Cheers to the Freakin' Weekend
When it’s time to cut back on unnecessary calories, alcohol is usually the first thing to go. It doesn’t have to be that way.There are ways to stay on track with your goals and still enjoy a cocktail with your friends. We like to approach a healthy lifestyle with one word “balance.” The key is to opt for healthier choices, like soda water mixers, fresh fruits, herbs, and limiting the short cuts, like using real lime juice instead of sugar-loaded margarita mixers.
Challenge! Tap into your inner mixologist and create cocktails to carry you from day party to steamy summer night kickbacks.
SIMPLE SYRUP
No one should buy simple syrup. It’s one of the cheapest things to make, and if you are watching your calories, the easiest way to monitor the amount of sugar going into your favorite cocktail. Also, if you want a more natural variation, you can create a honey syrup, which is great with whiskey and bourbon-based drinks, or agave nectar.
Ingredients
1 Cup of Sugar
1 Cup of Water
Note: Simple Syrup will always call for equal parts (1:1) sugar and water, so you can make as little or as much as you need. For a thicker, heavier syrup, simply adjust the proportions to a 2:1 sugar-to-water ratio.
Instructions
Heat the water in a small saucepan over medium-low heat until hot, but do not bring to a boil.
Add the sugar and stir until fully dissolved.
Let the syrup cool to room temperature before using or storing. Using a funnel if needed, transfer the simple syrup into a glass jar and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks.
BLACKBERRY GIN & TONIC
This drink is not only gorgeous, fresh berries are the stars (hello, antioxidants) and the fresh rosemary adds a hint of savory depth to the drink.
Ingredients
4 to 5 ripe blackberries
4 to 5 ripe blueberries
1 oz. of gin
6 ounces tonic water (We like Free Fever tonic)
Rosemary spring to garnish
Ice cubes
Instructions
In the bottom of a rocks glass, muddle berries until juice covers the bottom of the glass
Fill the glass with ice
Pour in gin
Top with tonic water
Add the rosemary garnish
Fresh Margarita
No store-bought margarita mixer needed for this delicious drink. Avoid the unnecessary high fructose syrup and chemicals.
Ingredients
• 1 1/2 oz. tequila
• 1 oz. fresh lime juice
• 1/2 oz. Grand Marnier or orange liqueur of your choice
• 1 1/2 Tablespoon simple syrup
• Salt for the Rim
Instructions
Moisten the rim of serving glass with a lime wedge. Invert glass on salt. Twist glass to ensure it is thoroughly coated.
Pour ingredients into a shaker and shake.
Strain over ice in salt-rimed glass
If desired, sprinkle a little lime zest on top of drink or add a lime garnish.
Elderflower – Lemon Spritz
This spritz is a light affair. It can be made with just lemon juice, but the elderflower syrup adds a floral note that makes this a cool refreshing drink in the summer.
Ingredients
1 oz Vodka
.5 oz Elderflower Liqueur
.5 oz lemon juice
6 oz soda water
Lemon slice to garnish
Instructions
Fill ¾ cup with ice
Add Vodka, Elderflower Syrup, and Lemon Juice to your shaker and shake
Pour over ice. Top with soda water.
Garnish with lemon.
Stir and enjoy
Sidecar with BOURBON
A twist on a classic and favorite at the Fit with Finesse Headquarters.
Ingredients
2 oz Bourbon
1 ounce Cointreau
3/4 ounce fresh lemon juice, to taste
superfine sugar, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Combine Bourbon, Cointreau, and lemon juice in a cocktail shaker and fill with ice.
Shake well until chilled, about 10 seconds.
Strain into prepared glass;
Garnish with a twist of orange or lemon peel