OMG, you guys. How did it happen? How are the holidays here already and my little baby guy is turning one next week and the new cookbook is out?! This calls for a celebration. A big one.
And I have just the thing to cheers with. You guys know I’m into a spruced up bevvie– all the good, but with good quality stuff so you don’t get those little “after” effects that no one wants. And this one packs a little punch, requires just a few simple ‘gredies, and is balanced with the right amount of smokiness, subtle sweetness a-la pure maple syrup, and citrus.
Just a little something to allow you to slow down, embrace this sparkly season with the people you love, and just take it all in for a minute.
Cheers to that, right? Really and truly, that’s what this time of year is about after all: hitting the pause button and just taking a step back to celebrate the big stuff, and the little stuff too. And a perfect time to look ahead at what’s to come– the potential for big growth, the fears you want to overcome, the goals you have for the new year.
Either way, I hope you find the time this month to celebrate something– if it’s an accomplishment or just making it through a long day that you found some small delights in and stay intentional, no matter what was going on around you. Because oh friends, I feel you on that. And the smallest of them do add up. Don’t forget that.
So, this first recipe is extra special. Not only is it in the new cookbook, Simply Real Eating (out now), it’s something we served on our wedding day. It’s Kyle’s favorite winter drink. And it’s also pretty much the perfect warming, spiced sipper to fill your glass in chillier months, if I say so myself.
If you’re less of a bourbon kind of gal, then be sure to scroll on down to a round-up of my other go-to healthy holiday cocktails, or crack those cookbooks open for the entire section on them! These easy sippers will make cocktail houring over the holidays so much simpler and better on your bod, in all the ways.
And if you’re searching for healthy holiday dishes to make and celebrate this season with, don’t miss my healthy holiday recipe guide with more than 70 real food, real tasty recipes to fill your kitchen, home, and heart with joy. Cheers and happiest holidays to you and yours!
Healthy Holiday Cocktails that Everyone Will Love
Ingredients:
Notes: Want a mocktail version? Swap the tequila & cointreau for coconut sparkling water and don’t use a shaker.
Ingredients:
1/2 grapefruit, juiced
1/2 lemon, juiced
3 oz high quality tequila blanco or reposado
3oz cointreau
Add all ingredients to a shaker with ice. Shake well. Add ice to 2 fun cocktail glasses of your choice, and pour/split the liquid between the glasses.
3. Cinnamon-Ginger Spiced Whiskey (or Rum)
Makes 2 servings
Notes: This cocktail can be served hot or cold. Double awesome.
6 oz whiskey or rum
1 inch fresh ginger root, peeled and grated
2 tablespoons pure maple syrup (grade b is best)
3 teaspoons ground cinnamon
juice of 1/2 lemon (or orange if you are using rum)
4 cinnamon sticks and lemon (or orange) slices for garnish
If you have time, add whiskey and fresh ginger to a mason jar and let sit for up to 24 hours before serving to let the flavors infuse together.
If not, add whiskey, fresh grated ginger, pure maple syrup, lemon juice and cinnamon to a cocktail shaker or pitcher. Shake or stir together.
Serve in glasses full of ice, with an optional splash of sparkling water for a bit of fizz. Add lemon or orange slices and a cinnamon stick to each glass before serving.
4. Pomegranate Infused Vodka Sparkler
Makes 4 servings
Notes: With no added sugar, this cocktail gets its beautiful red color from a splash of unsweetened pomegranate juice. A festive little addition to any holiday party, and an easy crowd-pleaser.
6 oz good quality vodka
6 oz sparkling water
3 splashes pure, natural and unsweetened pomegranate juice
prosecco to float
pomegranate seeds for garnish
In a pitcher or cocktail shaker, combine vodka, sparkling water, and pomegranate juice. Stir or shake to combine. Garnish each glass with pomegranate seeds in the bottom of the glass.
Add ice and pour cocktail over the top, leaving room for a prosecco float. Stir each with a spoon and serve.
5. Campari or Aperol Spritz
Makes 1 serving
Notes: Optional to add a splash of gin, vodka or prosecco for a more traditional cocktail. Recipe from The Simply Real Health Cookbook.
4-6 oz club soda or sparkling water
splash of Campari (more bitter) or Aperol (more bitter and sweet)
ice
Add club soda to a wine or short cocktail glass. Add a splash of Campari or Aperol. Stir and add ice to serve. Optional to garnish with an orange peel or slice.
6. A glass of good, natural, biodynamic wine. (Head to this post to see why natural wine is so important and how you can get it delivered straight to your house, at a discount. Yep. Seriously. I am obsessed with this company, their wines, and how I feel after!
Love this recipe? You’d love the cookbook then too. My second book, Simply Real Eating also just came out in November, so make sure you grab your copy here. And did you know there are 3 FREE BOOK BONUSES for you when you grab a copy of The Simply Real Eating Cookbook before January 4th? Check them all out here!