The Best Healthy Low-Proof Cocktails and Summer Mocktails – News Block

Something I’m *so* into lately? Low-proof cocktails, or even a mocktail on a hot summer day.

It’s something I’ve been intuitively following and testing. And with two little kids, running a business, and full, fast-paced days, a much lower, intentional place with any kind of drink, it feels right in the season of life I’m in right now.

For example, the idea of ​​my energy, mood, or ability being reduced a bit just doesn’t feel worth it these days. At least for normal daily life.

Which is kind of funny to say, because I’ve never been a big drinker (my body is way too sensitive, and anything after 1 glass I’m down the next day), and I’ve always preached about looking for the good quality versions ( natural, wines without preservatives and homemade cocktails low or without sugar). Which I do, when I decide the occasion feels right. Usually on vacation or a date night, or a girls’ night out.

But I think as I continue to learn about my own body, which is truly a life-long journey that is always evolving, I’ve realized that right now I feel better without it: I sleep MUCH better, have more energy, and my overall health. mental space is much clearer and happier the next day.

BUT, as with everything, I try not to be all or nothing about things (unless I have to be, which is true for a lot of people, so you have to).

So I’ve been playing around with more mocktails and lighter cocktails for nights when I want something fun and fancy, but don’t want to feel bad the next day. And it’s a great little happy medium for me. All the fun, but very few downsides 🙂

low test: for me this means using a splash here and there of bitters, vermouths and digestifs, mixed with a non-alcoholic blender. You get all the fun taste and feeling of a specialty drink, but without feeling sick the next day.

Some of my favorite low-proof healthy cocktails of late:

Aperol Spritz: sparkling water or lemon spindrift or bitters and club soda + a splash of aperol and tons of ice. Add the ingredients to the glass and stir. Optional to decorate with orange slices.

The Pink Lady: spindrift raspberry or pink lemonade + splash of aperol + tons of ice. Add the ingredients to the glass and stir.

Other great options:

Sparkling rosé: I love the festivity and *feel* of this, and having just 1 = the perfect balance of feeling special and festive, which I can sip slowly. You can also do half sparkling water and half sparkling rosé for a drizzle to cut it down even more, and add some ice.

A hard kombucha (like JuneShine): It technically has a bit of alcohol due to the fermentation process, but it can be a great daytime option that isn’t heavy and feels like something different than sparkling water. Ideal for summer boating, picnics, etc.

My Favorite Summer Mocktails:

Because whether you’re feeling better in your body or you’re taking time off alcohol, that doesn’t mean life has to be boring. Here are some delicious ways to savor and drink in a way that feels good.

Rainier Cherry Shrub: 2 cups of cherries + 1 cup of apple cider vinegar + 1/4 cup of maple syrup or honey. Add vinegar and fruit to a glass jar with a lid and place in the refrigerator for at least 2 days and up to 3 months. When ready to serve, drain the fruit from the vinegar mixture, pressing it with your hands to bring out all the flavor, then discard the fruit. Place all the liquid in a saucepan with sweetener and bring to a boil for 3 minutes. Allow to cool before pouring into a glass jar to store in the fridge. For mocktails, add ¼ cup of bush with ice and sparkling water, or kombucha.

Pineapple Coconut Mint Spritzer: 1 can of coco la croix + 2 sprigs of mint + 1 big splash of pineapple juice + lots of ice. Add 1 sprig of mint leaves to the bottom of a tall glass and cover with ice. Pour coconut sparkling water over the top. Add pineapple juice (to your liking), stir well, and top with the second sprig of mint.

Mock Watermelon Margarita: 1.5 cups watermelon (diced, blended and strained) + juice of 2 limes + 2-3 slices of jalapeño + splash of sparkling water + lots of ice. Add all ingredients to a glass, stir and garnish with an extra lime wedge and jalapeno.

I also shared 8 Healthy Summer Cocktails and Mocktails in this previous blog post that are fun, easy, and healthy options to give you even more ideas! Life is too short not to have a fun drink on hand, alcohol or not. I hope these keep you cool all summer long!

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