All of these light and refreshing summer cocktails only have about 150 calories each and incorporate some healthy partners for some potential health benefit…so Cheers!

Wild Orange Blossom

1.5 oz. of Absolut Mandrin Vodka

Orange Blossom tea

Garnish with orange twist

1 tsp. of agave nectar

Ice

Shake all the ingredients in a shaker and strain into a martini glass

Youthberry Berry

1.5 oz. of Bacardi Razz

Youthberry tea

Muddled raspberries

1 tsp. of agave nectar

Ice and stir

Blueberry Julep

1.5 oz. of Maker’s Mark Whiskey

Muddled blueberries

1 tsp. agave nectar

Garnish with a Lemon wedge

3-4 oz. of soda water

Stir all ingredients in glass over ice

Limoncello Cooler

1.5 oz. of limoncello

3-4 oz. of soda water

Garnish with Sprig of thyme

Wedge of lemon

Pour over ice and serve

Campari & Soda

1.5 oz. of Campari

3-4 oz. of soda water

Ice

Garnish with an Orange slice

The Negroni

1 oz. of Campari

1 oz. of Tanqueray gin

1 oz. of Rosso Vermouth

Shake all ingredients with ice and strain into glass

Garnish with orange twist

And remember…….be safe this holiday and Don’t Drink and Drive!

Potential Health benefits of moderate alcohol use

Moderate alcohol consumption may provide some health benefits. It may:

Reduce your risk of developing heart disease

            Reduce your risk of dying of a heart attack

            Possibly reduce your risk of strokes, particularly ischemic strokes

            Lower your risk of gallstones

            Possibly reduce your risk of diabetes

Even so, the evidence about the possible health benefits of alcohol isn’t certain, and alcohol may not benefit everyone who drinks.

Moderate alcohol use may be of most benefit only if you’re an older adult or if you have existing risk factors for heart disease, such as high cholesterol. If you’re a middle-aged or younger adult, some evidence shows that even moderate alcohol use may cause more harm than good. You can take other steps to benefit your cardiovascular health besides drinking — eating a healthy diet and regular exercising are best!

Guidelines for moderate alcohol use

The 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend that if you choose to drink alcohol you do so only in moderation — up to one drink a day for women or two drinks a day for men.

Examples of one drink include:

            Beer: 12 fluid ounces

            Wine: 5 fluid ounces

            Distilled spirits (80 proof): 1.5 fluid ounces

Alcohol use: If you drink, keep it moderate!

When to avoid alcohol use

Here are some situations in which the risks of alcohol use may outweigh possible health benefits:

      You are pregnant or trying to become pregnant

            You take medications that can interact with alcohol

            You have had a previous hemorrhagic stroke

            You have been diagnosed with alcoholism or alcohol abuse

            You have liver or pancreatic disease

            You have heart failure or you’ve been told you have a weak heart or dilated cardiomyopathy

            You are planning to drive a vehicle or operate machinery

Some situations are less clear-cut. Use alcohol only with great care and after consulting your doctor if:

  You have a family history of alcoholism

            You take prescription medications for a health problem

            You use over-the-counter pain relievers or fever reducers

            You have a family history of breast cancer

            You have precancerous changes in your esophagus, larynx, pharynx or mouth

Consequences of heavy alcohol use

Although moderate alcohol use may offer some health benefits, heavy drinking — including binge drinking — has no health benefits. Excessive drinking can cause potentially serious health problems, including:

    Certain cancers, including breast cancer and cancers of the mouth, pharynx, larynx, esophagus and liver

            Pancreatitis

            Sudden death if you already have cardiovascular disease

            Heart muscle damage (alcoholic cardiomyopathy) leading to heart failure

            Stroke

            High blood pressure

            Cirrhosis of the liver

            Suicide

            Accidental serious injury or death

            Fetal alcohol syndrome and other health problems in an unborn child

Drink alcohol only in moderation — or not at all

The latest dietary guidelines make it clear that no one should begin drinking or drink more frequently on the basis of potential health benefits. So don’t feel pressured to drink alcohol. But if you do drink alcohol and you’re healthy, there’s probably no need to stop as long as you drink responsibly and in moderation.

Dr. Rob Kominiarek, America’s Fitness Doctor™ 

“Fitness is the Footprint of Life…Follow It!”