Alcohol tips for those who want to be thrifty (or simply think things through a little)
When we order a cocktail or a mixer (that’s a drink with two components, such as rum and cola) at the bar, we know full well that we’re almost certainly going to be slurping down a little calorie bomb, and that, however you look at it, we’re not exactly being healthy. It would be naïve to think otherwise! But these experts would still like to list a few facts for you…
Because apparently there are tips not only when it comes to calories and health, but also when it comes to your wallet, for keeping the damage within bounds – at least according to Adam Levy of The Alcohol Professor blog, Keri Gans, author of The Small Change Diet, and dietitian Lesli Bonci. According to them, you’d really be better off avoiding these drinks:
Red Bull and fill in whatever alcohol you like
A terrible idea, says Bonci. Because of the high sugar content and carbonation in Red Bull, you quickly stop noticing how much alcohol is in your mixer and probably fail to realise how drunk you’re getting. ‘The alcohol is a depressant and the (extreme amount of) caffeine is a stimulant, and because of that combination people quickly end up drinking far too much,’ says Bonci.
Long Island Iced Tea
One of the most deceptive drinks ever invented, which has absolutely nothing to do with iced tea apart from its colour. Throw about six types of spirits and a splash of cola together and you’ve got this sneaky killer; one that isn’t tasty and is basically life-threatening. Think twice, choose a cocktail that won’t leave you lying under your barstool after a few sips, and avoid this monstrosity. Oh yes, depending on who makes it, it can also contain around 780 calories…
Shots
Not the best idea anyway once you’ve outgrown bachelor and bachelorette parties, but bartender Tim Dunn reveals something else: shot glasses are designed to trick consumers optically a little. The bottom is often made of very thick glass, leaving room for only a small amount of drink. Not bad for your health as such, but if you want to be more economical, Dunn recommends simply ordering that drink ‘neat’, in a tumbler, for example. It costs a little more, but proportionally you’ll probably get more for your money.
Gin and tonic
We saved this one for last so we could protest for a moment against what Adam Levy says here: many people think tonic is roughly equivalent to sparkling water in terms of calories. Not so! Tonic is simply a sugary soft drink. If you want to keep it skinny, he recommends ordering a gin with sparkling water and a splash of tonic for flavour. Um… no. You can just skip the next drink then! But gin and tonic is pretty sacred as far as we’re concerned, and we’re not going to make any sparkling-water jokes about it. Anyway; cheers!
Read also:
- The Netherlands’ first alcohol-free liquor store is in Haarlem
- Does alcohol evaporate when you cook with wine?
- The Rosé Aperol Spritz is the latest hit in the cocktail world
Source: Travel and Leisure
