6 Healthy Alcoholic Drinks

School’s back in, and you’re trying to stay in shape while still having fun on the weekend. Chances are good that you’re looking at some Blue Moon, or (please no) Nattie Lite. Everybody knows that beer is packed with carbs. Blue Moon has 171 calories, and Fat Tire weighs in at 160. Fortunately, if you’re trying to stay healthy, these are some one of these healthy alcoholic drinks.

This weekend, use these recipes for maximum fun.

Gizmodo posted a helpful warning to put this article in perspective:

“Healthy” is a pretty subjective term. Nothing on this list is healthy when multiplied by four. According to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, drinking in moderation is defined as having “up to 1 drink per day for women and up to 2 drinks per day for men.” Our bodies treat alcohol as a toxin. No matter what form it takes, your body can only process so much, so quickly. Robinson notes, “Although these drinks may be healthier options, it does not mean you should consume more. The fewer the drinks, the fewer the calories, and reduced risk of longer term problems.

1. Champagne

Major classy points if you are drinking champagne with college friends. For the rest of you, who have graduated beyond Natty Lite and Four Loco, Champagne is a solid option.

2. Whiskey & Gin

As it turns out, Whiskey isn’t that bad for you, plus it’s packed with flavor. But if you’re concerned about being healthy, be careful not to mix it with a sugary mixer. Breaking news: sugar will kill you. That said, you only get to drink 1.4 ounces of the stuff, which still sets you back 100 calories. So hopefully you’re more concerned in quality.

3. Fizzy Lemonade

Lemonade is my favorite thing. It’s the best on a summer night. Fortunately in the south, “summer nights” last into October.

Recipe: “Mix together ½ oz of tequila, ½ oz of vodka and 1 tsp of agave nectar in a cocktail shaker. Pour into a glass with 2 oz of diet lemon-lime soda and you have yourself a fizzy lemonade tequila drink that is light on the calories.” (via FitDay)

While this recipe comes in at 69 calories, I’ve never met anyone who drank THREE OUNCES of lemonade. That’s like eating one fig newton. You shouldn’t.

4. Mojito

Of course making a mojito with sugar will result in a ton of calories, but substituting honey makes for a rather healthy alcoholic drink.

Recipe: “Craft this feel-good drink by muddling one sliced lime and 2 tbsp of mint leaves with a morter and pestle. Combine ½ tsp of honey with 2 oz rum and 4 oz of club soda until honey is dissolved. Add in the mint mixture and pour into a glass filled with ice. Garnish with a lime wedge and some extra mint and you have a 150 calorie mojito.” (via FitDay)

Who else likes Mojitos?

5. Shockingly, Guinness

Guinness, as far as beer goes, is actually really good for you. The University of Wisconsin found that Guinness has more antioxidant power than red wine. Most of us under 40 aren’t too concerned about heart problems, but still, that’s good to know. If you can’t be bothered with mixed drinks or champagne, maybe Guinness Draught is the healthy option for you.

6. Bloody Mary

This is the top dog of healthy alcoholic drinks. Thousands of people online have said how much they enjoy the bloody mary. In fact, I can’t anyone who says bad things about the drink. I’ve never had a Bloody Mary, but given the tomato juice, I’m not very optimistic. Alcoholic Campbells soup doesn’t sound like my speed.

Ingredients: Vodka, tomato juice, horseradish, Worcestershire sauce, Tabasco, celery, salt, and pepper.

Summary

There you have it, six healthy alcoholic drinks for your next party. What are your favorites, what did we miss?

Photo credits

Champagne: Sylvain_Latouche via photo pin cc
Whiskey: Mr. Greenjeans via photo pin cc
Lemonade: photo credit: LuisMacalinao via photo pin cc
Mojito: floodkoff via photo pin cc
Guinness: KellBailey via photo pin cc
Bloody Mary: Sanctu via photo pin cc