It’s always nice to have a grown up beverage once the kids are tucked into bed. But, there is no sense wasting calories on premade cocktails full of added sugar or preservatives when these “green,” healthy drinks are so easy to prepare.
Fruit Juice Cocktails
- Nearly any fruity cocktail can be remade into a healthier version of itself. If you have the equipment, then making your own juice to go with your rum or vodka is the best way to go. Choosing the freshest organic fruits eliminates the need for added syrups or sweeteners.
- Citrus and apples will give you the biggest sweet punch, but experimenting with watermelon or cantaloupe might make you forget it’s still winter in parts of the country.
- I recommend straining your juice to make a thinner drink, but this is a matter of personal preference. I don’t want my “evening juice” to feel like I am drinking my regular morning juice.
Zevia Mojito
- Combine a few mint leaves, wedge of an organic lime, a splash of white rum, and Zevia lemon-lime twist for a healthier, yet still sparkling twist on a Cuban classic.
- To prepare, put your lime and mint leaves in the bottom of your glass then muddle, or mash, them together with the back of a spoon. Fancy types can use a mortar and pestle. The main thing is to not tear the mint leaves, but to just help them release their mint flavor. Once you are done muddling, pour in your run and Zevia soda then stir gently.
- For flair, garnish with a twist of lime. If a little sugar doesn’t bother you, then rim the glass with lime juice and demerara sugar for an extra sweet punch.
Vitality Vodka Lemonade
- I picked this recipe up from a popular fitness website and have adapted it to suit my tastes, which clearly veer towards the sweet.
- Getting your juicer back out, juice 1 cucumber, 1 head of romaine lettuce, two celery stalks, one lemon, a small piece of ginger, 1 green apple and 1 red apple (peeled thinly to avoid the red color). I prefer this with a red apple to make it sweeter, but you can use 2 green apples like the original recipe if tart is more your thing.
- Once all of this is juiced, and strained if you prefer, add vodka to suit your preference, then stir to combine.
Sangria
- While not technically a cocktail, Sangria is still a fun drink that can help you celebrate, especially when there is a crowd. It stretches easily and nearly everyone likes it.
- You can easily make your own with organic wine and organic fruits like oranges, cherries, and apples. This drink always tastes better after it has sat for an hour or two so it’s a great choice for planning ahead. If you wish to speed up the process, then buy Eppa, the first sangria product certified organic by the CCOF.
- My favorite recipe is Citrus-Peach Sangria. Combine 12 ounces each of organic orange juice and peach nectar, 1 bottle of your favorite cheap white wine, a sliced orange, 2 cubed peaches, and a liter of club soda. The peach nectar removes the need for added sugar and lets the flavor of the fruit come through.
What is your favorite drink for celebrating special occasions?
*Please remember to drink responsibly. Your kids are counting on you!
