Healthier Cocktail Mixers

Instead of those artificial, high-sugar options, reach for these healthier cocktail mixers.

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Photo by: AleksandarNakic ©AleksandarNakic

AleksandarNakic, AleksandarNakic

Do the holidays bring out your inner mixologist? Do you wish there were better options than all those sugary syrups for mixers? You’re in luck – these three options will immediately upgrade your cocktails.

Alcohol Nutrition Facts

A serving of alcohol is equal to 12 fluid ounces of beer, a 5 fluid ounce glass of wine or

a 1.5 fluid ounce shot of hard alcohol. While there is some science that supports the health benefits of moderate alcohol consumption, booze contains oodles of empty calories. To make matter worse, the increased calories in most popular mixed drinks comes from high sugar mixers like soda, juice, and fake bottled mixers.

REAL Juice

Traditional margarita mixes are made from nothing but high fructose corn syrup, citric acid and artificial colors and flavors. Instead make an impeccably crafted cocktail with

RIPE Bar Juice Mixers. The outrageously tasty Agave Margarita is made from cold pressed juices and sweetened with agave. The RIPE line also includes fresh mixes for everything from bloody Marys to cosmos to mojitos and all are made from 100% traceable produce.

Herbal Tea

Herbal teas can infuse cocktails with delightfully unique flavors for virtually no calories. Steep a few bags of hibiscus or mint tea ahead of time and chill for behind the bar. For a burst of flavor in a martini or spiked punch add a splash of Cranberry Lemon Flavored Herbal Tea from Honest.

Flavored Seltzer

Instead of a sparkling water flavored with fake artificial sweeteners, reach for one with a light sprinkle of sugar. Aquafina Sparkling adds effervescence to cocktails, comes in 3 flavors including Black Cherry Dragnonfruit and Orange Grapefruit, and contains only 10 calories per serving.

Dana Angelo White, MS, RD, ATC, is a registered dietitian, certified athletic trainer and owner of  Dana White Nutrition, Inc. , which specializes in culinary and sports nutrition.

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