A new year brings out the best in us. Motivation. Dedication. Commitment. Resolutions for a healthier YOU. You’ve dusted off your sneakers, packed your gym bag, and thrown out all the leftover See’s Candy (after eating all the Scotch Mallows). You’ve bookmarked a healthy meal planning link that you know you will actually refer to.
Take a look at your home bar. Still well-stocked from holiday entertaining? Now you’re a little sad at the thought of not tasting the nectar of the gods while you get yourself back to the healthiest version of you. Don’t fret. You don’t have to give up everything. In fact, you can enjoy alcohol in moderation and still crush your fitness goals. Check out these healthier drink recipes to keep your resolutions this New Year.
Let’s Talk Tequila Healthy Drink Recipes
We are a pretty health-educated group. We know that when you do decide to imbibe, the least caloric way is to drink the spirit neat or on the rocks. Typically, a straight shot (1.5 ounces or 1 jigger) of tequila (and most liquors) is just under 100 calories. The heavy doses of sugar and fat come from the mixers, not the alcohol. That doesn’t mean that your trainer will tell you to go ahead and have 3 or 4 straight tequilas. Nor does it mean that you can’t make a “fit and fabulous” mixed drink. Just like with other health-related options, choose wisely.
Kombucha Margarita – It’s Really a Thing
Everybody’s talking about kombucha. It’s been heralded as a magic elixir to heal what ails you. Literally. It is a fermented probiotic drink with health benefits rumored to rebuild connective tissue, relieve headaches, reduce gray hair, improve digestion, and even cure cancer*. Kombucha is derived from the good kind of bacteria and yeast that ferment and create a lightly carbonated and tasty tea-like beverage.
Adding tequila to kombucha for a “healthier” drink recipe might seem a little odd. We don’t make any assertions that this cocktail makes tequila healthy, but this recipe is a healthier alternative to the classically sugary margarita. The Kombucha Margarita takes the standard margarita base of tequila, triple sec, and lime juice, and adds the not-so-standard kombucha and stevia. The effervescence of the kombucha gives the margarita an extra little fizz and flavor.
[*Editor’s Note: kombucha health claims are just that. Claims. You are encouraged to do your own research on kombucha and decide for yourself if the hypotheses can be substantiated.]
Ch-Ch-Ch Chia
No, we aren’t specifically talking about the green “hair” growing plant pets that dominated kids’ wish lists in the 80, but we are talking about the seeds that make their hair sprout. Chia seeds are taking over health food store shelves and making their way into mainstream food items (margaritas included). Used by the Aztecs and Mayans for centuries, chia seeds are rich in nutrients and antioxidants and have a high Omega-3 content. To pack some nutrients into your cocktail, spoon in some chia seeds to this “healthy” drink recipe. The Chia Margarita uses tequila, triple sec, and lime juice, naturally. Add chia seeds, palm or coconut sugar, and stevia for a fit(ter) take on the marg.
How Do You say “Acai”?
The correct way is “ah-sigh-EE” even though it looks like “ah-KAH-ee”. Either way you say it, it’s good for you. Supposedly. The superfood acai berries are jam-packed with antioxidants, fiber, and heart-healthy fats. While health benefits like weight loss, reduction of acne, lowering of cholesterol haven’t been medically proven, the high level of antioxidants in the berries is undisputed. Antioxidants are good. Margaritas are tasty. So an Acai Margarita must be superb. Using a low-calorie margarita mix, or triple sec and lime juice, add tequila, acai mix, ice and blend for a berry beautiful margarita.
Mix It Up
Some health trends are just too trendy for certain people. Especially when it comes to making cocktails. One alternative to the it-health-product-of-the-week margarita is a zero-calorie mix like Be-Mixed. The pre-made concoctions use erythritol, stevia extract, and monk fruit extract to add natural sweetness. Tequila recipes with Be-Mixed range from the bright Paloma (with the added health benefits of fresh grapefruit) to a deep Berry Sage Margarita made with fresh antioxidant-rich berries. If you choose your extra ingredients wisely, your only additive is flavor.
Pom-tastic
Pomegranate is undeniably one of the most beautiful fruits in the grocery store. The deep rich hue and the jewel-like seeds are only the surface of what makes this fruit so spectacular. High in dietary fiber, vitamins C and K, and folate, the pomegranate is as healthy as it is stunning. Want to take the beauty up another level? Add tequila. The Pomegranate Martini is a delightful mix of POM Wonderful® Pomegranate Juice, Cointreau, Azuñia Blanco organic tequila, and lemon. Skip the sugar rim for the lower calorie version of this cocktail.
Keep Your Resolutions
Getting motivated at the New Year is relatively easy. Staying motivated? Not so much. We can’t be your personal trainer and help you set a new personal record at the gym. We can’t (and wouldn’t) stop you from Friday night indulgence. But we can keep you up-to-date on what’s happening in the world of tequila. Sign up for our weekly newsletter for all that’s good in tequila.
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