Mix it Up

Healthy mixed drinks that beat the bloat

Alcoholic drinks contain calories that can quickly add to your daily intake. As such, two mixed drinks can add about 500 calories. If the cocktail is cream-based, such as a Pina Colada, one single 6 oz. glass contains more than 500 calories!

So, how can I create a healthy mixed drink? Alcohol-free mixed party drinks are a fun alternative to their alcoholic counterparts. You could either label these drinks as Virgin cocktails or as Mocktails. While a typical cocktail contains liquor, the mocktail has similar ingredients and is completely alcohol-free!

If you have a super-sensitive stomach like me, you may prefer to stick to alcohol-free drink options. So, I started researching recipes for mocktails that would taste delicious and serve as perfect party drinks! Read on, as I will share some fun research insights with you and a special recipe.

Just like cocktails, mocktails contain specific ratios of juice, soda, infused water or other alcohol-free ingredients. Although they lack alcohol, a mocktail has the same sophistication which is perfect for a summer party or black tie affair.

What are the health benefits of alcohol-free drinks?

Going to a party can challenge us to stay on top of our health & wellness goals.  At the same time, traditional cocktails are high in calories & carbs given their alcohol content.

Thankfully, there are a wide variety of options of alcohol-free mixed drinks that make it easy to celebrate without sacrificing flavor or fun. Because mocktails are completely free of any alcohol, their main ingredients mimic the flavors that are found in their alcoholic counterparts, such as lime, lemon, mango, and cherry.

There are three main health benefits of alcohol-free drinks:

1. Alcohol-free drinks contain fewer calories and carbs

Alcohol contains “empty” calories, as they do not help the body meet its nutritional needs. Alcohol-free mixed drinks tend to be lower in calories and carbs.

2. Beat the bloat

Brewed alcoholic drinks, like beer, tequila, and rum cause sugar imbalances in the body and lead to bloating. Mocktails are easier to digest, especially when made with all-natural ingredients!.

3. Enjoy mocktails anytime

Last, and not at all least: Because mocktails are free of any alcohol, they are the perfect mixed drink for an outdoor mid-day summer party or brunch.

How to create alcohol-free mixed drinks or mocktails?

What are some easy tips to create a delicious alcohols-free mixed drink?

In summary they are:

1. Use fresh fruit
2. Frozen fruit adds creaminess
3. Go for probiotics
4. Look for all-natural and sugar-free
5. Use gorgeous stemware and mugs for mocktails

Let’s look at them step by step.

1. Use fresh local fruit for party mocktails

I like to use fresh fruit when I make mixed drinks. In addition, look for fruit that is in season. Seasonal fruit will be less expensive and likely from a local source, which means it is more sustainable.

You can save some money by using fresh citrus such as lime, lemon or orange and they may be available year-round. A quick drink is a “Citrus Spritzer” where you mix fresh squeezed citrus juices with sparkling water and a splash of honey for a refreshing and low calorie drink!

Herbs can create a fabulous garnish that look and taste great! Plus, the herbs may even pick up notes of the accompanying foods or snacks.

2. Frozen fruit adds creaminess to mixed drinks

Frozen fruit is a great alternative to fresh fruit because you can easily store it in your freezer. When shopping, look for frozen fruit without any additives.

In order to create super smooth mocktails – use some frozen fruit. This is an added low-carb bonus! The icy consistency of frozen fruit will create a smooth texture for your mocktail, without the calories that a creamy base would have.

3. Go for a probiotic mocktail

One of my favorite recommendations is to add probiotics to increase the health benefits of the mixed drinks! Probiotics support the immune system and aid with digestion, which means your mocktails are exponentially better alternatives to sugary sodas or cocktails!

As such, you can even create some fizziness in the drink by adding Kombucha. It is a sparkling fermented green tea and the perfect base for a mixed party drink such as a mocktail. Coconut water kefir is another great probiotic option too.

4. Use all-natural and sugar-free

To keep the drinks healthy, look for sugar-free options rather than high-carb soft drinks. Sugar-free, all-natural versions are naturally sweetened with stevia, monkfruit or they are even unsweetenend.

Likewise, I like to use infused sparkling water, which brings out a burst of natural flavor without any artificial additives. How about trying a “Ginger Fizz?”  Mix fresh ginger juice, lemon juice, and sparkling water for a zesty and energizing drink that’s perfect for any time of day!

5. Use gorgeous stemware and mugs for mocktails

Moreover, the presentation of mixed drinks is another fun factor. Tall slim glasses make your drink appear more elegant than short squatty glasses. In addition, tall, slender glasses may look like you get more, even though the quantity would be the same in the short tumbler. Therefore, save some calories & choose a tall slim glass.

Lastly, if you like to pair your alcohol-free mixed drink with its perfect drinking vessel- the Moscow Mule has its own mug: The Copper Mug gives this drink a gorgeous glow, in addition to keeping the cocktail perfectly cold.

Mix up some mocktails at your next party

Drinking a delicious mocktail is a super-fun health hack! It is an easy solution to enjoy parties and gatherings without sacrificing the flavor and freshness of a mixed drink. In addition to the amazing taste, decorate your mocktail with fresh herbs, fruits, and fill it with ingredients that are supporting your health, such as probiotics!

In sum, how about creating an alcohol-free version of your favorite drink for your next party? Check out Moscow Mule Mocktail recipe, as it is an easy recipe with five simple ingredients! Contact me with any questions and to share your favorite mocktail recipe, I look forward to hearing from you! 

Find out more about the Wellness Course here or follow Christiane on Instagram – Hello.Happy.Nest