You want to look good. You want to feel good — especially after that hangover from the time you tried to drink all day without passing out. So how are you supposed to relax with an adult beverage on the beach, porch, or patio? By choosing one of the nine healthiest drinks you can pour up.It’s the weekend, you’ve made it through the long week, and it’s time for Happy Hour. A cocktail shaker full of innovation, science, and alcohol.
Here’s to your health.
In the quest for healthy booziness, we talked to Ms Maren Robinson, certified nutritional consultant (CNC) and master of public health (MPH).
As a holistic nutritionist, she doesn’t just count calories — she looks at a cocktail’s comprehensive health profile. These drinks are on this list based on their nutrient value, caloric density, potential for obtaining fruit and vegetable servings, sugar content, antioxidant level and medicinal properties. Plus flavour.
The Warning
“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 one drink per day for women and up to two 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. Further, if you are an alcoholic, seek the appropriate treatment options, and avoid drinking alcohol.” Further, “healthy” is a subjective term. Some people are looking to keep calories down, some are looking to get vitamins and nutrients. Here are our picks.
#1
On-The-Rocks
No matter what liquor you fancy, your number-1 best bet when it comes to hard alcohol is to skip the mixers all together and drink it straight on the rocks. Mixers pack in the bulk of the calories and sugar, and end up taking up most of your drink anyways. Taste issues? Order a flavor-infused liquor.
Guinness
This thick-headed beer is actually quite low in calories--128 calories per 12 ounces--despite it's heavy demeanor. Plus, a 2003 University of Wisconsin study tells us that drinking Guinness can help reduce blood clots.
#3
Michelada
Dubbed "the world's best hangover cure" by Gizmodo.com, this spicy sipper is backed with all sorts of health benefits. Hot sauce helps boost your metabolism, Worcestishire sauce is full of antioxidants, and a twist of lime gives you vitamin C and immune-boosters. 
#4
Sangria
Again, not the lowest in calories. But a recipe with less sugar--or no extra sugar at all--and more fruit, you'll have a cocktail full of vitamins and antioxidants.
Manhattan
This hoitty-toitty cocktail is chocked full of healthy properties: Both bourbon and vermouth have a very low calorie count, and added bitters are good for digestion and "can help an upset stomach."
