The healthiest mix probably contains spirulina and wheatgrass, but who wants to drink
that?
COSMOPOLITAN
Calories: 99
What’s in it: Vodka, triple sec and cranberry juice.
Healthy? Like magazine, like drink: cosmopolitan comes out as the best. ‘It’s low in calories and contains health-boosting cranberry juice,’ explains nutritionist Juliette Kellow from
www.weightlossresources.co.uk. If you’re really set on those high-waister jeans, though, switch to vodka and tonic water or straight vodka and cranberry (60 cals).
MARTINI
Calories: 99
What’s in it: Vodka or gin, plus vermouth.
Healthy? It’s low in calories and made with white spirits, which are less likely to give you a hangover (the additives in darker spirits like rum can trigger killer headaches). But go for a litchie or pomegranate martini if you want to give your immune system a boost. ‘They’re both high in antioxidant vitamin C, which will help skin look good through the Christmas party period,’ says Kellow.
MOJITO
Calories: 111
What’s in it: Light rum with crushed ice, fresh mint, sugar and lime juice.
Healthy? This low-calorie cocktail is full of vitamin C, perfect for keeping winter bugs at bay, while the fresh mint can help ease your overworked digestive system. Just make sure the barman doesn’t overload the sugar.
BLOODY MARY
Calories: 140
What’s in it: Double vodka, tomato juice, lemon, Tabasco and Worcestershire sauce.
Healthy? Double vodka isn’t too LBD friendly but a Bloody Mary does provide 30% of the recommended daily amount of vitamin C in one glass. ‘Eat the celery – it acts as a natural diuretic, so it helps reduce bloating,’ says Kellow. (Three sticks a day count as one vegetable portion.)
BELLINI
Calories: 158
What’s in it: Chilled dry champagne, peach schnapps and peach nectar.
Healthy? It looks pretty but the sugary schnapps and peach nectar are no-nos. ‘There’s a reason the professionally skinny drink straight champagne – at 100 calories a glass, it’s less fattening than other drinks,’ says Kellow. So ditch the peach – and choose untampered bubbly or dry white wine (175ml white wine is approximately 150 calories).
LONG ISLAND ICED TEA
Calories: 170
What’s in it: Vodka, gin, light rum, tequila, Cointreau and cola.
Healthy? Five alcohols in one glass, plus sugary cola, equals a hangover for your head
and waist. ‘It’s hard for the body to process several alcohols in one go,’ says Hollywood trainer Michael George, who’s worked with Meg Ryan. Ask diet cola or switch to fruit-based cocktails.