College is a world full of experiencing new things. Some of us like to experience life by trying new activities and exploring sites around the city we now live in. Others turn to a beverage that I’m sure a good amount of us are familiar with: alcohol. For those of you that aren’t into the whole “drinking” aspect of college, that is completely fine; it’s nice to be able to find other means of fun in life. The rest of us find that drinking is a huge aspect of college life and that these years are supposed to be the “experimental” years so why not put a drink into our hands? While alcohol can be fun, it can also pack on unwanted pounds without us even knowing it. Most alcoholic drinks are filled with large amounts of carbs and sugars, which are two things our body definitely doesn’t need in excess. In order for us to stick with our diets and keep healthy, there are two options: stop drinking or search for some healthy drinks. I’m sure most of us would rather choose the second option, so for those of you that still want to have fun and keep off the weight; here are some healthier alcoholic drinks you could substitute in for beer and shots. These are so simple and easy you’ll be able to make them every weekend or whenever you desire. Just make sure you are 21!
Lemon Raspberry Lemonade:
This beverage is so simple and tasty; it’ll keep you and your friends wanting more. At only 105 calories per drink, it keeps your diet in check while changing things up from the regular norm. Here are the 4 ingredients:
-1 ½ ounces of vodka
-1 single-serving packet of True Lemon Raspberry Lemonade mix
-1 ½ cup of water
-Ice
Combine lemonade mix with water, adjusting ration to taste. Add vodka and ice, stir and enjoy!
“Faux” Jito:
When you’re having a Mexican night with the girls, this is definitely the drink to make. This low-cal cocktail is so simple; it can be made in only 2 minutes with these ingredients:
-3 to 4 mint leaves
-A lime wedge
-1 shot of white rum
-Diet lemon-lime soda (sprite zero, diet sierra mist)
-Ice
-Sugar (for the rim of the glass)
Muddle (lightly crush) the mint leaves. Combine the mint leaves with white rum and lime juice. Run the remains of the lime wedge around the rim of the glass and dip the glass into sugar so the rim gets a fine coating. Pour the mixture into the glass and fill with ice. Top off with diet soda.
Classic Manhattan:
This drink is something most of us have probably heard of but maybe thought it was too fancy for the college life. Well, you’re wrong! It’s very simple to make and filled with only 129 calories and 2g of carbs, not to mention there are 0g of fat! Here are the ingredients:
-2 ounces of blended whiskey
-1/2 ounce of dry vermouth
-1/2 ounce of sweet vermouth
-1 dash of bitters
First, swirl all ingredients with ice to chill. Next, pour into a glass and if you want, add a maraschino cherry as garnish!
Skinny Sangria:
This recipe in particular cuts out all the sugar in regular sangria, making one serving of this only 173 calories rather than the normal 298 calories. This will also give you that extra boost of antioxidants and vitamins you need with the massive amounts of fruit that are in it. Here are the ingredients:
-4 apples
-3 oranges
-1 pound red grapes
-3 bottles of light-medium red wine
-1 can of any diet lemon lime soda
The directions are simple. Slice up the apples and oranges and cut the grapes in half. Combine the fruit with all of the liquid in one big pitcher. Chill the mixture for a few hours and serve over ice. This recipe makes 16 servings.
Bloody Mary:
This recipe in particular makes 6 servings, each at only 125 calories. It is also packed with lots of vitamins and nutritional goodness. Have this drink as part of your morning or while having a night out. Just make sure to use these ingredients:
-3 large celery stalks
-36 ounces of low-sodium tomato juice
-2 teaspoons of horseradish
-1 juiced lemon
-1 teaspoon of grated yellow onion
-1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
-1/4 teaspoon of kosher salt
-1 ½ cups of vodka
-Hot sauce to taste
Cut up and puree celery in a food processor or blender until finely minced. Combine the rest of the ingredients except the alcohol in a large pitcher. Pour ¼ of the mixture into the food processor a little at a time. Pour food processor contents into the pitcher and add vodka. Stir gently and chill. Serve with ice and if desired, garnish with a celery stalk or pickle.
These drinks are so simple and easy that you will be able to make them whenever you need to. They are also great healthy alternatives to a can of beer or shots of hard liquor. With these, you will actually be able to enjoy sipping rather than deal with the harsh taste of plain alcohol all the while adding vitamins and antioxidants to your body, which will also help with preventing a hangover! Drink up!
Photo Credit:
http://mobile-cuisine.com/did-you-know/dyk-sangria/
http://smartlifeblog.com/healt…
http://www.shape.com/healthy-eating/healthy-drinks/11-new-healthy-cocktail-recipes
Sources:
http://www.health.com/health/article/0,,20410555,00.html
http://www.shape.com/healthy-eating/healthy-drinks/11-new-healthy-cocktail-recipes