I used to drink Sauvignon Blanc like it was water. 

That makes me sound like I have a problem, doesn’t it? All jokes aside, I didn’t drink that often but on nights that I would indulge, the wine went down fast and easy. I typically felt tired, cloudy and like Puff the Magic Dragon the next morning. The way my body and mind felt after a night with wine never sat right with me, but we are creatures of habit so I kept our house stocked with my favorite New Zealand varietals and it continued to be my “go-to” beverage.

It wasn’t until I committed to eating squeaky clean after successfully completing my first Whole30 (30 days without ONE drop of alcohol, amongst many other things), that my life really did change for the better. My Whole30 journey will be a blog in and of itself, but I decided that if I was going to reintroduce alcohol back into my life, it had to be something that didn’t make me feel poisoned the next day. I knew I wasn’t going to give up alcohol entirely so I set out on a quest to find a cleaner way to get my happy hour buzz going.

Ketel One Botanicals

This line of vodka has seriously changed my drinking game. It is made with no sugar and no artificial flavors or sweeteners. It is pure vodka distilled with real botanicals and infused with natural fruit essences. Another huge bonus is that it has far fewer calories and carbs than my old friend Kim

Crawford (Sauvignon Blanc).

My favorite flavors are the Peach & Orange Blossom and the Grapefruit & Rose. I know you might say, “Why would I want to drink something that tastes like flowers?”, but it’s just a hint that gives your cocktail more complexity and flavor. Trust me.

Clean Cocktail Recipe:

(I feel like I can’t even really call it a “recipe” because it’s SO simple!)

• Just pour the vodka over ice (I use about 2 ounces, but you do you )  

• I prefer to mix it with the naturally flavored line of Perrier sparkling water (zero calories, zero sweeteners)

• I use the Peach Perrier with the Peach & Orange Blossom one and the Grapefruit Perrier with the Grapefruit & Rose one

• If I’m feeling fancy, I’ll add a splash of fresh-squeezed grapefruit or orange juice to each respective cocktail

• Garnish with a slice of fruit or a sprig of fresh herbs like rosemary, basil, or thyme

It’s THAT easy! I also like to think that I’m hydrating while drinking since 3/4 of the cocktail is sparkling water! A win-win!

Don’t get me wrong, I still enjoy my occasional rendezvous with a glass (or bottle) of “sauvy b” as I like to call it! However, it’s a conscious choice I make on the fairly rare occasion when I’m enjoying it with a group of friends who love wine or I’m having a meal that simply tastes better complimented with a glass of crisp, dry white wine. Otherwise, I try to steer clear and stick to my CLEAR cocktails!

Try this clean cocktail for yourself! Let me know what you think! Do you like the taste? How do you feel the next day? I’d love to know!

Cheers!

Amazon Links:

Ketel One Peach & Orange Blossom, Ketel One Grapefruit & Rose

Peach Perrier: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0792LF5SH/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_c_api_i_5WwHEbEDJ09FM

Grapefruit Perrier: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01F1NWV7K/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_c_api_i_JWwHEbJYPZ897