Drink To Your Health: Happy Hour Gets Healthy

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By Mia Bolaris-Forget

Not too long ago, a new (trendy and timely) “catch phrase” was brought to my attention, and that term is “green drinks”, the name given to informal networking sessions hosted and attended by (mostly) those in the environmental field. And, like most networking “socials” you can expect most to bring a friend and to mix, mingle and schmooze over drinks. And, many of the “drink menus” include organic and environmentally friendly options, including beer, wine and other cocktails.

And, now some mainstream “mixmasters” seem to be jumping on the “green drink” bandwagon redefining the term to include (alcoholic) beverages with benefits that make it easier to enjoy a cocktail while also drinking to your health.

Here are just a few of the hottest in healthy drinks:

· Pepper Delicious

A combination of sliced red bell pepper (3 rings), 6-8 leaves of fresh mint, 2 ounces gin, 1 ounce fresh lime juice and 3,4 ounces simple syrup.

From Ryan Magarian, president of Liquid Relations, Portland, OR

Experts note that adding these healthy veggies give revelers a boost of vitamin C, cartenoids, and lycopene which help guard against chronic ailments and disease.

· Blue:

This drink calls for a mixture of 1 Tbsp whole blueberries, ½ ounce fresh lemon juice, 2 ounces Ty Ku (an Asian-inspired liquor made with sake), 1 ounce limoncello, and 2 ounces pomegranate juice

From the Four Seasons, New York, NY

Studies suggest that the nutrients found in berry and pomogranates give an abundant boost of antioxidants improving heart and overall health.

· The Rabbit Hole:

This dynamic drink meshes together the savory flavours of 3 ounces fresh carrot juice, ½ ounce fresh cucumber juice, ½ ounce Cynar (an Italian herbal liqueur), 1 ounce organic vodka, and 1 sprig sage.

From Greg Best, mixologist at Restaurant Eugene, Atlanta, GA

Besides being refreshing, experts suggest that the abundance of lutein, found in carrots can guard against cancer.

· Beet Sangria:

This timeless “Spanish” tradition with a new and improved twist calls for a combination of 4 ounces sugar, a pinch of salt, 11 ounces beet juice, 1 ounce fresh lime juice, 3 ounces fresh orange juice, 3 ounces ginger beer (or ale), 8 ounces red wine, 6 ounces brandy and 1 ounce Cointreau.

From Eben Freeman, bartender at Tailor, New York, NY

We all have heard about the benefits of red wine (in moderation), add to that red beet juice, rich in folates and you also lower your risk or coonary artery disease.

Avocado Daiquiri:

This “ultimate” in “green” drinks combines 2 ounces silver rum, 2 ounces gold run, ¼ ounce medium-ripe avocado, ½ ounce half and half, ¼ ounce fresh lemon or lime juice, 2 ounces simple syrup and 1 ½ cups ice cups.

From Hip Sips, by Lucy Brennan

The healthy happy hour alternative to frozen frappucinos this drink replete with all the health benefits of nutrient rich avocodos guards agains heart disease.