What Are The Healthiest Alcoholic Drinks In The Summer?

One of the questions I often get from people is “What should I drink in the summer”? As we know, summer is a very social time and if you know me personally, I do indulge every once in a while. I do have some favourites that I thought I would share with you that don’t  overtax your system in terms of sugar, inflammation or excess Calories. Also I should state the obvious, that the very healthiest would be to avoid alcohol all together however when you do choose to drink alcohol, below are some guidelines.

Here are a few of my guidelines that I try to follow particularly in the summer.

1. Take Weekdays off – One of the guidelines I try to adhere to as much as possible is to take weekdays off of booze. This follows my previous blog on the 80/20 Rule in that during the week I try to be alcohol free and on weekends allow myself to have some cocktails. I typically find this much easier when I am working(versus holidays) as I am in my routine and focused on work, family and health and fitness.

2. Consume Sugar Free Drinks – A major reason that socializing and drinking tends to put on weight is that many drinks have extremely high levels of added sugars which not only packs on the calories but also leads to insulin spikes. Think of many popular summer drinks – Margarita’s, Daiquiri’s, Rum and Coke, Rye and Ginger to name a few. It is always best to avoid any alcohol containing added sugars and this would include mixing with soft drinks such as Coke and Ginger Ale.

3. Drink Organic  Wines- It is always healthier to drink Organic when possible. As outlined in my previous blog – Secrets of the Longest Living People On The Planet (http://kevinbradyhealth.ca/sardegna-secrets…le-on-the-planet/)  one of my favourite and healthy wines are the wines from Sardegna with Cannoneau grapes. I just recently discovered that this wine is available at the LCBO so it is now one of my “go to ” wines. I have also learned that many European wines are not treated with the pesticides and chemicals that are used in many North American Wines. Therefore I try to buy European Organic wines when able and I have found lately than many LCBO’s have an Organic Wine Section of the store.

4. My “Healthy” Drink- When possible, I try to mix drinks with water (or Carbonated Water) as it adds no calories and keeps you hydrated. One of my favourite cottage drinks is to pre mix freshly squeezed lemons with water and ice and mix it with a shot of vodka over the rocks. I call this my “healthy drink” and when I have served it to people they have loved it and found it to be very refreshing. Not only does it taste good, it has zero sugar and also alkalinizes your system at the same time!

5. Organic Beer with Lemon – One of the drinks that seems to naturally go with summer is beer on those hot summer days. When enjoying a beer on the dock at the cottage I typically fill a large glass with ice, squeeze in some fresh lemon and then add the beer. This is a refreshing way to enjoy a cold beer and the lemon has an alkalinizing effect.

My Favourite Health Drinks In The Summer

1. Organic Beer (Mill Street Brewery is one of my favourites)

2. Organic Wine (Sardanian) or any other Organic Wines

3. Freshly Squeezed Lemon, Ice and Water over Vodka on the Rocks

I hope you have learned something and enjoy one or more of these healthier drinks this summer.

Yours in Great Health, Kev