Red wine might be an antioxidant powerhouse, but I love a good cocktail. With more studies coming out that tout the benefits of moderate alcohol consumption (it helps with memory, weight maintenance, and may even lower the risk of breast cancer), happy hour takes on a whole new meaning.
Take cocktail hour to the next healthy level by choosing an alcohol brand that has added health benefits. Looking for a spirit that's low in calories or brimming with superfoods? Keep reading!
My weakness is a good cocktail — I've been known to sacrifice calories in the name of whiskey. A vodka and soda may save on carbs, but it's no match to Beretta's Improved Whiskey Cocktail or a properly made Mai Tai. So when Skyy Spirits sent me a bottle of its low-calorie X-Rated Fusion Liqueur, I was skeptical. It's bright pink, has "X-Rated" splashed across the bottle, and looks cloyingly sweet — basically not something I'd ever touch. But its low-calorie profile intrigued me. Maybe X-Rated Liqueur was my ticket to a happy hour that didn't involve being chastised by my trainer the next day.
Described as a blend of French vodka, blood oranges, mango, and passion fruit, I initially tried X-Rated on its own and was surprised at how refreshing it tasted — smooth, light, and not too sweet. Why it's a major calorie saver is because you don't need to add additional mixers (read: sugar) to your drink. Since the fruit flavors are more pronounced than what you'd find in an infused vodka, it's like someone already added the juice. Great shaken and strained on its own like a martini, I like it best when mixed with soda water and a squeeze of lemon.
To find out how many calories are in X-Rated, read more
While I normally prefer a classic cocktail or a glass of good whiskey, I've been known to enjoy a girly drink (or two) in my lifetime. Recently I've become obsessed with this brilliantly pink liqueur, X-Rated ($27).
At first, the cheesy name and vibrant color made me nervous. I was afraid it was going to be overly sweet — more like cough syrup than a luscious liqueur. However, the rosy liquid is absolutely delicious! A fusion of French vodka and organic blood orange, mango, and passion fruit juices, the liqueur tastes fresh not artificial. It's sweet, but not overly so. I served a chilled shot to girlfriends before a night on the town, but it would also be a flavorful addition to specialty cocktails.
If you're hosting a bachelorette party or bridal shower, consider serving X-Rated. Your girlfriends will love the taste and the experience of sampling a new liqueur. A bottle also makes a lovely birthday gift for a fashionable 21-year-old.
Have you tried X-Rated? What did you think?
