After a long week, sometimes nothing can lift your spirits quite like a refreshing cocktail. Besides, alcohol can trigger the same kind of endorphin release as a spin class or 5K run. Studies have even shown that vodka can help relieve stress, and a shot of tequila every now and then might be good for your heart. (Round of margaritas, anyone?) But it’s when we pour the sugary juices and add the calorie-dense garnishes that cocktails become a buzzkill on our health. With this in mind, here are 10 healthy cocktails brimming with superfood ingredients that you can easily make at home.
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8 Superfood Cocktails That Aren’t a Buzzkill
1. Cherry Watermelon Margaritas
Watermelon and cherry aren’t traditional margarita flavors, but when pureed together in a blender, they become the ultimate frozen drink. Watermelon cuts out the need for sugar, and the tartness of cherries mimics the flavor of Cointreau. Cherries are also known to help you get better sleep — so this one might let you snooze better than, say, a giant sugar-laden ‘rita. Photo and recipe: Giselle Rochford / ExSloth
2. Bai Vodka Orange Spritzer
If you’re looking for a bubbly cocktail, this spritzer is the way to go. Bai Bubbles is a low-calorie drink infused with antioxidants, more specifically, coffeefruit. An entire 11.5-ounce can of the beverage is only five calories in total. Plus, it doesn’t include any artificial sweeteners, which can trigger a sugar-induced hangover. Photo and recipe: Kristen / Modish and Main
3. White Sangria with Strawberries
Just when you think you can only enjoy strawberry and rhubarb as a pie, this refreshing sangria come along. At five calories of sugar per glass, you have your pie and drink it, too. Fresh orange juice and strawberries give you a punch of vitamin C, and seltzer and Prosecco offer a low-calorie way to put you in a bubbly mood. Photo and recipe: Perry Santanachote / Life by Daily Burn
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4. Raspberry Mojito
This isn’t your typical mojito, but that’s kind of the beauty of it. The vibrant mojito features fresh blueberries, frozen raspberries, fresh mint and white rum. Fresh fruit lends a natural sweetness, instead of loading up on the sugar. And you can feel OK rimming your glass with Truvia, which is made from the Stevia plant. Photo and recipe: Taylor Kiser / Food Faith Fitness
5. Healthy Dark and Stormy Cocktail
Sad truth: Most ginger beers are loaded with sugar. But this healthier version of the cocktail incorporates the use of homemade (and easy-to-make) ginger syrup mixed with club soda and black rum. Why opt for real ginger? For starters: antioxidants and it’s a great natural remedy when fighting a cold. Lime juice rounds out the flavor and gives it some zest. Photo and recipe: Emily Miller / Life by Daily Burn
6. Apple Spiced Mimosas
You’ve probably had orange juice mimosas and peach bellinis at brunch, but these sugar-free apple juice-infused cocktails will add more variety to your cocktail menu. Perfect for the upcoming fall season, these mimosas use classic autumn spices, like ground cinnamon and nutmeg. Photo and recipe: Davida / The Healthy Maven
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7. Three-Berry Red Wine Sangria
Sangria is a veritable smorgasbord of fresh flavors, incorporating strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, oranges and grapes. Unlike traditional recipes that rely on superfine white sugar and maraschino cherries, this sangria calls for just a touch of honey. Pomegranate and freshly squeezed orange juice provide an even juicier base, and red wine and club soda give it that alcoholic bubbly. Photo and recipe: Kylie / immaEATthat
8. Kiwi, Jalapeno, and Fresh Mint Smoothie
A green cocktail? Hear us out. This not-too-earthy green juice smoothie is made with spinach and kiwi, which lends natural sweetness to the antioxidant-rich base. And for just the right kick, we’re loving the jalapeno plus a refreshing hint of mint. Add a shot of tequila if you’re feeling extra adventurous. Photo and recipe: Carlynn Woolsey / JJ Begonia