by Mike McAdams
Why give your body more negatives to process (see: avoid sugary mixers) when you can make amazing cocktails with fresh fruit, vegetables, and herbs? More and more bars are featuring healthy cocktails, and you know we’re always on the prowl for new and interesting concoctions.
Here’s our 7 favorite healthy cocktails in L.A. (in no particular order):
1. Basil 8
Description: White grapes, basil, vodka, ginger ale and bitters.
Thoughts: Yummm. The white grapes are a nice touch. Grapes contain polyphenols (antioxidants) which help eliminate free radicals in the body.
The Place: 8oz Burger Bar (Mid-City West)
Website: http://www.8ozburgerbar.com/
2. The Countryhouse Description: Ketel One Citroen, honey, sage, fresh raspberries, fresh lemon juice, and peach bitters.
Thoughts: A very unique and healthy drink. Honey is a nice healthy alternative to simple syrup; the raspberries are loaded with fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants; and sage may enhance memory and combat inflammation.
The Place: Copa d’Oro (Santa Monica)
Website: http://www.copadoro.com/
3. English Afterthought
Description: A mix of muddled blueberry and ginger with gin and St Germain Elderflower Liqueur.
Thoughts: An excellent and interesting drink. The muddled blueberries and fresh ginger make this a particularly healthy cocktail; blueberries are rich in antioxidants, and ginger aids digestion and is a proven treatment for nausea.
The Place: The Edison (Downtown Los Angeles)
Website: http://www.edisondowntown.com/
4. The Handcrafted “Bloody” Cart
Description: Bloody mary or maria, crafted tableside with fresh tomato juice, shaved horseradish, fresh cut herbs, pickled garnish, and your choice of frozen vodka or tequila.
Thoughts: Best vodka blood mary ever. Very fresh ingredients and filled with nutrients. They put a full garlic clove into every drink (individuals who regularly consume garlic may have a reduced risk of stroke and cardiovascular disease).
The Place: Morels French Steakhouse & Bistro (Mid-City West @ The Grove)
Website: http://www.yelp.com/biz/morels-french-steakhouse-and-bistro-los-angeles
5. The Huddy
Description: Hendricks gin, cucumber, basil, splash of simple syrup and lime juice.
Thoughts: We’re happy cucumbers have become so popular recently. Cucumbers not only taste delicious in cocktails, they are also rich in potassium and contain a long list of health benefits.
The Place: The Hudson (West Hollywood)
Website: http://www.thehudsonla.com
6. Mangorita
Description: An icy smooth blend of Sauza tequila, mango puree, fresh orange and lime juice.
Thoughts: No sugar added is always a plus. Mango is perfect for replenishing vitamins and energy after working out.
Mango also contains a variety of polyphenols.
The Place: Hugo’s (West Hollywood)
Website: http://www.hugosrestaurant.com/
7. Watermelon Cucumber Mojito
The Description: Crushed seedless watermelon, English cucumber and fresh mint intertwined with Bacardi Light rum and freshly squeezed lime juice.
Thoughts: Watermelon and cucumber are an interesting combination, but trust me, this is a delicious and healthy mojito. Watermelon is probably a bit underrated as a cocktail ingredient. Watermelons contain various B-vitamins and the antioxidants vitamin C and vitamin A.
The Place: Katsuya (Brentwood)
Website: http://www.sbe.com/katsuya/
What are you favorite healthy cocktails in L.A.? Or anywhere? Let us know in the comments section so we can try them!
Of course, I should remind everyone that our blog entries are for your information only and are not intended as medical advice. Because everyone is different, you should work with your medical professional to determine what’s best for you. If you’re going to drink, do it legally and responsibly; don’t be stupid! Drinkwel is the world’s first daily multivitamin for healthy people who drink alcohol. For more info, check out our site: www.drinkwel.com.
