The Healthiest Cocktail? A Mezcal Guava Paloma

Drinking alcohol isn’t the best move if you’re trying to be healthy, but if you do decide to imbibe, certain beverages are better than others. This mezcal cocktail is my go-to if I’m going to drink.

A lot of our members at Parsley Health ask if they can drink alcohol and still keep a healthy weight, sleep well, and have great digestion. The answer is that it depends on the person, and moderation is key. I always recommend taking at minimum three nights per week off from drinking any form of alcohol to let your body recover, replenish your antioxidant stores, and to keep the extra calories booze inevitably loads on in check.

That said, I’m all about getting clean to get dirty and enjoying life to the fullest. And sometimes that includes a drink. This mezcal drink is one of my favorite picks for a healthy cocktail. Read one for the recipe and more tips for staying healthy while drinking alcohol.

Healthy cocktail: Mezcal guava paloma recipe.

Ingredients:

• 1 oz organic Vida mezcal or your favorite mezcal
• 1 oz organic Guava juice
• 1/2 oz Campari
• 2 lime wedges
• Orange bitters
• 2-3 large ice cubes

Directions

1. 1. Pour mezcal guava juice and Campari into a shaker with ice – shake vigorously for 20 seconds.
   2. Strain shaken mixture into a glass over 2-3 large ice cubes (bigger ones melt more slowly).
   3. Squeeze in two lime wedges and 3 dashes of orange bitters.
   4. Stir gently and serve.

What is the healthiest way to drink alcohol?

I recommend those who are trying to choose the healthiest path to drinking to always do the following three things.

1. Choose vodka, tequila or mezcal – and skip beer and wine.

This is because beer and wine have a lot of sugar and tend to feed the unhelpful bacteria in the gut, while clear liquor is lower in sugar.

2. Drink your cocktail straight.

With a twist or on the rocks and skip the mixes they have at bars. They are loaded with sugar and sometimes gross chemicals. And always avoid the added sugars and syrups. I am famous for ordering a mezcal margarita, no agave, with salt. It might be the perfect drink.

3. Make your own HEALTHIER VERSION.

So you know exactly what goes into it. I fell in love with this Mezcal Guava Paloma in LA – if you go to the bar on the roof of the Ace Hotel in downtown Los Angeles ask for the Fire in the Hole. Or DIY my version at home.

How to deal with a hangover

If you’ve overindulged in alcohol, chances are you’ve experienced the group of unpleasant symptoms known as a hangover. Headaches, nausea, and abdominal pain are just a few of the symptoms associated with consuming alcohol to excess. To help you feel better, follow my tried, tested, and doctor-recommended hangover cures and make sure to check out our guide to biohacking your boozing .