Now that the Christmas and New Years celebrations are behind us, I’m sure you would agree that we have all over indulged a bit too much on food and drink. With the new year in front of us, a new challenge is “how can I make healthier cocktails?” Or maybe even more of a challenge: “how can I stay on my diet and still enjoy a nightcap?” So, a little research was in order, and I discovered that ALL the answers to those questions taste really great! Who’d’a thought? Not only are there calorie-conscious options, but also cocktails using kombucha, kale, cucumbers, and lettuce. In fact, it seems that any food trend has a partner available behind the bar. Here are a few options for you to try yourself!
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Champagne Limoncello Cocktails
A sugared rim is a pretty touch—rub a cut lemon wedge on the rim of the glass, and roll in sugar. You don’t need to purchase expensive Champagne for this cocktail; just be sure to use brut, the driest Champagne, or a dry cava or prosecco.
Ingredients
8 (3 x 1/2-inch) lemon rind strips
8 tablespoons Limoncello (lemon-flavored liqueur)
4 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
1 (750-milliliter) bottle brut Champagne, chilled
Directions
Roll up each strip of lemon rind; place 1 into each of 8 Champagne flutes. Add 1 tablespoon liqueur and 1/2 teaspoon juice to each glass. Divide Champagne evenly among glasses. Serve immediately.
Nutrition Facts: Per Serving: 105 calories; carbohydrates 1.8g.
San Francisco Irish Coffee
This Irish Coffee Cocktails Recipe is just 73 calories, and virtually sugar free (just 0.1g of sugar)! Making an Irish coffee recipe low calorie and low sugar is easier than you might think.
Ingredients
Freshly brewed hot coffee
Zero calorie all natural
simple syrup
Irish whiskey
Almond milk whipped cream
Directions Step 2 Step 3 Step 4 Hot Mojito Tea Ingredients Directions Step 2 Step 3 Nutrition Facts: Per Serving: 87 calories; calories from fat 1%; protein 0.2g; fat 0.1g; carbohydrates 5.8g; fiber 0.4g; sodium 8.6mg. Champagne Pomegranate Cocktails In the tradition of sparkling libations like the Buck’s fizz and Bellini, this cocktail starts with Champagne and fruit juice. Ingredients Directions Nutrition Facts: Per Serving: 125 calories; protein 0.3g; carbohydrates 11.7g; iron 0.1mg; sodium 8.6mg; calcium 10mg. Coconut Margarita Ingredients Directions Step2 Step 3 Nutrition Facts: Per Serving: 125 calories; protein 0.3g; carbohydrates 11.7g; iron 0.1mg; sodium 8.6mg; calcium 10mg.
Step 1
Boil 1/2 cup water, then fill your mug with the hot water to preheat it. Set aside for 2 minutes, then pour out the water.
Pour hot coffee into warmed glass until it is about 3/4 full.
Add the sugar free simple syrup and whiskey, and stir to combine.
Top with almond milk whipped cream, and serve hot.
The mojito – a mint-laced rum cocktail – might be the hottest drink in town these days, but it’s served ice cold. We’ve turned the temperature on its ear for the holidays. To warm glasses, fill with hot water, then drain. Garnish each glass with a mint sprig and a lime slice.
2 tablespoons lightly packed rinsed fresh mint leaves
2 teaspoons firmly packed brown sugar
1 tea bag (English Breakfast, Earl Grey, or black tea)
¼ cup rum (dark or light)
1 tablespoon lime juice
Step 1
Rinse a small teapot with hot water, then drain. Add mint leaves, brown sugar, tea bag, and 1 cup boiling water; cover and let stand for 2 minutes, jiggling tea bag several times. Lift tea bag out and add rum and lime juice.
Pour mojito tea through a fine strainer into warmed heatproof martini or wineglasses (at least 1-cup size).
Garnish with fruit wedges and mint.
4 cups crushed ice
2 cups pomegranate juice
½ cup ginger ale
¼ cup brandy
1 (750-milliliter) bottle Champagne or sparkling wine
Pomegranate seeds (optional)
Step 1
Combine the first 5 ingredients in a pitcher. Pour about 1 cup of the Champagne mixture into each of 8 glasses. Garnish with seeds, if desired.
This Coconut Margarita is made with lite coconut milk, coconut water, tequila Blanco and triple sec for a refreshing cocktail! A tropical spin on the classic drink! There has yet to be a margarita that I have turned down. Not much can beat the salted rim, the refreshing lime and the bit of the tequila that hits your lips! And this Coconut Margarita is such a fun twist to the classic margarita recipe!
Lite Coconut Milk (from the can)
Tequila Blanco
Triple Sec
Coconut Water
Fresh lime wedge, to serve
Step 1
In a shaker, combine the coconut milk, tequila blanco, triple sec and coconut water. Shake until combined.
Pour into cocktail glasses with ice.
Serve with a lime wedge.
