In a recent visit at Regent Cocktail Club, a popular cocktail club in Atlanta, I overheard a group of girls talking about how cocktails can be healthy. I laughed at first, thinking that cocktails could not be healthy since it contains alcohol. I did some digging and used my phone to research. Keep on reading and I will share with you some of the things I found out!
Can Cocktails be Healthy?
The foundation of any cocktail is alcohol. Is alcohol healthy? This can be a subject of great debate, but the consensus is that it is unhealthy, especially with excessive consumption. From this, some might actually be able to deduce the fact that a cocktail is unhealthy basically because it is an alcoholic drink.
In recent years, however, there has been a hype towards a cocktail niche. If you want to enjoy the best cocktails in Atlanta, there is a way to make it better for you. Yes, cocktails can be healthy if you do some ingredient swaps. However, it should be noted that this is only the case if you drink in moderation. Anything in excess is sure to put your health at risk.
How to Make Cocktails Healthy
The first thing that you can do to make cocktails healthy is to make it simple. The lesser ingredients are present in every glass, the higher is the chance that it will be healthier. A sugar-free mixer should be on the top of the list of the cocktail add-ons. It will also be best to use natural sweeteners if needed.
Choosing the right alcohol as the base of the cocktail is also an effective way to make cocktails better for the health. With this, one of the best choices is red wine. Some of the health benefits of red wine include improving mental agility, boosting fertility, and extending lifespan.
Also, generally speaking, clear liquors are healthier compared to their darker counterparts. The next time you order a cocktail, consider gin or vodka as the base instead of whisky or rum. This is because lighter-colored spirits tend to mix well even with natural flavors. The darker spirits, on the other hand, would need stronger flavors from the mixer.
You can achieve a full flavor without risking your health. One of the best mixers that you might want to add to your drink include pomegranate juice. It contains polyphenols, which are antioxidants that can help in the prevention of cancer, among other health benefits. Green tea will also make an excellent alternative to a mixer, especially if you often use an energy drink. For something more refreshing and healthier compared sparkling or tonic water, coconut water will be great.
Cocktails can be healthy if you follow the guidelines set by the authorities. According to the National Institute for Alcohol and Alcoholism, men should not exceed 14 drinks a week and women should not have more than 7.
Take note of the fact that alcohol is an inflammatory, which is why it has negative effects on your health. However, you can still make cocktails healthy by taking note of the things mentioned above.
