More than 100 long-term studies indicate that moderate alcohol intake—up to one drink per day for women and two for men—reduces heart attack and stroke risk by 25 percent to 40 percent. With wholesome, natural mixers, these twists on classics sidestep artificial dyes and excessive sweeteners. We’ll drink (one glass) to that!
Almond Hot Toddy
In a saucepan, combine 1 cup vanilla almond milk, 1 ounce spiced rum, 1/2 ounce brandy, a dash of almond extract, 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg. Whisk constantly over low heat until warmed through; serve in a mug.
Try: Almond Breeze vanilla almond milk
Ginger Cheer
Rim a champagne flute with crushed crystallized ginger mixed with a little lemon juice. Pour in 1 1/4 ounces natural ginger ale and 3/4 ounce pear vodka; top with 2 1/2 ounces well-chilled Prosecco.
Try: Fresh Ginger Ginger Ale by Bruce Cost
Green Tea Old-Fashioned
Whisk 1/4 teaspoon sugar, 4 strong dashes orange bitters, 1 1/4 ounces bourbon, and 2 ounces chilled plain or citrus green tea until sugar dissolves. Add a splash of club soda. Serve over ice, garnished with orange and a preserved cherry.
Try: Sweet Leaf Citrus Green Tea, Tillen Farms Bada Bing Cherries
Rhubarb Rudolph
In a shaker with ice, mix 1 ounce dark rum, 1/2 ounce Grand Marnier, and a splash of cranberry juice. Shake well and strain into a chilled glass. Top off with rhubarb soda; add whole cranberries or pomegranate seeds for color.
Try: Dry Rhubarb Soda