Drinking cocktails can be a fun and refreshing way to unwind and socialize, but it’s often accompanied by guilt as many cocktails are loaded with sugar and calories.

However, there are ways to enjoy cocktails without worrying about the negative effects on your health. By making cocktails with adjustable sugar, you can control the sweetness level and cut down on unnecessary sugar intake. Here are some tips and recipes for guilt-free cocktails that you can mix up at home.

Why is excess sugar bad for you?

Consuming too much sugar can lead to a host of health problems such as weight gain, obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and tooth decay.

In addition, sugary drinks are often high in calories and can contribute to overconsumption of calories, leading to weight gain and associated health problems. That’s why it’s important to limit your sugar intake, especially from drinks.

How to make cocktails with adjustable sugar?

The key to making cocktails with adjustable sugar is to use natural, low-calorie sweeteners that can enhance the flavors of the drinks without adding too much sugar. Here are some of the popular natural sweeteners that you can use:.

Stevia

Stevia is a plant-based sweetener that has zero calories and is 200 times sweeter than sugar. It’s a great choice for those who want to cut down on sugar intake and watch their calorie intake.

Stevia can be used in powdered or liquid form and works well in cocktails such as Margaritas, Mojitos, and Lemon Drops.

Monk Fruit

Monk fruit is a natural zero-calorie sweetener that is extracted from the monk fruit plant. It’s 150-200 times sweeter than sugar and can be used in small amounts to sweeten cocktails without adding calories.

Monk fruit works well in cocktails such as Old Fashioneds, Daiquiris and Sangrias.

Honey

Honey is a natural sweetener that has some health benefits such as antioxidant and antibacterial properties. However, it’s high in calories and should be used in moderation.

Honey works well in cocktails such as Hot Toddies, Bees Knees, and Whiskey Sours.

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Maple Syrup

Maple syrup is a natural sweetener that has fewer calories than honey and is rich in minerals such as zinc and manganese. It works well in cocktails such as Moscow Mules, Bourbon Sours, and Dark and Stormy.

Agave Nectar

Agave nectar is a natural sweetener that is extracted from the agave plant. It has a lower glycemic index than sugar and is rich in fructose. Agave nectar works well in cocktails such as Margaritas, Palomas, and Tequila Sunrises.

Low-sugar cocktail recipes

Here are some of the low-sugar cocktail recipes that you can make with adjustable sugar:.

Skinny Margarita

Ingredients:.

• 1.5 oz Tequila
• 0.5 oz Fresh Squeezed Lime Juice
• 0.5 oz Fresh Squeezed Orange Juice
• Stevia or Monk Fruit to taste
• Ice
• Salt and Lime Wedge (optional)

Instructions:.

1. Fill a shaker with ice.
2. Pour in tequila, lime juice, and orange juice.
3. Add in Stevia or Monk Fruit to taste.
4. Shake until chilled and strain into a glass with ice.
5. Garnish with salt and lime wedge if desired.

Gingered Pear Vodka Cocktail

Ingredients:.

• 1.5 oz Vodka
• 2 oz Pear Juice
• Ginger Beer to taste
• Monk Fruit to taste
• Ice
• Pear Slice for garnish

Instructions:.

1. Fill a shaker with ice.
2. Pour in vodka and pear juice.
3. Add in Monk Fruit to taste.
4. Shake until chilled and strain into a glass with ice.
5. Top with ginger beer and garnish with a pear slice.

Raspberry Lemonade Cocktail

Ingredients:.

• 1.5 oz Vodka
• 2 oz Lemonade
• Raspberries
• Stevia to taste
• Ice

Instructions:.

1. Muddle raspberries in a shaker.
2. Pour in vodka and lemonade.
3. Add in Stevia to taste.
4. Shake until chilled and strain into a glass with ice.
5. Garnish with a raspberry and lemon slice if desired.

Conclusion

Drinking cocktails with adjustable sugar is a great way to enjoy a guilt-free drink.

By using natural sweeteners such as Stevia, Monk Fruit, Honey, Maple Syrup, or Agave Nectar, you can control the sweetness level and cut down on unnecessary sugar intake. Try out the low-sugar cocktail recipes mentioned above, and enjoy delicious cocktails without worrying about the negative effects on your health.