Canned cocktails, convenient and delicious, have recently increased in popularity. However, not all cocktails are made equal, and some may be a better summer beverage choice than others.
One thing to look out for in canned cocktails is sugar content. It is best to consume alcohol without sugar, as the two combined can have an increased inflammatory effect on the body.
Furthermore, our bodies process alcohol before anything else. When we drink a sugary cocktail, the liver is busy processing the alcohol and not the sugar, which can lead to blood sugar dysregulation. This can lead to feelings of fatigue as well as cravings.
So what should you drink? Some great canned cocktail options include Cutwater Spirits Fugu Grapefruit Vodka Soda. This is essentially grapefruit-flavored vodka soda that won’t give you a blood sugar crash. If you like bubbles but not vodka, consider Bev California Sparkling canned wines or Arctic Summer Ginger Lime Hard Seltzer.
In addition to considering what’s in your cocktail, you might think about what else you are pairing them with. During the summer months, we are at greater risk of dehydration. Alcohol is a diuretic and causes your body to remove fluids at a quicker rate, making dehydration an even greater concern. It can therefore be a great idea to pair canned cocktails with water or hydrating foods such as cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, citrus, melon, or berries. Drinking cocktails with food can also help slow absorption, allowing alcohol to have a slower effect on the body.
Next time you crack open a canned cocktail, glance at the ingredients, and pair it with some hydrating snacks to keep your energy up all day.