The healthiest alcohol to drink this Silly Season!

It’s so easy to underestimate liquid calories, but they sure do add up! It is not in our values to encourage you to cut out the things that make Christmas, Christmas! We want to enjoy this time of year by having a drink with friends on a hot December’s afternoon and indulging in your best friends homemade pavlova or your mum’s world renown Christmas cake! It’s not about restriction; it’s about giving you the tools to help you make your body and soul feel RADIANT this Christmas + holiday season! Check out our list of the healthiest drinks you can order at the bar.

Red or white wine

1 serve is 150ml, around 100-150 calories and very minimal sugar. Red wine is our pick due to all those antioxidants and a little bit less sugar than white. Often, we don’t stop at 1 of these babies though, so we recommend the next option if you’re having more than 1…

Vodka with soda water and fresh lime

1 serve contains just over 100 calories and the lime reduces the glycaemic index (GI) of the drink, so your blood sugars rise more slowly and won’t ‘crash’ afterwards.

A light beer

Be aware that this choice contains gluten and a few other ingredients that can cause bloating, but it’s not a bad option if you stop at one.

Bloody Mary

These are light on calories and packed with antioxidants, while the spices and peppers give your metabolism a little boost and the celery adds freshness and fibre. The consistency also fills you up, so you’re less likely to crave a second drink.

Margaritas

There’s a catch to this suggestion! First up, you need to know we’re not talking the frozen, pre-mixed kind of margarita. Secondly, you’ve got to ask the bartender not to use sugar syrup or agave, just straight up tequila, Cointreau and fresh lime juice. Tequila is one of the only alcohols that is a mood booster, rather than a depressant, so the little lift you’ll get is a bonus to this order.

“Dry” cocktails

Ask the bartender for a dry cocktail with no added sugar. He or she is sure to know a few tricks of the trade to help you out ;)

Quality champagne

Sparkles are lighter on calories than wine, at about 90 calories per serve, but they do have a bit more sugar.

What about good old gin & tonic?

People often assume that because it’s called “tonic water” this is a good choice, but tonic water actually has as much sugar as a can of cola, so don’t be fooled! Have your gin with soda water instead.

Pics from Lori’s at Pineapple Beauty’s wedding by Bec Essery