15 Of The Healthiest Alcoholic Drinks, Straight From Dietitians - Byrdie

When it comes to enjoying cocktail or two, many of us are mindful of what we’re putting into our bodies. But is it really possible to enjoy a cocktail or spirit without compromising our health goals? Going out with friends for a couple of drinks or cozying up on the couch with a large glass of red wine has become a part of life for many and most of the time, there's noting wrong with that! But as it is with most vices, "too much of a good thing can be, well, too much," notes Ann Louise Gittleman, Ph.D., CNS.

The "most healthy" way to drink? "In moderation and alongside plenty of water to counterbalance the diuretic effects," explains nutritionist Serena Poon. You can also make healthier choices as to what, when, and how much you sip. Ahead, Poon and Gittleman offer 16 of the healthiest alcoholic drinks to choose from the next time you want to imbibe, and what healthy drinking looks like.

Meet the Experts

• Ann Louise Gittleman, Ph.D., CNS, is the author of Radical Longevity.
• Serena Poon is a chef, nutritionist, reiki master, and the founder of Just Add Water and Culinary Alchemy.

What Is Drinking in Moderation?

So what exactly does drinking in moderation look like? "This is a tricky question because the line between healthy drinking and unhealthy drinking is really more about total consumption than individual drinks," explains Poon. Gittleman advises, "one drink per day for women and up to two drinks per day for men as moderate alcohol consumption."

Drinking in moderation can also help you avoid some of alcohol's negative physical effects. "If you want to avoid other negative effects like hangovers, weight gain, and sleep disruption, stick to beverages that are lower in sugar, contain clear alcohol, and are lower in calories. Drinking sugary beverages can disrupt your blood sugar and cause problems with sleep and metabolism. Just the alcohol can send your blood sugar levels for a spin on its own, and the combination can create hypoglycemia," which can contribute to that shaky feeling you might experience after a night of drinking.

When Is the "Best" Time Of Day to Drink?

You also want to regulate when you drink. Poon emphasizes, "The digestion of alcohol can really affect your sleep, and quality sleep is one of the most important factors in overall health. Researchers have found that it’s best to drink at least four hours before bedtime to avoid disrupting sleep."

Some People Shouldn't Drink at All

Finally, some people should avoid drinking altogether. Poon makes the following recommendation: "Communities who would want to abstain completely would include pregnant women, people who struggle with alcohol abuse, people with certain conditions such as liver disease, and people who are on certain medications,"

Gittleman adds that because alcohol is a central nervous system depressant, it's important to check if any medications you’re taking are contraindicated. "This includes over-the-counter painkillers such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen," she says, "which can interact with alcohol to cause stomach bleeding and liver damage when taken in large amounts.

Other populations might want to avoid alcohol to stay committed to a healthy lifestyle. "In my opinion," says Poon, "abstaining from alcohol is helpful for people who are trying to lose weight and people who are training for an endurance event or preparing for a big presentation at work. Also, if you are having troubles with your digestion or with anxiety, you may want to consider abstaining from alcohol to see if it helps."

Keep Your Cocktails Simple

If, however, you fall outside these populations and choose to imbibe, some alcohol is healthier than others. As a rule of thumb, Poon suggests, "the simpler, the better. When choosing alcoholic beverages, avoid syrups, sweet mixers, sodas, and tonic water. Instead, stick to one or two ingredient drinks, high-quality clear alcohols, and hydrating mixers such as water and soda water." In addition, Gittleman suggests adding herbal garnishes to drinks, like mint, basil, ginger, or rosemary, for flavor.