the Glass

Healthy Pours

The phrase "healthy cocktail" seems to be a contradiction in terms. It's not "a cocktail a day keeps the doctor away." It's apples, so unless you're having an Appletini, that saying isn't going to take the nation by storm. But there are some healthy options to offer your guests.

Green tea is wonderful on its own, but it also can be used as an infusion with vodka. Use 1 tea bag per ½ c. vodka or 6 tea bags per 750 ml of vodka and let steep for at least four hours. From there you can use your imagination and create your own "healthy" martini! A great source for green tea is Mrs. Kelly's Tea at www.mrskellystea.com.

For the beer drinker at your party, it's simple. Offer a light beer. My choices are Miller Lite with only 96 calories and Amstel Light with 95. These two have very different tastes, and will offer a choice for your guests, depending on their palette.

It's not easy to create healthy alternatives for your guests when it comes to alcohol, but with a little help from your friends (from your favorite local spirits retailer) and maybe a fun taste testing session, it can be done.

Cheers to your health!

- Laurie Ziegler, Gourmet Food & Wine, the Affair