Here’s our 7 favorite healthy cocktails in L.A. (in no particular order):

1. Basil 8
Description: White grapes, basil, vodka, ginger ale and bitters.
Thoughts: Yummm.  The white grapes are a nice touch.  Grapes contain polyphenols (antioxidants) which help eliminate free radicals in the body.
The Place: 8oz Burger Bar (Mid-City West)
Website: http://www.8ozburgerbar.com/los-angeles/

2. The Countryhouse
Description: Ketel One Citroen, honey, sage,
fresh raspberries, fresh lemon juice, and peach bitters.
Thoughts: A very unique and healthy drink.  Honey is a
nice healthy alternative to simple syrup; the raspberries
are loaded with fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants; and sage
may enhance memory and combat inflammation.
The Place: Copa d’Oro (Santa Monica)
Website: http://www.copadoro.com/

3. English Afterthought
Description: A mix of muddled blueberry and ginger with gin and St Germain Elderflower Liqueur.
Thoughts: An excellent and interesting drink. The muddled blueberries and fresh ginger make this a particularly healthy cocktail; blueberries are rich in antioxidants, and ginger aids digestion and is a proven treatment for nausea.
The Place: The Edison (Downtown Los Angeles)
Website: http://www.edisondowntown.com/

4. The Handcrafted “Bloody” Cart
Description: Bloody mary or maria, crafted tableside with fresh tomato juice, shaved horseradish, fresh cut herbs, pickled garnish, and your choice of frozen vodka or tequila.
Thoughts: Best vodka blood mary ever. Very fresh ingredients and filled with nutrients.  They put a full garlic clove into every drink (individuals who regularly consume garlic may have a reduced risk of stroke and cardiovascular disease).
The Place: Morels French Steakhouse & Bistro (Mid-City West @ The Grove)
Website: http://www.yelp.com/biz/morels-french-steakhouse-and-bistro-los-angeles

5. The Huddy
Description: Hendricks gin, cucumber, basil, splash of simple syrup and lime juice.
Thoughts: We’re happy cucumbers have become so popular recently. Cucumbers not only taste delicious in cocktails, they are also rich in potassium and contain a long list of health benefits.
The Place: The Hudson (West Hollywood)
Website: http://www.thehudsonla.com

  6. Mangorita
  Description: An icy smooth blend of Sauza tequila, mango puree,
  fresh orange and lime juice.
  Thoughts: No sugar added is always a plus. Mango is perfect for
  replenishing vitamins and energy after working out. Mango also
  contains a variety of polyphenols.
  The Place: Hugo’s (West Hollywood)
  Website: http://www.hugosrestaurant.com/

7. Watermelon Cucumber Mojito
The Description: Crushed seedless watermelon, English cucumber and fresh mint intertwined with Bacardi Light rum and freshly squeezed lime juice.
Thoughts: Watermelon and cucumber are an interesting combination, but trust me, this is a delicious and healthy mojito. Watermelon is probably a bit underrated as a cocktail ingredient. Watermelons contain various B-vitamins and the antioxidants vitamin C and vitamin A.
The Place: Katsuya (Brentwood)
Website: http://www.sbe.com/katsuya/

What are you favorite healthy cocktails in L.A.? Or anywhere? Let us know in the comments section so we can try them!

Of course, I should remind everyone that our blog entries are for your information only and are not intended as medical advice. Because everyone is different, you should work with your medical professional to determine what’s best for you. If you’re going to drink, do it legally and responsibly; don’t be stupid!



Here are ten things you can do to improve your well being, without quitting drinking:

1.   Avoid sugary mixers. Things like margarita mix, juice with high fructose corn syrup, and red bull are just as hard for your body to process as the alcohol itself.  Not to mention, they’re bad for you.  Try mixing your booze with water and fresh fruit juice (no sugar added).  You’d be surprised what great drinks you can make without all that extra sugar.  For some delicious healthy cocktail recipes:  healthy-cocktails.com.

2.   The clearer the better. Vodka, gin, and light beer are much easier on your body (and lower in calories) than whiskey, bourbon, or red wine.

3.   Don’t mix. It’s hard on your stomach.  It’s hard on your head.  Mixing alcohol is never a good idea.  Pick your drink of choice – and stick to it for the night.  You’ll thank yourself the next day.

4.   Take a drinking break. Push yourself to go for an extended period of time (days, weeks, etc.) with no drinking at all. Your liver will appreciate the rest and you might even see a decrease in your tolerance so you can drink less (and spend less!), but have just as much fun.

5.   Eat well the next day. If you feel hungover in the morning, try healthy breakfast options like eggs and fresh juice.  Despite what you may have heard, greasy food won’t do anything to help that hangover.  There’s no such thing as “soaking” up the booze – your body has already processed the alcohol and the the grease will only leave you feeling more bloated.  The best thing you can do for yourself is to eat foods that will help replenish the vitamins and minerals you’ve lost  and put your body back on a healthy digestive cycle.

6.   Eat before you drink. Having a snack or a meal before your first beverage will help give your body the time it needs to process alcohol and help prevent nausea, alcohol poisoning, and a hangover.  A little bit of starch or dairy goes a long way in coating your stomach lining and preparing your body for alcohol.

7.   Eat while you drink. We all get the drunk-munchies (and are guilty of downing pizza, or jack in the box, or whatever else sounds delicious when you’re too drunk to think about calories).  A great way to avoid these regrettable choices, and help your body absorb the alcohol correctly, is to keep healthy snacks around while you’re drinking. That way, by the time you’re wasted, you’ll also be full.

8.   Drink water. Before, during, after.  Alcohol is a diuretic and causes dehydration.  Have a glass of water in between drinks to keep yourself hydrated and cure your hangover before it starts.

9.   Drink less. I know, I know, some people don’t want to hear this, but do yourself a favor, and have a few less drinks on those big nights out.  Sometimes it’s just about saying no to that last shot of Patrón.

10.  Take your vitamins and minerals. Drinking depletes essential nutrients – make sure you’re feeding them to your system.  If you don’t have your bottle of drinkwel on hand, try some vitamin C and a B complex.  It won’t do everything, but it will help.

What do you do to drink healthier? Let us know in the comments section.

Of course, I should remind everyone that our blog entries are for your information only and are not intended as medical advice. Because everyone is different, you should work with your medical professional to determine what’s best for you. If you’re going to drink, do it legally and responsibly; don’t be stupid!