It's summertime and you want to have tons of energy to keep up with the beautiful long days! The last thing you want is a hangover from drinking poor quality beverages. So how are you supposed to relax with an adult beverage on the beach, porch, or patio? By choosing clean options that will won't leave you sluggish the next day.
Disclaimer
"Healthy" is a pretty subjective term when it comes to alcohol. No type alcohol is healthy when consumed in excess. According to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, drinking in moderation is defined as having "up to 1 drink per day for women and up to 2 drinks per day for men." Our bodies treat alcohol as a toxin. No matter what form it takes, your body can only process so much, in a short period of time. Although these drinks may be healthier options, it does not mean you should consume more.
Vodka with Seltzer Water and (lots of) Lime
It's one of the best ways to stick to a clean cut drink and it's available almost anywhere. Be sure to choose plain seltzer water, instead of the flavored kind - as it as artificial flavorings that are known to be neurotoxins.
Organic Wine
Sure, wine has health benefits - when it's not ladened with fertilizers, pesticides, fungicides, and herbicides. Traditional wine is made from grapes that grown with chemicals that basically undo the health benefits of wine. Organic wine varies from country to country, however the grapes are grown in accordance with principles of organic farming, which typically excludes the use of artificial chemical fertilizers, pesticides, fungicides and herbicides. Look for wines that are USDA Organic certified or made with organic grapes.
Skinny Margaritas
If you're ordering this at a bar, it typically comes with tequila, lime juice, agave, salt, and seltzer water - if not, you can ask for it with these ingredients. I personally love making watermelon mint margaritas at home! It's full of fiber, antioxidants, and natural sweetness. It doesn't take away from the liquor being a burden on your liver, however if I am going to drink, it's going to be the cleanest version possible. (The watermelon also fills you up, so one drink is usually plenty)
It is also vital for you to drink one glass of water for every alcoholic drink. Drinking water will reduce the chance of you waking up with a hangover. Our brain tissues are mostly made of water and dehydration from alcohol has the effect of shrinking the tissue, creating painful pressure (aka headaches).
Ingredients:
4 cups of chopped watermelon
1/4 cup of Honey, Maple Syrup, or Coconut Palm Sugar
1/2 cup tequila
1/4 cup fresh lime juice (about 3 limes)
4 tablespoons chopped fresh mint leaves
1 Tbs Jalapeno (optional)
Method:
1. Blend together: watermelon, 2 Tbs of mint, and lime juice (jalapeño optional)
2. Muddle together: Leftover grind of the lime, 2 Tbs of mint, and whichever method of sugar you prefer - then add it to the blended watermelon mint mixture
Enjoy responsibly!
