It's ALWAYS 5:00 somewhere!

It has been reported that a glass or two of alcohol a day in middle age could help women enjoy a happy and healthy retirement.

Women in their 50s who regularly have a little wine with their dinner are more likely to be free of the ills of old age, from cancer to heart disease, than those who are teetotal or drink to excess.

A major study has concluded that their minds are sharper, their bodies are fitter and that they are in better mental health.

I'm happy to hear this and although I generally prefer wine, from time to time, there is nothing better than a good cocktail!  However, as yummy as they are, unfortunately, cocktails usually contain lots of calories! 

For some healthy ways to lessen the calorie count  -- Read on:

We live to travel and celebrated our 60th birthdays in the Mediterranean in 2010. Upon our arrival at our beautiful hotel in Barcelona Spain, I ordered an Appletini.  Our handsome bartender made me a special Appletini from scratch.  Not sure exactly what he put in it but it was VERY good. I still remember it!! 

Me seated at the bar

Here are some healthy alternatives for some of our favorite drinks…

Cosmo

For a healthier cosmopolitan, trade a little of the liquor for club soda. In a cocktail shaker, combine 1 shot (about 2 ounces) of citrus-flavored vodka, 1 splash of club soda, 1 splash of cranberry juice, and the juice of 1 lime wedge; shake well and strain into a chilled martini glass.

Margarita
A margarita can be a low-calorie cocktail. The classic margarita recipe simply calls for tequila, lime juice, and a tiny bit of agave syrup or Cointreau. The most important thing is to skip pre-made mixes. Don’t be afraid to ask the bartender to just use fresh lime juice and a splash of simple syrup instead of a mix.

Peach Mocktail
For those of you who don’t want to, or can’t, drink alcohol, here’s a “mocktail” just for you: Combine 1 shot (about 2 ounces) each of peach juice and club soda and 1 splash each of orange juice and lemonade in a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Strain into glass of choice and garnish with cherries and an orange wedge.

Mojito
Love this Cuban cocktail, but hate the calories? Fill a martini shaker with 1 cup ice. Add 6 lime wedges, 1 1/2 tbsp of lime juice, and 2 tbsp of torn fresh mint leaves. Muddle lime and mint with a pestle or a long spoon until well-bruised and fragrant.
Next, combine 1/2 tsp of warmed honey, 2 ounces of rum, and 4 ounces of club soda; stir gently to dissolve honey. Add to muddled mixture; stir until mixture is well-chilled. Strain into a rocks glass filled with ice; garnish with mint and lime.

Sangria
Festive and sweet, sangria can be a perfect cocktail for a little healthy indulgence. Slice 4 apples and 3 oranges, and combine with 1 pound of red grapes, halved, 3 bottles of your choice of red wine, one can of Fresca (or any other type of lemon soda), and 1 can of club soda. Chill mixture and serve over ice.

Cheers!