For those that like to indulge in a light (and not so light) spot of boozing every now and then, you’ll know that it’s one of the most difficult things to give up when you’re on a health kick. Often people opt to cut out the more calorific alcoholic beverages like beer and go for quality spirits.

This is a wise choice, but unfortunately it isn’t overly friendly on the wallet (unless you’re on a club 18-30 holiday in Malia of course). The simple solution – become a mixologist yourself, and throw together your own cocktails. It’s cheaper, way more fun and allows you to control exactly what’s going in your drink, meaning you can create healthier options that provide a dose of nutrients alongside your alcohol fix.

1. Suntory Matcha Tokyo Sour 

A whisky sour with a Japanese twist, the Tokyo Sour uses Suntory Hakushu a refreshing 12-year-old lightly peated single malt from the Southern Japanese Alps.

What makes it healthier?

Matcha tea – a traditional Japanese fine ground, powdered, green tea – has 137 times more antioxidants than regular green tea and is said to burn fat and boost energy. Yuzu juice – a South East Asian aromatic citrus juice – adds an extra dose of vitamin C.

Glass:  Martini

Ingredients:

• 50ml Hakushu 12-Year-Old

• 20ml Yuzu juice

• 5g Matcha Tea
• 20ml sugar syrup
• Egg white

• Lemon twist (for garnish)

Method:

Mix Matcha with Hakushu 12yo, making sure all matcha is dissolved. Add the remaining ingredients, shake hard and serve straight up with  a lemon-peel garnish.

Recipe courtesy of Suntory Whisky. 

2. Tozi Spritz

Summer’s here so cool down with TOZI’s sweet and delicious Sicilian watermelon spritz, one of the bar’s favourite signature drinks. Made with fresh ingredients (and a top up of Prosecco, of course) the TOZI Spritz is perfect for calorie counters who don’t want to forgo alcohol.

What makes it healthier?

As well as being particularly low in calories, the watermelon in this cocktail provides significant levels of vitamins A, B6 and C, antioxidants and amino acids. There’s even a modest amount of potassium.

Glass: long

Ingredients

• 30ml of  fresh watermelon juice
• 25ml of Aperol
• Prosecco
• Splash of soda water

Method:

Shake the watermelon juice and Aperol in a cocktail shaker. Strain into a glass with ice cubes and top up with Prosecco and soda water.

Recipe courtesy of Tozi restaurant and bar in Victoria, London. 

3. Ginger and Chilli Margarita 

A great summery cocktail, low in calories and given a real kick by the presence of the chilli.

What makes it healthier?

The presence of orange, limes and lemon provide a healthy hit of vitamin C and antioxidants, while the red chilli helps to speed up the body’s metabolism.

Glass: Margarita glass (obviously)

Ingredients

• 60 ml water
• 180ml good-quality tequila
• 60ml The King’s Ginger, Grand Marnier, or Triple Sec
• 1 orange, peeled, halved
• 2 limes, peeled, halved
• 1 lemon, peeled, halved
• 1 red chilli, stalk removed, deseeded if hot
• 1 ball stem ginger plus 1 tablespoon ginger syrup
• 75 g granulated sugar
• 500g ice cubes

Method

Place all ingredients into your blender container in the order listed and secure lid.Turn machine on and slowly increase speed to medium and then high. Blend for 45 seconds, using the tamper to press the ingredients into the blades. Pour into salt-rimmed Margarita glasses and serve.

Recipe courtesy of Gizzi Erskine

4. Piña Kale-Ada

A unique take on the piña colada, the addition of kale is bang on trend and adds a nutrient hit that you won’t find in many other cocktails.

What makes it healthier?

Kale is rich in vitamins K and A, which are important for strong bones, vision, cell reproduction and fighting infections. It’s also a good source of potassium, folate and magnesium – making it good for promoting heart health. Coconut water is great for hydration thanks to its naturally occurring electrolytes, which should help reduce your hangover.

Glass: Short/tumbler

Ingredients

• 35ml Belvedere vodka
• 75ml pressed pineapple juice
• 5ml cold-pressed kale juice (juice at home or from a good juice bar)
• 10ml lemon juice
• 35ml coconut water
• 5 fresh basil leaves

Method

Shake everything together in a cocktail shaker, strain and serve on ice. Garnish with a slice of pineapple and a pineapple leaf.

Recipe courtesy of  Belvedere Vodka ambassador and cocktail enthusiast Claire Smith

5. Hail Mary

A healthy improvement on the classic hangover drink. Made tangy, yet healthy with the addition of apple cider vinegar and paprika, it’s the best alcoholic drink to start any day with (unless you’re going to work…maybe).

What makes it healthier?

Beetroot contains antioxidants and other healthy phytochemicals. It’s also rich in a substance called betaine, which may help reduce your chance of heart disease, aid digestion and improve your metabolism.

Natural (undistilled) organic, raw apple cider vinegar can help with indigestion and stomach upsets. It promotes healthy skin and can help boost your metabolism.

Glass: Long

Ingredients

• 25ml Belvedere vodka
• 35ml fresh cucumber juice
• 100ml freshly blended tomato juice
• 10ml Worcestershire sauce
• 20ml beetroot juice
• 2.5ml apple cider vinegar
• 2 dashes of green and red Tabasco
• Salt and pepper to taste
• A pinch of paprika
• 10ml fresh lemon juice

Method

Mix everything together in a cocktail shaker, strain and serve on ice. Garnish with a celery stalk, lemon, and cucumber slice

Recipe courtesy of  Belvedere Vodka ambassador and cocktail enthusiast Claire Smith