Happy New Year!

 

It's that time of year when we're all trying to shed a few holiday pounds, but still trying to enjoy life.

 

On that note, I am here to tell you that yes you can enjoy your cocktails! Let me share my colorful local cocktails that will have you having a healthier happy hour!

 

A few things to remember before you go about mixing it up:

 

 Mind the juices, they tend to have a high sugar content, so use a splash or two.

 Mixers also are high in sugar, as are nectars, which I love, so again just use a splash, a little flavor goes along way!

 and fresh, fresh,fresh, always try to find and use fresh ingredients, limes, lemons, oranges, basil, mint etc, all lend great flavor to cocktails with little calories. 

 

Also, when you're out at a bar or fine drinking establishment, order smart, a gin with a splash of flavored seltzer, or juice, a vodka and diet red bull( sure to keep you dancing the night away), or cut the sugar in your wine by ordering a spritzer, all good choices, and your jeans will thank you for it. 

 

 

 

I start with vodka, a great spirit to mix with, as it generally has 65 calories per every 1 ounce. I just love these grapefruit basil martinis, so colorful, fruity, and fresh, whats not to like?

 

Grapefruit Martini

 

2 oz. vodka

2 oz. freshly squeezed pink grapefruit juice 

4 basil leaves

1/2 oz. lemon juice 

 

In a glass muddle the basil and grapefruit juice. Transfer to cocktail shaker, add vodka, lemon juice, and 1 cup ice. Mix it up!

Strain into martini glass, garnish with basil leaf, and serve.

 

 

The next cocktail, a raspberry gimlet, is full of sweet raspberries and citrus tang. Substitute the raspberries for blueberries or blackberries, or strawberries.

 

Raspberry Gimlet 

2 oz. gin

1/2 oz. faux simple syrup

6 raspberries 

6 mint leaves

seltzer to top

In a glass muddle raspberries and 4 mint leaves. Add gin and simple syrup. Add ice and top with seltzer, garnish with mint, and serve.

 

Faux Simple Syrup

Combine 2 packets Splenda sugar substitute with 1 oz. water, mix well.

 

And alas, we can't forget the trendy Mojito, who says we can't be stylish sippers?

 

Mojito

 

2oz. light rum

1 oz. simple syrup

2 oz. seltzer to top

4 lime slices, 2 more for garnish

4 mint leaves, 2 more for garnish

 

 

 

In a glass, muddle together 4 lime slices, 4 mint leaves, and 1 oz. faux simple syrup. Add ice, rum, and seltzer. Enjoy!