3 healthy cocktails for Labor Day

For many of us, Labor Day is the last official "hurrah" of summer. It's a chance to cherish the precious moments remaining before we head back to the routine of "real" life. Kids head back to school, vacation days dwindle and days become shorter. But before we get wrapped up with the realities of September, what better way to toast our last official long weekend of summer than with cocktails you can feel good about. Whether you're throwing a labor day soirée or just want to peacefully relax on the porch, these cocktails are the perfect Labor Day treat.

Raspberry Kombucha Mimosa

For you health-conscious drinkers, Kombucha is a fermented tea. Because it's fermented, it contains naturally occurring and very low (trace) amounts of alcohol. Plus, it's super low-calorie – approximately 65 calories per bottle. This fermented tea also makes a great bubbly. It's rich in probiotics, helps keep your belly flat and makes a great hangover remedy. It's also a great source of antioxidants, which mean it helps slow free-radical damage. Pairing it with seasonal raspberries ups the sweetness and further increases the antioxidant levels. Then topping with a little bit of really bubbly (ahem, processo) turns it into a real cocktail!

Ingredients

• 2 cups fresh raspberries

• 1 bottle ginger kombucha

• 1/2 bottle of prosecco

Directions:

Add raspberries to a blender and puree until smooth. Pour 1 oz of raspberry puree into a champagne flute. Fill half way with Kombucha, and then top with prosecco.

Watermelon Mojito

This cocktail is a fresh take on your traditional mojito. And what better way to wrap up the flavors of summer than with watermelon? Watermelon Water is the perfect base for this refreshing cocktail. It's rich in electrolytes (more potassium than coconut water), helping keep you hydrated. And it can also prevent that dreaded hangover (thanks, Vodka) should you have one too many of these. Plus, it's high in vitamin c, which helps prevent heat stroke, should you be sipping on these during daytime Labor Day festivities. The lime not only adds a citrusy refreshing punch, but also helps keep the liver squeaky clean. In this case, the mint isn't just for garnish: The essential oils pack in a ton of flavor and delicious aroma, resulting in a sensory overload of deliciousness. Mint also helps awaken the senses, provides a natural sweetness and improves alertness, making you feel renewed.

Ingredients:

3/4 cup WTRMLN WTR

1 oz vodka

1 tbs lime juice

1/3 cup mineral water

1 small handful fresh mint (for muddling)

1 small handful fresh mint (for garnish)

Directions:

In a shaker cup, add a handful of mint, muddle well, then add vodka, watermelon water lime juice and ice, and give it a good shake. Strain into a highball glass filled with ice, filling the glass three-quarters of the way. Top off the rest of the glass with mineral water. Give it a good stir, and top with a small bunch of fresh mint leaves.

Spiked Peach Slushy

Slushy and sweet, this refreshing cocktail is sure to be a hit. Peaches are still at the peak of their season come Labor Day and provide a healthy dose of natural sweetness and antioxidants to your cocktail. Antioxidants – vitamin C in particular – help metabolize blood alcohol levels. And since this cocktail uses the entire fruit, the high fiber content also helps absorb some of the alcohol and keep blood sugar levels in check. The coconut water is rich in electrolytes, which ensures you stay hydrated, mitigating the effects of the alcohol.

Ingredients:

1/2 cup frozen peaches

3/4 cup coconut water

3 ice cubes

1 tbs honey

1 oz vodka

Directions:

Add all ingredients to blender and blend. Serve in a large, chilled daiquiri glass.

Copyright 2015 U.S. News & World Report

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For more fun cocktails, click through the gallery below: