For Cinco de Mayo I wrote a post on healthier margaritas. A nice cold margarita is definitely refreshing on hot summer days so I wanted to share a few more drink recipes!
I try to be very mindful of the mixers that are used in my drinks. The simpler the drink the better!
I definitely avoid soda. Soda contains about 40 grams of sugar or 10tsp of sugar, which is more than the recommended daily limit of added sugars. I also steer clear of diet soda and other diet beverages that are loaded with artificial sweeteners. These drinks have absolutely no nutritive value. The amount of sugar in these beverages is not good for your waistline and practically guarantees a sugar headache the morning after.
Today I am going to introduce you to 2 refreshing and healthy drinks! We will make a margarita using kombucha and then I will show you how to make a healthier version of a paloma!
The Kombucha-Rita
Kombucha can serve as a great mixer! It is a fermented tea that is full of beneficial bacteria and yeast. Fermented foods like Kombucha promote the growth of healthy flora and gut health. It is also super low in sugar (only has about 2 grams per bottle) so you don’t have to worry about added sugars and artificial sweeteners… Score!
Kombucha-Rita
1.5 ounces tequila
1.5 ounces Kombucha
1-3 Tbsp lime juice (aka 0.5-1.5 ounces)
5-6 drops stevia (optional)
5 Blueberries (for garnish)
Mix all ingredients together in a margarita glass with ice and enjoy!
The Pure Paloma
A paloma is a tequila-based drink that has an absolutely amazing flavor! Traditionally, it is made with grapefruit flavored soda; however, I am not a proponent of soda (not diet nor regular) so recommend making this drink with fresh-squeezed grapefruit juice. Using the fresh fruit juice will reduce calories and added sugars. Grapefruit is a super star because it provides us with vitamin C, potassium and a ton of vitamins and minerals!
Pure Paloma
1.5 ounces tequila
6 ounces fresh-squeezed grapefruit juice
1 Tbsp lime juice
¼ – ½ cup sparkling mineral water
Mix all ingredients together in a 12oz glass with ice and enjoy!
While I do find myself enjoying these alcoholic beverages on occasion, don’t forget to drink responsibly! When consuming alcohol it is also extremely important to remember that alcohol affects everyone’s blood sugar differently. Alcohol can cause a person’s blood sugar to quickly drop, or it can cause blood sugars to spike and then drop. The more mix-ins and the more sweetened the drink, the more likely blood sugars will be up and down. Keeping blood sugars steady throughout the day is important for weight management, energy, mood and for controlling cravings for carbohydrates like sugary sweets. It is no wonder why some people have increased cravings and find themselves mindlessly eating after consuming a lot of alcohol.
