Skinny Summer Cocktails
Note: these recipes contain alcohol and are for ages 21 and up. You can also make these "virgin" cocktails by omitting the alcohol.
Hot steamy Summer nights just seem to call for a summery cocktail. But did you know that a typical 8 oz. margarita has about 8 teaspoons (or more) of added sugars??? That's more than a woman should have all day! Plus, a lot of drink mixes have preservatives, colorings, and other stuff that we (or our livers) don't need. That's why I am sharing my 3 favorite Summer cocktails - these are all very simple, and "upgraded" versions of Margaritas, Mojitos, & Moscow Mules! ...hey, why do all the best Summer drinks seem to start with "M"?
The Mexican Mule
My version of a Moscow Mule is actually technically a "Mexican Mule" - because instead of the traditional vodka, I like to use tequila. In fact, I am using tequila for all of these drinks, because tequila has some unusual benefits that other alcohols don't have. Read: 10 Surprising Benefits of Tequila You Never Knew to learn more about the unique health benefits of tequila (note: make sure you choose a good quality tequila, and moderation is also key!)
1. 5 oz. tequila (good quality, blanco - such as Casamigos)
7 - 8 oz. of Zevia ginger beer mixer (1 can) - which is a zero calorie stevia-sweetened soda mixer
2 oz. fresh lime juice (about the the juice of 1 lime)
A slice of lime for the rim
Ice
Directions:
This drink is traditionally served in a copper mug - if you like, you can chill it in the freezer for 5-10 mins before making this to keep your drink nice and cold. Pour all into the cup, stir to combine, add ice. Serve! How easy is that?
The Classic "Skinny" Margarita
Ditch the margarita mix, and instead make your own "skinny" version.
1.5 oz. tequila (good quality, blanco)
1 oz. lime juice
.5 oz. orange juice
1 oz. Agave Five Syrup from Madhava. (organic, and less than 5 calories per serving)
1 oz. cold water (sometimes I like to use sparkling water - I know it's not traditional)
Ice
Lime and Real Salt or Tahin for rim of glass If salting, prepare your glasses first.
Directions:
Rub a lime wedge around the rim of the glass, then pour some salt or Tahin on a plate, and dip the rim of the glass into the salt or Tahin.
Mix all your ingredients, shake or stir, pour over ice into glasses. Serve!
The Coco-Mojito
Usually a mojito is made by muddling the mint and sugar, and then mixed together with rum and sparkling water. Again - I am swapping the traditional rum for tequila in this drink - because I just prefer tequila. You can use the traditional rum if you prefer. And I am hitting the "Easy Button" - by skipping over the muddling and using KeVita Mojito - a probiotic beverage that is dairy free, naturally sparkling, and delicious. Each bottle of KeVita has 4 billion CFUs, and 4 strains of probiotics- good for the gut, mood, and immunity. Many of their flavors make delicious and probiotic mixers - their Lemon Ginger is delish, and so is the Mango Coconut!
1.5 oz. tequila (good quality, blanco)
7-8 oz. of KeVita Mojito - Lime, Mint, Coconut Probiotic Beverage.
Ice
A sprig of mint for decoration
Directions:
Mix into a glass, add the mint sprig and ice - and voila!
The Essential Sparkling Citrus Cocktail
Citrus and Summer just seem to go hand in hand. Out of citrus fruit? No problem - as long as you have citrus essential oils! I love my doTERRA essential oils in the summer. I add a drop to sparkling water all the time - it is a refreshing treat. You can also make a really clean cocktail this way too.
1.5 oz. tequila (good quality, blanco)
7 oz. sparkling water
The juice from 1/2 a lemon, lime or grapefruit <OR> 1-2 drops* of your favorite essential oil - I like lime, grapefruit, wild orange, lemon - or a combo of two. Make sure to only use the highest quality food grade essential oils, such as doTERRA*.
Optional - stir in 1 teaspoon of Madhava Agave Five Syrup to slightly sweeten. You could also add a mint sprig to decorate if you have it!
Directions:
Shake and pour over ice; or stir together ingredients into a glass, add ice & serve! *essential oils are very powerful - all you need is a drop of two!
*Please remember if you do choose to drink alcoholic beverages, to do so in moderation & responsibly. The word "intoxification" means - we have literally 'made ourselves toxic.' Ethanol is metabolized into acetaldehyde, which is a toxin that is eventually broken down into acetic acid to be excreted from the body. If we consume more alcohol than can be broken down to acetic acid, the body will be experiencing the negative effects of the acetaldehyde in our blood and tissues. Excessive drinking overtime can raise our risk for developing cancer, nutrient deficiencies, digestion issues, and heart attack. Learn more by reading these Natural Hangover Prevent Tips Also- 20 Signs Your Liver Might Need Some TLC. Interested in learning more about doTERRA essentail oils? Let me know!
