Hot steamy Summer nights just seem to call for a summery cocktail.  But did you know that a typical 8 oz. margarita has about 8 teaspoons (or more) of added sugars???  That’s more sugar than the daily woman should have all day!
** According to the American Heart Association (AHA), the maximum amount of added sugars you should eat in a day are: Men: 150 calories per day (37.5 grams or 9 teaspoons) and Women: 100 calories per day (25 grams or 6 teaspoons). 
Plus, a lot of drink mixes have preservatives, colorings, and other stuff that we (or our livers) don’t need.

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That’s why I am sharing my 4 favorite Summer cocktails – these are all very simple, and “upgraded” versions so you can grab your friends and fam and go rock that red, white, & blue! 

Note: these recipes contain alcohol and are for ages 21 and up.  You can also make these “virgin” cocktails by omitting the alcohol.

THE MEXICAN MULE

My version of a Moscow Mule is actually technically a “Mexican Mule” – because instead of the traditional vodka, I like to use tequila.  In fact, I am using tequila for all of these drinks, because tequila has some unusual benefits that other alcohols don’t have.

Read: 10 Surprising Benefits of Tequila You Never Knew to learn more about the unique health benefits of tequila (note: make sure you choose a good quality tequila, and moderation is also key! But if you are simply just a vodka lover, then of course, make it to your liking!)

Ingredients: 

• 1. 5 oz. tequila (good quality, blanco – such as Casamigos)
• 7 – 8 oz. of Zevia ginger beer mixer (1 can) – which is a zero calorie stevia-sweetened soda mixer
• 2 oz. fresh lime juice (about the the juice of 1 lime)
• A slice of lime for the rim
• Ice

Directions: 

This drink is traditionally served in a copper mug – if you like, you can chill it in the freezer for 5-10 mins before making this to keep your drink nice and cold. Pour all into the cup, stir to combine, add ice.  Serve! How easy is that?

THE CLASSIC MARGARITA

Ingredients: 

• 1.5 oz. tequila (good quality, blanco)
• 1 oz. lime juice
• .5 oz. orange juice
• 1 oz. Agave Five Syrup from Madhava.  (organic, and less than 5 calories per serving)
• 1 oz. cold water (sometimes I like to use sparkling – I know it’s not traditional, but I like bubbles with everything!)
• Ice
• Lime and Real Salt or Tahin for rim of glass

Directions: 

If salting, prepare your glasses first. Rub a lime wedge around the rim of the glass, then pour some salt or Tahin on a plate, and roll or dip the glass into the salt or Tahin.

Mix all your ingredients, shake or stir, pour over ice into glasses. Serve!

MIX IT UP MOJITO

Usually a mojito is made by muddling the mint and sugar, and then mixed together with rum and sparkling water.  Again – I am swapping the traditional rum for tequila in this drink – because lately I have been into drinking tequila and mescal.  You can use the traditional rum if you prefer. And I am hitting the “Easy Button” – by skipping over the muddling and using KeVita Mojito – a probiotic beverage that is dairy free, naturally sparkling, and delicious.  Each bottle of KeVita has 4 billion CFUs, and 4 strains of probiotics- good for the gut, mood, and immunity. Many of their flavors make delicious and probiotic mixers – their Lemon Ginger is delish, and so is the Mango Coconut!

Ingredients: 

• 1.5 oz. tequila (good quality, blanco)
• 7-8 oz. of KeVita Mojito – Lime, Mint, Coconut Probiotic Beverage.
• Ice
• A sprig of mint for decoration

Directions: 

Mix into a glass, add the mint sprig and ice – and voila!

THE ESSENTIAL SPARKLING CITRUS COCKTAIL

Out of citrus fruit? No problem – as long as you have citrus essential oils!

I love my essential oils in the summer.  I add a drop to sparkling water all the time – it is a refreshing treat.  You can also make a really clean cocktail this way too.

Ingredients: 

• 1.5 oz.  tequila (good quality, blanco)
• 7 oz. sparkling water
• 1-2 drops* of your favorite essential oil – I like lime, grapefruit, wild organge, lemon – or a combo of two.  Make sure to only use the highest quality food grade essential oils, such as doTERRA* or PURE. 
• Optional – stir in 1 teaspoon of Madhava Agave Five Syrup to slightly sweeten. You could also add a mint sprig to decorate if you have it!

Directions: 

Shake and pour over ice; or stir together ingredients into a glass, add ice & serve!
*essential oils are very powerful – all you need is a drop of two!

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PLEASE DRINK RESPONSIBLY!  TO UNDERSTAND HOW ALCOHOL AFFECTS US, AND HOW TO PREVENT A HANGOVER – READ: HANGOVER PREVENTION TIPS.