Let’s be clear, we don’t drink cocktails for our health, but we would rather drink concoctions that are filled with fruit and vegetable juices rather than sugar-filled mixers. Check out these ideas from cookbook author Nicole Herft.
Nicole Herft’s new book Cocktails with Benefits: 40 Naughty but Nourishing Drinks is loaded with drink recipes that are better for you and will help you avoid that sugar-induced hangover. The cocktails are made with only natural ingredeints and sweeteners and come with plenty of savory drink ideas too. The book puts a twist on favorite sips, like a Pimm’s punch, but this time spiked with fizzy kombucha. 
Check out sweet and savory drink recipes below.
Recipes taken from Cocktails with Benefitsby Nicole Herft, published by Kyle Books. Photography by Nassima Rothacker.
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Blood Orange and Carrot Negroni
- Yield: 2 drinks 1x
Description
I’m a big lover of a Negroni, but I sometimes like to make mine with Aperol so it’s not as bitter as the original. If you aren’t using Antica Formula as your choice of red vermouth, definitely give it a try. I wouldn’t dream of making a Negroni without it. With added carrot juice and blood orange juice, this drink is just perfection.
Ingredients
- 2 thick slices of blood orange
- 1 teaspoon coconut palm sugar
- ice cubes
- 1 1/2 oz Aperol
- 1 1/2 oz Antica Formula
- 1 1/2 oz Bombay Sapphire or Tanqueray gin
- 1 1/2 oz carrot juice
- 1 1/2 oz blood orange juice
- 2 oversized square ice cubes
- 1 baby heirloom carrot (halved lengthwise)
Equipment
- blow torch (cocktail shaker, 2 short tumblers)
Instructions
- Prepare the garnish by sprinkling each slice of blood orange with palm sugar. Run blow torch over each on until the sugar melts and caramelizes. Set aside.
- Throw a handful of ice into a cocktail shaker. Pour in the Aperol, Antica, gin, carrot juice, and blood orange juice. Give it 4 to 3 shakes.
- Place an oversized ice cube in each glass. These cubes are much better for drinks like this because they melt at a slower rate than the normal-sized ice cubes. The last thing you want is a watered-down Negroni! Strain the content of the shaker into the glasses.
- Garnish by skewering one peice of carrot through the orange slice. Lay this in the glass so that the orange is floating. If you can, sip a little of the drink through the caramelized piece of orange.
Apple Cider-Tini
- Yield: 2 drinks 1x
Description
Organic apple cider vinegar is anti-bacterial and can even cure a sore throat. It contains potassium and enzymes that can also help with that tired feeling. I have a shot most mornings! It tastes delicious and it feels invigorating. This is my spin on the Appletini…
Ingredients
- ice cubes
- 1/3 cup vodka
- 5 teaspoons organic apple cider vinegar
- 5 oz fresh Granny Smith apple juice
- 2 teaspoons agave nectar
- 6 dashes peach bitters
- 2 thin slices of Granny Smith apple (to garnish)
Instructions
- Half-fill a cocktail shaker with ice cubes.
- Pour in the vodka, vinegar, apple juice, agave nectar and bitters. Place the lid on and shake vigorously for 1 minute.
- Remove lid and strain into the martini glasses. Cut a small slit into each peice of sliced apple. using a sharp knife, and place onto the side of each glass to garnish.
