First, let’s all agree that “healthy” is a very subjective term when it comes to alcoholic beverages, because somebody out there will note that putting alcohol into anything will zap the health benefits right out of it.
This, of course, is as much a matter of opinion as whether a cocktail can be healthy and science seems to support that the fact that they can be, if only because alcohol can’t kill vitamins and nutrients. It doesn’t really work like that.
Alcohol can, however, disrupt your ability to absorb and break down said nutrients, so consuming these healthy beverages in moderation is always a wise choice.
Now, with all of the qualifiers and disclaimers out of the way, let’s take a look at 5 healthy-ish cocktails that are commonly available.
1. Screwdriver.
Vodka + Orange Juice = Vitamin C
How much Vitamin C depends on the size of the glass and the size of the pour. We’ll leave you to decide where the vitamins are hidden. Tip: add a little squeeze of lemon juice for extra nutrients and even better taste.
2. Bloody Mary.
Vodka + Tomato Juice + Garnishes = Vitamins A and C, Calcium and Iron
The listed nutrients are from the juice, but you’ll extract even more healthy goodness from garnishes like olives, celery, green beans, shrimp and other kinds of yummy add-ons common to this beverage.
3. White Russian.
Vodka + Kahlua + Cream = Vitamins A and D, Protein, Calcium, Riboflavin and Phosphorus
Fix up your white Russian (or Caucasian, as The Dude would call it) with at least 3 ounces of real cream and you’ll be hooked up with 25% of your daily allowance of Vitamin A along with small amounts of the other goodies listed. Be aware that this one is heavy on calories.
4. Cape Cod.
Vodka + Cranberry Juice = Vitamins C, E and K, Antioxidants
Cranberry juice is great for you and is loaded with all kinds of awesome stuff as well as the vitamins listed. And, as The Departed violently reminds us, it’s also a natural diuretic. Tip: use 100% cranberry juice with no sugar added.
5. (Real) Margarita.
Tequila + Lime Juice + Agave Syrup + Cointreau = Vitamin C
A real margarita, also known as a Cadillac in some parts, is not made from that yellow junk they pull out from underneath the bar at the rat hole down the block. It’s made from pure lime juice and has enough Vitamin C in it to cure a thousand crusty seadogs of scurvy in one sip. Arrrghhhh!
If you’re into ultra-healthy cocktails, be sure to check out our mini-booklet of 12 healthy cocktail recipes.
Legal Stuff: We should remind everyone that our blog entries are for your information only and are not intended as medical advice. If you’re going to drink, do it legally and responsibly; don’t be stupid =).
