Cocktails and Calories

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We have a continual dilemma when we are making a new drink. We are very conscious of the calories contained in any drink, yet the truth is that most high-calorie drinks. . . well, a lot of them just taste better! That’s not a coincidence.  For example, one of our favorite additions in a drink is a liqueur. They are generally flavored with fruits, creams, or other items, and have sugar added also. Just for the record, we are not going to stop recommending them in some of our drinks. Everything in moderation.

Another think that drives up the calories is the content of the alcohol you are using. For example, 80-proof vodka has 64 calories per 1oz. Going to the other extreme, 100-proof vodka, which is 50% alcohol has 82 calories per 1 oz.

So what ingredients can you look for in a cocktail or martini that will increase its likelihood of being lower-calorie? Here’s a list of some items to look for:

• Lemon or lime juice – 1/2 oz: 10 calories
• DaVinci or Torani’s sugar-free syrups: 0
• Orange juice 6 oz: 84 calories
• Cranberry juice cocktail 8 oz: 136 calories
• Light orange juice 8 oz: 50 calories
• Light cranberry juice 8 oz: 40 calories
• Light lemonade 8 oz: 5 calories

The good news? A standard martini has 160 calories (2.5 oz). A Green apple martini? 148 calories for 1 oz of vodka, sour apple, and apple juice.

A few other tips include adding stevia to a drink to sweeten it up. Always drink responsibly by drinking slowly and not more than you should. Also, have a glass of water between drinks.

Here are a few links that provide calorie information on what you are drinking tonight.

Calorie information by type of alcohol

Calorie information by type of drink

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• If your tax bill is keeping you awake at night, we have the perfect solution! (martinimaidens.wordpress.com)

Espresso Triple Sec Martini

Image via Wikipedia

If you are feeling the pressure and stress of completing your taxes, we have the perfect solution for you. We have created our very own Espresso Triple Sec Martini that is guaranteed to make things a lot more enjoyable while you work on the last-minute details before Tax Day. Maybe you are staying up late to get the last documents to your accountant’s office. Feeling the stress because you are wondering how to pay for that last bill?Perhaps you are the accountant, and cannot wait for this season to end. . . because of all the rest of us!

We created the Espresso Triple Sec Martini for each of you, and for those who love Espresso Martinis. We looked at a lot of recipes. We wanted to offer something with a little different flavor than what we had found, and wouldn’t give up until we were satisfied with the perfect blend.

Here is how we make our Espresso Triple Sec Martini:

• Stirrings Espresso Liqueur – 1.5 oz (136 calories)
• Godiva Chocolate Liqueur – 1.5 oz  (156 calories)
• Stirrings Orange Triple Sec – 1.5 oz (111 calories)
• Heavy Cream, to taste (45 calories per tablespoon)

We prepared this drink by gently shaking it to make sure the ingredients were thoroughly mixed. It is important to prepare your Martini glass in advance to enjoy it to its fullest. Be sure the glass has been properly chilled for several hours to best enhance the flavor.

Top it with a nice piece of Ghirardelli or Bailey’s Chocolate on the side for a drink that is sure to help you relax and unwind, with a nice treat at the end! And don’t forget. . . you have until April 18 to file this year. Enjoy!