The holidays are full of jovial opportunities to connect with friends. However we all know it’s no small feat to maintain your desired ‘healthy lifestyle’ this time of year. We definitely don’t recommend depriving yourself (and don’t worry, you’ll still have January to live like a monk).
That’s why we are sharing our favorite healthy holiday cocktails that look and taste just as indulgent as the classics. We’ve gathered a few of our own creations and libation tips to lessen the negative impacts with healthy holiday drinks that taste delicious while helping you to bounce back and stay fit.
*Not a drinker? More power to you during this season, these are delicious on their own without the buzz.
Cheers & enjoy!
Kelsey’s Kombucha Mule
The Good - Kombucha has all the sweet zing of a ginger ale, without the blood sugar spike which is a known contributor to overeating and late night cravings. Your gut is “equipped with the largest and most complex part of the human immune system”, which directly impacts weight gain, anxiety, mood and a laundry list of other daily stressors*. The natural probiotics from the fermentation contained in Kombucha helps to restore the good microbiome and fight off offenders during flu season.
Recipe
- 1 cup Gingerade Kombucha (GT's is a consistent fave)
- 1 ½ Oz Vodka
- ¼ cup of 100% apple juice
- Squeeze of lemon juice to bring out the ginger
- Cinnamon stick to stir
- Thin slice of apple wedge for the rim topped with a dash of cinnamon
Tips
- Add the Kombucha last. You want to preserve the carbonation, like you would seltzer.
- I prefer a taller drink that allows me to sip a bit more volume without as much alcohol but you may want to reduce the amount of Kombucha if you like a stronger beverage.
Jason’s Keep in Keto Margarita
The Good - For starters, added complexity (i.e. decision fatigue) can be a diet killer over the holidays and it’s helpful to keep basic ingredients on hand for the occasions when a friend drops by or you’ve had a long week. This drink was created with everyday items in our kitchen and has one of the lowest calorie counts while tasting refreshing.
Recipe
- ½ can Lime La Croix
- ⅛ - ¼ c of fresh lime juice
- 3-4 drops of liquid Stevia (we love the Trader Joe's one)
- Clear Tequila (try to get tequila that is derived fully from the agave plant)
- Fill cup with ice, mix together & stir
Fun Fact:
- Some small studies have shown tequila can actually help your body produce more ketones through the metabolic process that occurs in one’s liver (however this doesn’t directly translate to fat burning and hasn’t been shown to benefit weight loss goals). While the ketogenic diet isn’t for everyone, our Founder Jason will cycle through it a few times a year to boost productivity and improve metabolic efficiency. This is his solution for a quick drink without adverse effects.
Allysa’s Sparkling Gin Grapefruit*
The Good - Using more natural forms of sugar is a great way to avoid the refined stuff. Not to mention grapefruits are a wonderful source of fiber and vitamin C, especially when freshly juiced (natural flu fighter). Grapefruit juice has also been known to assist with heart health!
Instructions
Start by cutting the grapefruits in half, adding honey to the top, and broiling them in the oven. Once the tops have caramelized, juice the grapefruits and add juice into a cup of ice. Add in the gin, some sparkling water or tonic of choice, and a little extra honey if you like it a bit sweeter.
Recipe
- 1½ oz Gin
- Juice from 2 grapefruits
- Grapefruit Sparkling Water or Tonic
- Maple Sugar or Honey
- Water & Ice
*Adapted from Julie Bauers PaleOMG blog.
Emily's Elderflower Fizz
The Good - Elderflower not only brings a delightful floral note to this cocktail but is also packed with antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties. Coupled with the crispness of sparkling water, this cocktail is both refreshing and beneficial for your health. It's a healthy holiday cocktail that won't weigh you down or make you feel guilty about indulging during this festive season.
Recipe
- 1 ½ oz gin
- 1 oz elderflower liqueur
- Sparkling water
- Squeeze of fresh lemon juice
- Ice
- Lemon slice for garnish
Instructions
In a shaker, combine gin, elderflower liqueur, and lemon juice with ice. Next, shake well and strain into a glass filled with ice. Finally, top with sparkling water and garnish with a lemon slice.
Tips
- You can adjust the amount of elderflower liqueur to suit your taste. If you prefer a less sweet drink, use less liqueur.
- This drink is best enjoyed while relaxing and taking in the beauty of the holiday season. So, take a moment to unwind, sip on Emily's Elderflower Fizz, and celebrate the most wonderful time of the year!
Cranberry Orange Whiskey Spritzer
The Good - This cocktail is not just a treat for your taste buds but also a boost for your health. Cranberries, rich in vitamins C and E, are a powerhouse of antioxidants that fight off infections. Just what the doctor ordered during the flu season! Am I right? Oranges, on the other hand, provide a burst of vitamin C that further strengthens your immune system. It's a perfect concoction of health benefits disguised as a tantalizing treat for your holiday celebrations.
Recipe
- 1 oz Whiskey
- 2 oz Unsweetened cranberry juice
- 2 oz Freshly squeezed orange juice
- Sparkling water
- Orange slice for garnish
Instructions
In a shaker, mix whiskey, cranberry juice, and orange juice with ice. Next, shake well and strain into a glass filled with ice. Lastly, top with sparkling water and garnish with an orange slice.
Fun Facts
- Did you know that cranberries are one of the only three fruits native to North America?
- The combination of whiskey and cranberry juice is not just delicious but is also a classic holiday pairing, making it a fantastic choice for your Christmas celebrations.
- Oranges are known to have over 170 different phytochemicals and more than 60 flavonoids, many of which have been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties and strong antioxidant effects.
Minty Matcha Mojito
The Good - Dive into the world of healthy holiday cocktails with this invigorating Minty Matcha Mojito. Matcha isn't just for tea lovers. It's a superfood packed with antioxidants that boost your metabolism, enhancing mood and concentration – just what you need for those busy holiday gatherings. This light holiday cocktail is a testament that you can have the best of both worlds – indulging while keeping it healthy and vibrant.
Recipe
- 1 tsp Matcha powder
- 1½ oz White rum
- Fresh mint leaves
- Lime juice to taste
- Ice
- Sparkling water
Instructions
In a shaker, mix the matcha powder with a little hot water to dissolve it. Add the white rum, fresh mint leaves, and lime juice. Next, add ice and shake well. Finally, strain into a glass filled with ice and top with sparkling water.
Tips
- Use high-quality matcha powder for the best flavor.
- Adjust the amount of lime juice according to your taste. Some like it tangy, while others prefer a subtle hint of lime.
- The secret to a perfect mojito is in muddling the mint leaves just right. You want to gently bruise them to release the flavor, not shred them to bits.
- For a non-alcoholic version, simply omit the rum and you have a refreshing mocktail that’s just as delightful.
Pineapple Basil Bliss
The Good - Get into a healthy holiday spirit with one of the most rejuvenating and unique blends among our healthy holiday cocktails. Pineapples are not just tropical delights - they pack a punch with bromelain, a compound known for its anti-inflammatory and digestive health benefits. And let's not forget about basil, which not only adds a fresh aroma but brings its own set of anti-inflammatory properties to the mix. This delightful concoction is a testament to how healthy holiday cocktails can be both indulgent and light.
Recipe
- 2 oz Vodka
- 4 oz Fresh pineapple juice
- Handful of basil leaves
- Ice
- Pineapple slice for garnish
Instructions
In a shaker, muddle the basil leaves to release their flavor. Next, add vodka and fresh pineapple juice. Then, fill the shaker with ice and shake well until chilled. Finally, strain into a glass filled with ice and garnish with a slice of pineapple.
Tips
- Opt for fresh pineapple juice over store-bought versions to cut down on added sugars, keeping your drink within the realm of low-calorie Christmas cocktails.
- Muddle the basil gently. Over-muddling can make it bitter.
- For a non-alcoholic version, skip the vodka. You'll still get the vibrant flavors of pineapple and basil, making it a delightful healthy Christmas drink.
- Serve in a chilled glass to enhance the refreshing experience.
Berry Lavender Lemonade
The Good - Berry Lavender Lemonade is a festive and fit-conscious addition to our collection of healthy holiday cocktails. Indulge in the delightful fusion of antioxidants from mixed berries and the calming, stress-relieving properties of lavender. This drink is not only a visual treat but also a nutritional powerhouse, perfectly aligned with your commitment to mixing low-calorie holiday drinks this season.
Recipe
- 1½ oz Vodka
- 2 oz Lavender-infused simple syrup
- 2 oz Freshly squeezed lemon juice
- Mixed berries
- Sparkling water
- Lavender sprig for garnish
Instructions
In a shaker, combine vodka, lavender-infused simple syrup, and freshly squeezed lemon juice. Next, add mixed berries and muddle gently. Then, fill the shaker with ice and shake until well-chilled. Finally, strain into a glass filled with ice, top with sparkling water, and garnish with a lavender sprig.
Fun Facts
- Did you know lavender has been used in traditional medicine for centuries for its calming effects?
- Mixed berries are not only delicious. They are among the top foods high in antioxidants, which fight off free radicals and support overall health.
- Lemon juice adds a zesty flavor to the drink and is an excellent source of vitamin C, making this drink a great choice for healthy Christmas cocktails.
- Lavender is not just for aromatherapy; when used in cooking or drinks, it adds a unique and delightful floral note.
Green Tea & Honey Bee's Knees
The Good - This Green Tea & Honey Bee's Knees is a testament to our commitment to providing low-calorie holiday drinks that are both delicious and beneficial for your health. This drink combines the rich antioxidants found in green tea with the natural anti-inflammatory properties of honey, creating a truly healthy holiday cocktail.
Recipe
- 1½ oz Gin
- 2 oz Brewed green tea (chilled)
- 1 oz Honey syrup
- Lemon juice to taste
- Ice
- Lemon twist for garnish
Instructions
Combine gin, chilled green tea, and honey syrup in a shaker. Next, add lemon juice to taste. Then, fill the shaker with ice and shake well until chilled. Finally, strain into a glass filled with ice and garnish with a lemon twist.
Fun Facts
- Green tea can be a fantastic ingredient for healthy Christmas cocktails. It adds a unique flavor profile and a boost of antioxidants.
- Honey, a natural sweetener, has been used for centuries for its health benefits and is a great alternative to refined sugars in light holiday cocktails.
- Did you know that the name "Bee's Knees" was 1920s slang for "the best"? This cocktail certainly lives up to its name!
Other life tips for a hangover and hassle-free holiday:
BYO La Croix: Gone are the days of trying to impress the group with your superior alcohol tolerance, throw a can of unflavored La Croix in your purse (or request Soda Water at a bar) and make it a moderate drinking session of 50/50 wine to bubbly ratio.
Fit Vine: This low sugar, low sulfate wine is making waves in Whole Foods around the US. Sadly we can’t get it in Utah yet but the reviews are promising. If you’re being carb conscious this is a good option for your next holiday party.
Maintain a Tidy Home with Dorai: Forget the hassles of constantly wiping down surfaces. Toss Dorai’s Dish Pad on your countertop for a perfect resting spot for those fresh fruits used in your healthy holiday cocktails. And don’t worry about glass rings on your table. Our Stone Coaster Set has you covered, ensuring your healthy holiday cocktails have a stylish spot to land.