Conscious Cocktails To Celebrate Socialising Again? We’re In.

In the name of World Cocktail Day...

We can have five people over at once? Say. No. More. This is the part where we roll up our sleeves, put on our chef's hat, and mix some fancy drinks in even fancier glasses. And while we treated our bodies scrupulously during isolation, you know, with all that home-made sourdough and those self-guided workouts – we’re not about to make that redundant. So we enlisted Shannon Rosie Barge @livingwithrosie, a clinical nutritionist, author, and brains of former restaurant Rosie’s in Coogee, for a concoction that’s a little more conscious this World Cocktail Day.

First up, what is a conscious cocktail?
“Conscious cocktails are a cheeky and delicious celebration of balance,” says Shannon.

No matter what we face, from prohibition to isolation, people want to enjoy a drink. So, why not do it in the best way possible? Instead of mixing sickly-sweet syrups and over-processed nasties, Shannon suggests creating conscious cocktails with top-quality alcohol (preferably clear spirits and dry wines), medicinal mixers, and natural sweeteners.

“Focus on the benefits of each ingredient instead of feeling bad about any imperfections. Look, if you want to make one with a sweeter wine or richer spirit that’s fine too." Guilt and regret have no place at Shannon’s Friday night drinks, nor at your own. Why? "Your mindset can affect the way you digest, so enjoy your concoctions with a smile,” she tells us.

How did the idea of conscious cocktails come about?
Like us, Shannon’s nutrition clients are only human. Our mantras swing from ‘wellness is life’ to ‘top me up, thanks’ every other day.

“Monday to Friday, they blended up gut-loving smoothies, hit 10,000 steps, and chowed down superfood salads. But they would bookend their week with a (very sugary) happy hour. ‘I’ll get back to healthy life on Monday’ and so on the espresso martinis flow. The on-again, off-again mentality is so common,” Shannon explains. With conscious cocktails, you can enjoy your drinks without compromising on your health goals. “Celebrate even small swaps towards a healthier beverage!" Shannon insists.

Please settle the debate: shaken or stirred?
“Shaken, always. It makes your tipple crisp, cold, and silky smooth.”

We couldn’t withhold asking for her conscious cocktail recipes, could we?
“For something special I love my Jessica Rabbit cocktail: immune-boosting juice (carrot, orange, lemon, and turmeric), fresh ginger, a shot of gluten-free vodka, topped with an edible flower.”

And her regular? “My Fountain of Youth G&T: collagen-boosting grapefruit, gin, soda water, and a splash of Fever-Tree Indian Tonic, garnished with liver-loving rosemary or Rosmarinus officinalis.”

For those having fun sans spirits, Shannon digs a Kombucha Spritz (the ‘booch is great for your gut). “In your biggest, fanciest wine glass, pour your choice of kombucha and mix in some seasonal fruits. Get creative!” This one is shamelessly high on our To Make For Everyone We Know list.

The all-important question: what would she shake up for Beyoncé?
“A super spicy coconut margarita. Something tells me she can definitely handle the heat!” says Shannon. We concur.

Since we're about drinking responsibly, what's your fave nutritionist-approved snack to pair with cocktails?
Mum was right all along. You need to eat before you take a sip! Our stores of vitamins and antioxidants help us process the good old aqua vitae. Yep, drinking on an empty stomach affects your brain much quicker than if you had eaten.

As a counterbalance, Shannon suggests starting the night with a tasting platter that’s both fun to eat and make.

“Include a protein like mussels, salmon, or organic cured meats to balance your blood sugar and support the liver. Then layer on some seeded crackers (for healthy fats and plenty of fiber, both of which will work to keep food in your stomach longer and prevent you from getting too tipsy too quickly). Next is berries, nuts, and dark chocolate (for a dose of powerful antioxidants to help mitigate any inflammation from the alcohol). Finish with my secret weapons – liquorice, to prevent dehydration, and fresh pears to metabolize spirits.” So, when can we come over?

How do I recover properly from a night of cocktails?

“Water! When we overdo it you will be both dehydrated and nutrient-depleted since your body excretes stores of essential vitamins and minerals to process the bevvies.” Pro tip: Shannon leaves a bottle of water on her pillow to gulp before bed. Roger that and future you will be ultra thankful. The next day take that water bottle everywhere (or carafe, if you’re home)!

On the flipside, nurse your body with bright wholefoods that replenish lost nutrients like magnesium, potassium, and B vitamins. “We owe over 300 biochemical reactions to magnesium (find it in green leafy veg, nuts and seeds, salmon, and avocado), from our mood to sleep and metabolism. Potassium (reach for bananas, grapefruit, sweet potatoes or mushrooms) is essential for fluid balance, electrolyte function, and a healthy nervous system. Finally, B vitamins (choose eggs, organic meats, whole grains, citrus fruits, and darker greens) are responsible for all things energy-related. That’s why we feel so sluggish on a hangover,” Shannon explains. You’ll be feeling peachy again in no time.

So what do you say to a conscious cocktail this World Cocktail day?