NINO'S COLUMN LIVING WITH THE LOW-ABV LIFE

LIVING THE LOW-ABV LIFE

By the time the new year rolls around, many of us are ready to give our livers a break from a holiday season of over imbibing. I feel the same way. But, living a healthy lifestyle is not about abstinence; it’s about balance. You can have your cocktail and a healthy lifestyle, too.

The secret? Low-ABV cocktails. ABV, stands for alcohol by volume. It’s simply a standard measure of how much alcohol (ethanol) is contained in a given volume of an alcoholic beverage. For example, that lovely glass of Merlot, that you are sipping, as you read this issue of Eventos, probably contains about 14% alcohol by volume.

The average ABV for beer is 4.5 percent; for wine, 11.6 percent ; and for liquor, 37 percent, according to the Alcohol Research Group of the Public Health Institute. Low-ABV cocktails generally fall into the 10% to 15% ABV range.

Low-ABV cocktails have become increasingly popular as people strive for a healthier lifestyle. Like most Italians, I’ve been unknowingly following this practice for years. At this point in my life, I naturally gravitate to lower-ABV beverages and tend to avoid the hard stuff. The beautiful thing about the following cocktails, is that they drink so well, in our warm, tropical climate.

Aperol Spritz (11% ABV) This is the drink that most people think of when they think of low-ABV cocktails. It’s been my personal favorite for many years. Clean, crisp and a lovely pinkish-orange color, it’s the epitome of Italian chic. Mix 1 1/4 ounce of Aperol, 2 ounces of Prosecco and a splash of soda water. Garnish it with a slice of orange.

Americano (9% ABV) The first drink ordered by James Bond in Casino Royale, the first novel in the Ian Fleming series,. Another drink with an abundance of Euro style. Mix 1 ounce of Campari, 1 ounce of red vermouth and a splash of soda water. Garnish with an orange slice.

Gin Fizz (13% ABV) Think of this cocktail as a lemonade for grownups. Light, refreshing and fun to drink. There are numerous variations, both in the classic gin variety and in using other base spirits such as whiskey and rum. Shake 2 ounces of gin, 1 ounce of lemon juice, 3/4 ounces of simple syrup, 1 egg white and top it off with club soda.

Southside (14% ABV) This was alleged to be the favorite cocktail of legendary Southside (Chicago) gangster, and later Miami Beach resident, Al Capone. Some call it a gin mojito, not quite, but certainly similar. Shake 2 ounces of gin, 1 ounce of lime juice, 3/4 ounces of simple syrup. Garnish with1 sprig of mint and 1 fresh mint leaf.

Scewdriver (6% ABV) This brunch cocktail is simple, classic and the definition of retro cool. Using freshly-squeezed Florida oranges is the key. Luckily, they are in-season. Mix 2 ounces of vodka with 5 ounces of orange juice. Garnish with an orange slice. That’s it. Variations include using flavored vodka like vanilla, to give it a Creamsicle flavor.

Grasshopper (13% ABV) This classic American cocktail hails from the French Quarter in New Orleans and was popular in the 1960’s, maybe because of its groovy green color. It’s a yummy after-dinner drink. Shake ¾ of an ounce of creme de menthe, ¾ of an ounce of white creme de cacao, ¼ of an ounce of heavy cream.

As you can see from my suggestions, low-ABV doesn’t have to be boring. You can still enjoy a cocktail or two and feel fresh, awake and clear-headed, the next morning.

SALUTE E ARRIVEDERCI