from the citrus juice but don’t be afraid to blend in some whole fruit like blueberries, blackberries or mangos which are chock full of antioxidants.
5. Homemade Eggnog. We don’t want to burst your holiday oblivion-bubble but store bought eggnog isn’t exactly healthy. And even with the homemade recipe, the sugar can push it right over to the not-so-good side. To edge it back to the good, swap out full fat cream for half fat, use maple syrup or honey instead of sugar and reduce the number of egg yolks. If you really want to overhaul this holiday treat, try going vegan with this recipe from elanaspantry.com.
Benefits: A nice dose of protein & calcium.
Now that we’ve assuaged your holly-jolly guilt, let’s raise a glass to a happy and (mostly) healthy holiday.
