As the weather turns colder and the summer drinks with their umbrellas and frivolity fall by the wayside, it is time to think about how you can enjoy a good healthy cocktail without packing on the pounds. After all, the holidays and all of their guilty pleasures are just around the corner! Harlem Standard understands that a cocktail doesn’t have to be the most unhealthy part of your week. And as a matter of fact, whiskey already has several medicinal properties and has been known to lower blood pressure, treat bacterial or viral infections, and even help keep heart disease at bay. Here are a few of our favorite recipes that taste great and won’t ruin your healthy eating plans.

 

Ginger Twist

If you want a powerhouse drink that will add a boost of health to your life, the Ginger Twist is just what the doctor ordered. Raw honey strengthens the immune system and experts think it helps ward off memory loss. Mint and ginger both help with the digestive issues you sometimes encounter, and whiskey has its own health benefits. Mix up this simple, low-calorie drink for a taste sensation that is sure to please!

 

Ingredients:

1 shot of Harlem Standard American Straight Whiskey

2-3 Tablespoons of fresh ginger bulb and fresh mint leaves

1 Tablespoon wild raw honey

1 cup filter water or spring water

Ice cubes

Preparation:

1. Boil 2 cups of water and pour into a large teapot. Add the ginger, mint, and wild raw honey, stirring for 5 minutes and then steeping for 30.
2. After it steeps you should cool it in the refrigerator.
3. Pour your shot of whiskey into the glass of ice, add the chilled mixture, and garnish with a mint leaf.

 

Hot Toddy

For years people have wondered if a Hot Toddy has medicinal properties or if it was just wishful thinking. See for yourself by enjoying this simple-to-make drink! Whiskey does contain ellagic acids, which have been known to treat bacterial and viral infections. Whiskey also dilutes mucus membranes, which can help numb sore throats or clear up infections.  But if nothing else, the warm honey and lemon will cure what ails you.

 

Ingredients:

¾ cup water

1 ½ ounces whiskey

2 to 3 teaspoons honey, to taste

2 to 3 teaspoons lemon juice, to taste

1 lemon round

1 cinnamon stick (optional, for garnish)

Preparation:

1. Bring the water to a simmer in a small saucepan, and then pour it into the mug of your choice.
2. Add the whiskey,(Harlem Standard Straight,) 2 teaspoons honey, and 2 teaspoons of lemon juice, and stir until the honey has disappeared into the hot water.
3. Taste for sweetness, and add more honey or lemon as needed.
4. Garnish with a lemon round and cinnamon stick if desired.

 

Horse’s Neck

Although it has a strange name, once you taste the refreshing deliciousness of this drink, you will see there is nothing strange about it. With the hint of ginger spice you will have a low calorie beer with a zing, which will pair perfectly with any fall party.

 

Ingredients:

2 oz Harlem Standard Straight Bourbon Whiskey

0.25 oz fresh ginger juice

0.25 oz fresh-squeezed lemon juice

2 oz light ginger beer

Lemon twist garnish

Preparation:

1. Fill an Old Fashioned glass with chip ice.
2. Mix all ingredients and pour mixture into the glass and garnish with a lemon twist.

 

Low-Sugar, Low-Calorie Whiskey Sour

The Whiskey Sour is a tried-and-true recipe that has been around for hundreds of years, helping sailors avoid scurvy with its lemon and whiskey combo. The usual version is a little heavy on sugar, so enjoy this healthier version, with its healthy lemon flavor.

 

Ingredients:

1.5 ounces whiskey (Harlem Whiskey 7-year, 101 Proof)

1.5 ounces lemon juice

1.5 ounces water

1 packet stevia

1 slice lemon, for garnish

Preparation:

1. Put the ingredients in a cocktail shaker half-full of ice. Shake well.
2. Strain into a glass (rocks glass, sour glass, martini glass, or whichever glass you prefer).
3. Garnish with a lemon wedge.

 

Boozy Frozen Pumpkin Spice Latte

If you want to bring your A-Game to a fall party or just enjoy a drink that offers some health benefits, look no further than this latte. Pumpkin packs a punch of antioxidants that benefit your immune system, your heart, and even your eyesight. And since whiskey naturally has no carbs, this treat will be easy on your waistline. This spicy deliciousness will curb your sweet cravings without empty calories.

 

Ingredients:

12 oz unsweetened almond milk, frozen into cubes

3 oz Harlem Standard Straight Bourbon Whiskey

2 shots of espresso

2 oz real maple syrup

2 tbsp canned pumpkin

1 tsp pumpkin spice

Preparation:

1. For best results, freeze your almond milk into ice cubes ahead of time.
2. When you are ready to create this scrumptious drink, add everything to the blender and use the highest setting until fully blended.
3. Pour into your favorite glass and top with almond milk foam, or plain whipped cream.
4. Garnish with freshly grated nutmeg or a pinch of cinnamon.

 

Bourbon Cherry Old Fashioned

An old-fashioned is a classic drink that must be in your repertoire. And this cherry-flavored version is the perfect festive, low-calorie drink. With honey, lime, and cherries, your bourbon will thank you for the amazing counterparts!

 

Ingredients:

4-6 fresh cherries, pitted

Juice from half a lime

Dash of orange bitters

1-2 tablespoons honey

2 ounces Harlem Standard Bourbon, more or less to taste

Fresh mint and cherries for garnish

Preparation:

1. Muddle the cherries, lime juice, orange bitters, and honey in a cocktail shaker or glass jar until the cherries are well mashed and have released their juices.
2. Add the bourbon and shake to combine.
3. Strain the cherries and pour into a cocktail glass filled with ice. Top with sparkling water if desired, and garnish with mint and cherries.