Expert Contributor by Elyse Lovenworth Firepoint Grill
Healthier Drinking for the Summer Season There may not be a truly “healthy” option when it comes to cocktails and wine. But you don’t need to completely forego your healthy summer habits when looking to indulge. Certain tricks and habits can help you quench your thirst responsibly and in a healthier way. Low-ABV (Low Alcohol by Volume) and low-calorie cocktails are on trend and easy to find. Ketel One Vodka has a low-calorie, no-carb and no-GMO line called Ketel One Botanicals. There are
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three flavors: Peach & Orange Blossom, Grapefruit & Rose and Cucumber Mint. Infused with all-natural botanicals, a standard 1.5-oz serving contains only 73 calories, compared to almost 100 calories in the standard serving of regular vodka. Mix with club soda and add fresh garnishes like blueberries and mint. Using fresh and nutritious garnishes like antioxidant-rich berries are great ways to get in a serving of fruit. If you are looking to add a little sweetness to your drink, you can muddle the berries and/or use .25 oz of agave nectar. Some other low-calorie alcohol options include Stoli Elit vodka, which serves up an extra-dry martini for under 200 calories, and Don Julio Blanco tequila. Squeeze yourself some fresh lime juice, add a splash of agave nectar, and you have yourself a “skinny” margarita! Regardless of your spirit of choice, every cocktail-enjoying household should have a jigger. Bartenders use a jigger to ensure the correct portion of each ingredient in a cocktail. A jigger will help you correctly measure the amount needed for a standard 1.5-oz serving. If you prefer a glass of wine, try looking for “Natural” and/or Minimal Intervention wines. These wines are typically from very small producers who aim to leave a small carbon footprint. Many wine regions in the U.S. have loads of little wineries making wine this way — without the usual manipulation and additives. Planet Oregon Wines from the Willamette Valley in Oregon is a great vineyard to consider. You can also look for wines made from grapes that are farmed biodynamically. The idea of biodynamics is that everything in the universe is interconnected, from vines on the ground to the moon, planets and stars. Biodynamic viticulture (grape growing) is the practice of balancing these relationships using a holistic view of agriculture. If you tend to prefer organic products, these wines are for you.
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Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors
June 2020
Lastly, always try to stick to the golden rule when it comes to alcohol: “Everything in moderation.” Remember, the trick to staying properly hydrated is a glass of water before and after each drink. Please drink responsibly!
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