March 28, 2024

Calorie-Conscious Cocktails! By Rachael Roehmholdt

Do you have party-plans for New Years eve? Go ahead and celebrate the calender turning to 2013! Smart calorie choices will allow you to partake in the festivities without derailing your healthy living efforts. Toast the New Year with these figure-friendly celebratory cocktails!

 

 

Pomegranate Celebration Cocktail
Serves 1

•    1 oz pomegranate juice
•    3 oz chilled champagne (swap out club soda for champagne to turn this into a non-alcoholic beverage)
•    Pomegranate arils, optional for serving

1.    Pour the pomegranate juice into a champagne flute.
2.    Add the pomegranate arils, if using.
3.    Slowly add the champagne.
4.    Serve immediately.

Mulled Wine Sangria
Serves 8-10

•    1 bottle organic red wine, divided
•    1/3 cup organic sugar
•    1 tbsp cinnamon
•    ½ tbsp cloves
•    ½ tbsp ginger
•    ½ tsp nutmeg
•    1 orange, cut into wedges
•    Orange slices or cinnamon sticks, for serving
•    1 ½ cups club soda

1.    Combine 1 cup red wine, sugar, and spices in a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer.
2.    Cook 5 minutes. Remove from heat and cool.
3.    Strain the mixture to remove cloves.
4.    Pour mixture into a pitcher. Add remaining wine and orange wedges.
5.    Chill in the refrigerator for at least one hour.
6.    Add club soda immediately before serving. Serve with fresh orange slices or cinnamon sticks.

Cranberry Ginger Sparkling Punch
Serves 4-6

•    1-12 oz bag fresh cranberries
•    2 cups water
•    1-inch piece fresh ginger, roughly chopped
•    1/3 cup agave nectar
•    4 cups club soda
•    Orange slices, optional for serving

1.    Place cranberries, water, and chopped ginger in a food processor. Process until cranberries are chopped and the mixture is well combined.
2.    Transfer mixture to a bowl and add club soda.
3.    Place bowl in the refrigerator to steep for at least one hour.
4.    Strain the mixture to get rid of any large pieces of cranberry or ginger. Add agave nectar to taste.
5.    Serve with fresh orange slices.

Want to indulge but keep your celebratory cocktails on the healthy track? Use these three tips to guide you when making your drink decisions.

1. Lighten up drinks with seltzer water.

So many of the calories and sugar that make cocktails less than healthy can be found in the mixers you choose, not the alcohol itself. Swap out half the amount of mixer with seltzer water to still get the same flavor but with less sugar.

2. When it comes to mixers, choose freshly squeezed fruit juices over sugary sodas.

When making drinks at home, always opt for more natural options over processed ones to get the most nutrients out of them. You’ll get the added benefit of vitamins and nutrients from the fresh juices while sipping on your cocktail.

3. Stick to natural sweeteners over refined ones.

If your cocktail of choice calls for simple syrup, thin out honey or agave nectar with water to create a healthier replacement in your drinks. The natural sugars won’t spike your blood sugar like refined white sugar, and will give you the added benefit of vitamins and minerals.

Rachael Roehmholdt is a certified holistic health coach and founder of Be More Healthful. With a passion for good food and living a healthful and balanced life, she believes that small changes to our everyday lives can set us up for a lifetime of health and happiness.