Cheers to That! Drinks with Potential Health Benefits

Everyone loves a good cocktail now and then. Why not up your at-home cocktail game with one of these tasty drinks with potential health benefits? Read on for some fun new concoctions to try, or add one of the health-boosting ingredients to your go-to cocktail!

Health-boosting ingredients, cocktails and bar essentials

Ginger

Not only does this spicy root add incredible flavor, but it boasts numerous health benefits, including anti-inflammatory properties that can aid in digestion and reduce nausea.

For a ginger classic, make a Moscow Mule. With vodka, ginger beer and lime juice, this cocktail is crisp and delicious. Enhance the flavor (and the benefits) by adding our ginger-infused bitters or Gingercello liqueur from Marble Distilling Co. Top with candied ginger for an extra treat, or make a different style mule with your favorite whiskey, gin or tequila!

Whip up this Turmeric Gin & Ginger Cocktail for maximum benefits. The turmeric can work wonders on your digestive system and is packed with minerals. Plus, gin is low in calories and is made from Juniper berries, which are filled with flavonoids and vitamin C.

Honey

This natural sweetener is filled with antioxidants, which promote health throughout your body and may even help to lower blood pressure. Plus, honey’s natural flavor reduces the need for processed sugars in your drink. It is soothing on a sore throat and can help with your cough, as well!

If you’re looking for a great honey-based cocktail, a Hot Toddy is always a safe bet, especially if you’re trying to kick a cold. There are tons of varieties; just choose your favorite whiskey, brandy or rum and heat it with water, honey and lemon. Pro tip: Ginger is good in a hot toddy as well and can help reduce swelling in your throat!

Mix things up with a Honey Basil Margarita if you want something chilled. It’s delicious, plus the basil leaves are packed with vitamin K, iron, vitamin A and vitamin C.

Kiwi

This tiny fruit packs a surprisingly big punch: a full daily serving of Vitamin C! It can help boost your immune system, combat asthma, and potentially protect against vision loss. Try it in a Kiwi Mojito, which has the added benefits of fresh mint leaves (rich in nutrients, aid in digestion, and freshen your breath!).

Lemon

This bright fruit adds a bit of summer freshness to any cocktail! The vitamin C can boost your immune system, plus it’s great for your complexion! Load up on lemon with a classic Lemon Drop (vodka, triple sec, fresh lemon juice and simple syrup) and rim your glass with Stirrings Lemon Drop Martini Rimmer for an even tastier treat!

Rosemary 

Like mint, rosemary leaves are packed with vitamins and nutrients that can help with digestion and might even enhance your memory and concentration! Luckily for you, it also pairs well with honey, ginger and lemon to maximize the potential benefits of your cocktail! Check out this Rosemary Ginger Cocktail for a refreshing place to start.

Cinnamon

Used for its health benefits for thousands of years, cinnamon is a great addition to cocktails! It’s loaded with antioxidants, has anti-inflammatory properties and may decrease your risk for heart disease. We recommend trying it in a Cinnamon Maple Whiskey Sour: bourbon, maple syrup, fresh lemon juice (extra health benefits!) and ground cinnamon.

Bitters

Bitters increase the flavor of any cocktail (and are technically an essential ingredient!). They can act as a digestive aid and may help to boost your immune system, in addition to promoting liver health and helping to control your appetite. Read our bitters blog post to learn more about bitters and find some of our favorite recipes! We sell Angostura Aromatic Bitters; Fee Brothers bitters in lemon, orange gin-barrel-aged orange, walnut, lime, chocolate and rhubarb flavors; and Infuse Bitters in Ginger and Tres Amigos.

As always, New Castle Liquors’ staff members are here to help with recommendations and friendly faces! New Castle Liquors is located just off I-70, exit 105, in beautiful New Castle, Colorado. 2018, 2019 and 2020 Locals’ Choice Award winner!

Photos, top to bottom are from Pexels.com by Quintin Gellar, Angele J, Pixabay, Alexandar Mils,  Pixabay.