Summer Healthy Cocktails and how to Avoid Hangovers

One of summer’s great pleasures is dining alfresco—and toasting the good weather with a cool cocktail. Yet however health-conscious your meal may be, most alcoholic beverages are loaded with hidden sugars—which can derail both the benefits of a carefully balanced diet and your morning after. Is there a way to celebrate the season without the nutritional no-gos—or the hangover?

While all alcohol should be limited, it’s not realistic that we won’t have a drop of it for the rest of our lives, all alcohol is not created equal. Wine is a good option but opt for an organic or biodynamic bottle to avoid extra sulfates.

When you’re in the mood for a spirit, skip premade mixes that contain refined sugar, preservatives, and color additives. Instead, pick a drink made with fresh ingredients, like lime juice or muddled berries, vodka or tequila on the rocks with a splash of lime is also a great alternative. And for an extra boost of antioxidants,  using a homemade or natural store-bought kombucha as the base of your summer cocktail. It’s low in sugar and packed with vitamin B, which can help aid in hangover prevention.

Other mixing ingredients that might help stop a hangover before it begins include pineapple, which is known to have anti-inflammatory properties, and coconut water that provides electrolytes to help balance the dehydration of alcohol. Beyond that arrive at the bar fully hydrated and, before drinking, to eat foods that are high in omega-3 fatty acids (like chia seeds and leafy greens).

Fortunately, if you forego these steps before a night out and are feeling it the next day, it’s still possible to troubleshoot. Flush out toxins first thing with a mug of hot water and lemon, and take a probiotic to help re balance your gut.  also recommended avoiding caffeine, salt, dairy, or any iced drinks, which can delay efficient digestion.

If all else fails,  inhaling the aroma of lavender—fresh or in essential oil form—throughout the day will sooth and anecdotal and help you get over a hangover.

Its best to keep Pure LAVENDER SPRAY on hand to help…

Here, her recipe for a cocktail that’s low in calories, yet high in summer flavor.

Refreshing Cucumber Cooler

Ingredients:
1 medium cucumber (about 1⁄4 pound)
2 T fresh mint leaves, plus a few sprigs for garnishing
3⁄4 cup cool filtered water
1 shot of vodka or gin
2 T freshly squeezed lime juice
3⁄4 tsp. stevia

Instructions:
Peel the cucumber if it is non-organic. Cut a single thin slice from one end of the cucumber and reserve. Juice the cucumber and the mint together in a juicer. If no juicer is available, blend the cucumber, mint, and water in a blender or food processor, and then strain the mixture through a cheesecloth. Pour the cucumber juice into a tall glass.

Stir in the vodka or gin, lime juice, stevia, and filtered water (if you did not blend it in already). You can shake this drink in a cocktail shaker with a little ice if you really want to emulate a cocktail, though digestion-wise, drinking it cool but without ice is more ideal.

Garnish the cooler with a sprig of fresh mint and the reserved cucumber slice.

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