Making an incredible cocktail is akin to sculpting clay figures. It’s practically foolproof for ordinary work, but it takes a real virtuoso to make a delicious drink. However, one does not must be a genius to find out how to make incredible cocktails – in the end, as the saying goes, practice makes perfect. So do not be nervous about making mistakes the first few tries until you finally find out how to do it right and continue to perfect the art of mixing ingredients. Rock your life with this healthy cocktail mixer for diet-friendly and delicious DIY drinks.
Aperol Cocktail
Aperol is one of those rare spirits that proudly carries a healthy cocktail staple. It was initially produced in Padua, Italy, virtually a hundred years ago (in 1919 to be precise). It is generally created from citrus, rhubarb, cinchona, and gentian, and usually has 11% alcohol by volume. Although it belongs to the “family” of bitter alcoholic drinks, it’s much milder on the palate because of the less citrus and sugar content. Because of this, it’s a really popular component in the preparation of many healthy cocktails.
The DIY approach to concocting an Aperol cocktail is pretty easy. Squeeze some lime to get thick juice, mix it with Aperol and add water. Each base ingredient should make up a third of the whole glass, so pouring the correct amount is not too complicated. If you actually want to add some health points to your cocktail, then do not use plain water. Instead, use aloe, cucumber, or birch water. Cocktails should be served in highball glasses with shaved ice and garnishes are optional.
Hanky Panky
The main ingredient in the Hanky Panky cocktail is Fernet-Branca, a brand of herbal liqueur initially from Milan, Italy. As you can see, some of the truly famous alcoholic drinks with health benefits originate in the Apennine Peninsula. The volume of alcohol per glass is a whopping 39%, but this should not discourage you – it is a widely known remedy for colic, cramps and flatulence, provided it is consumed moderately. It boasts ingredients such as turmeric, cocoa leaf and even mint – which explains its stomach-calming effect – but the exact recipe for this drink is a carefully guarded secret to this day.
Fernet-Branca is hugely popular in the United States these days as a key ingredient in many vintage cocktails, and the Hanky Panky (or Panky Hanky, depending on your taste buds) is probably the most popular. Again, for DIY novices, this is a rather easy cocktail mix. You will need an ounce and a half of gin, an equal dose of Fernet-Branca, and an ounce of vermouth. It’s definitely a brief cocktail, but with a few garnishes of orange zest and a few ice cubes, it is an incredible after-meal welcome drink as it promotes good digestion.
Margaritas (reviewed)
Of course, as an avid cocktail maker, you should not rely solely on mundane sources like recipe books. Look online for inspiration and interesting blending methods. Play drinks stylist, follow trending mixology from NYC and create your own signature drink and it is made in three steps. Such easy-to-make cocktails are an incredible method to practice your skills.
For example, the margarita is an incredible, flexible cocktail that gives you a broad canvas for craft practice. Start with a glass of your choice of liquor – normally, an ounce and a half of tequila. Then add two ounces of healthy chilled juice to your liking. While margaritas normally contain lime, lemon or orange juice, you can make your own combinations until you find one that suits your taste. Finish with a dash of Cointreau to balance the flavors and move on to step three – which normally garnishes the rim of the glass. The final step is the perfect opportunity to add a classy twist to your cocktail while you play with a variety of ingredients and fresh taste. Since we’re talking about healthy cocktail mixers, be sure you’ve made a margarita that’s not too strong or too sweet. The thoughtful blend of flavors is not only healthier, but also preferred by the oral cavity and stomach.
Matcha Mai Tai
Have you ever heard of matcha before? It is a famous power food in the Far East and originated in China many centuries ago. It is sold in the form of a fine powder with a bright green hue. The powder is created from crushed green tea leaves and is generally mixed with hot water in the form of a tea or with milk in the form of a filling drink. Above all, it’s known for its powerful health benefits. It is rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants called polyphenols. This is also excellent news for caffeine addicts, as a cup of matcha tea contains the same volume of the precious chemical as a cup of brewed coffee.
Therefore, Matcha Mai Tai is the epitome of a healthy cocktail. This one is a little more complicated than your usual three-ingredient three-step cocktail, so please be warned that, if you’re a beginner, the results may not be as ideal as hoped. First, you need to buy your preferred and reliable brand of matcha powder and put two ounces of it in a regular-sized glass. Then add eight ounces of warm water to dissolve the powder into a nice creamy liquid. Mix it with one ounce of rum, two ounces of coconut water and one ounce of pineapple juice. Top it off with a pinch of lime and add ice if you prefer to drink it chilled, although that’s optional. While we’re on the subject of choice, if you want to add a garnish to your drink, the best garnish for this very green cocktail is unquestionably mint leaves.
Of course, these are only a few examples of cocktail mixers that are quite popular all over the world. If you really insist on a DIY approach, you’ll become a master at creating more than unique flavor nuances. Popular cocktails will make great combos in your hands, and once you have perfected your own mixing method, you will be more confident about starting to experiment. This is when you’ll start creating your own cocktail “brand”. Who knows, if you come up with a very unique and magnificent taste, the drink might find its place amongst the most popular cocktails in the world.
