Healthier Cocktails

Many people do not think of cocktails as having possible health benefits, but anyone who has ever enjoyed a traditional Bloody Mary knows better. Olives, tomato juice, celery and even pickled green beans used in the creation of this classic cocktail combine to effectively illustrate why cocktails don't have to be nutrient-sapping concoctions simply because they contain alcohol. In fact, alcohol in moderation is a healthy addition in its own right to the average daily diet. Let's look at some ways that the vitamin content in cocktails can be maximized.

Why Summer Fruits and Berries Make Better Daiquiris

The antioxidant properties of berries are widely enough known by now that including them in the creation of summer cocktails is a natural progression from enjoying them as snacks or in baked goods. Blueberries, blackberries and raspberries all make excellent substitutions for strawberries in blended daiquiris. Although strawberries are tasty, the commercially grown varieties don't have nearly the traditional value of other types of berries. Those lucky enough to live near wild berry patches will benefit even more from using them in drinks because studies have shown that wild berries often contain as many as four times the antioxidants than their domestically grown counterparts. Getting out and picking the berries for use in food and beverages also offers the health benefits of fresh air, exercise and sunshine.

Creating Vibrant Cocktails With Freshly Squeezed Juice

Because canned and even frozen juices are known to contain elevated amounts of sodium, many people have turned to creating fresh juices in their home kitchens. Fruit-juice-based cocktails taste infinitely better when freshly-squeezed juices are used instead of canned or frozen types, and they also contain substantially more vitamins. Besides using fresh orange juice in the creation of classic cocktails such as screwdrivers and tequila sunrises, other types of fresh juice can effectively be used. Blackberry juice, for instance, mixed with whipped cream flavored vodka tastes just like a berry popsicle and contains more antioxidants than many leading vitamin supplements.

Healthiest Hard Liquors

Vitamin C is recommended as an excellent source of antioxidants, but a shot of whiskey can provide the same amount. Whiskey also contains ellagic acid, which has been found instrumental in scientific studies in the reduction of rogue cancer cells. Whiskey that has been aged in oak barrels has been found to absorb toxic substances in the cells of the human body.

Brandy provides the same health advantages as whiskey. Because brandy is distilled using copper equipment, those who indulge reap the benefits of ingesting this mineral. Copper is conducive to heart health, vitamin and mineral absorption, the prevention of arthritis and optimal thyroid functioning.

Keeping Weight Down With Lighter Cocktail Choices

Many weight conscious individuals believe that white wine is their only choice when drinking with calorie content in mind, but many cocktails exist that are easy on the waistline. Staying away from high-calorie mixers can significantly lower cocktail calorie content. A simple whiskey and water, whiskey on the rocks or straight brandy served in a snifter are all good beverage choices for those watching their weight.