It is a fact that alcohol changes people. Some get loud and rowdy while others get into a drunken stupor, unaware of their surroundings. Depending on the drink you choose, alcohol may add a few inches to your waistline and make
your liver hate you. Despite the bad rap that liquor has received, one thing is for sure. It is so much fun and it makes you more social and empathetic.
So here are 8 alcoholic drinks that are not only healthy but also put “happy” into happy hour:
Vodka & Soda Water
If you’re trying to watch your weight, sip on some vodka and soda. Vodka has an average of 96
calories per 1.5 ounces with soda water having no calories. These 2 are among the most low-cal ways to drink, but watch how many glasses you sip because it packs a hell of a punch.
Light Beer
It’s called light beer for a reason. A regular beer has 150 calories and the light version has 100,
so for every five beers you’ll save 250 calories. If you really want to save your waistline, you’ll go
light.
Whiskey and Gin
Caloric averages for gin are around the same range so drink it neat or on the rocks, with a soda.
Avoid mixing it with super sugary mixers or else you’ll defeat the purpose.
Wine
Wine is made from grapes which actually makes it pretty good for you. Red wine packs a lot of
nutritional value. It contains antioxidants such as flavonoids and a substance called resveratrol,
which has heart-healthy benefits such as reducing blood clots.
Mojito
This might actually come as a surprise to you but shots of seltzer mixed with lime, mint, and a
splash of simple syrup contain way less sugar than a soda mixer. The fresh mint and lime make
the mojito a source of antioxidants, adding to the nutritional value of your drink.
Drink a Vodka Soda over a Vodka Tonic
Most people actually think that seltzer and tonic are the same. Combined with soda and lime, a
vodka soda is the slimmed-down version of a vodka tonic. So replace any sugary mixer with
seltzer to slim down a mixed drink and remove much of the added sugar.
Champagne
You don’t really need an excuse to bring on the bubbles so instead of wine or beer, sip on some
champagne. Being bubbly, champagne can help slow you down if you tend to guzzle your alcohol. However,
carbonated beverages can bring you a bit of gas.
Bloody Mary with fresh tomato juice
Ditch the pre-made tomato juice and use no-sugar-added, low-sodium tomato juice instead. It’s much healthier since it’s not packed with salt and other additives. So mix it with a shot of vodka, a teaspoon of horseradish, a big celery stalk and then squeeze in some lemon.