Why health coaches love this coconut-cacao martini

Two holistic health coaches walk into a bar…

Though it sounds like the beginning of a great joke, it’s actually the punchline-free premise behind the new book Clean Cocktails, penned by Beth Ritter Nydick and Tara Roscioli—two certified health coaches, who also love a good cocktail. Their philosophy is all about simplifying the ingredient list, which makes life easier on the host—and easier on the drinker.

“Many cocktails are loaded with refined sugars, artificial flavors, and coloring which contribute to overall inflammation in the body,” says Roscioli, who says the condition can manifest itself in headaches, bloating, under-eye circles, and digestive issues. “We created cocktail recipes that are made with nothing but fresh fruit juices and vegetable purees, fresh herbs, anti-inflammatory spices like cayenne and cinnamon, and gentle sweeteners like honey.”

Take, for example, the rich, cacao-based “lusty martini.” “The vodka is a good option as far as liquors go,” says Nydick. “The magic in this cocktail is the raw cacao powder which gives you that decadent chocolate flavor without added sugar. Plus, studies have linked cacao to the reduction of anxiety and enhancement of calmness“—something everyone could all during the holidays.

Scroll down to see the recipe for this coconut-cacao martini.

The lusty martini

Serves 1
3 to 4 Tbsp raw cacao powderPinch of sea salt2 orange wedges2 oz brewed coffee, chilled2 oz vodka1 oz light coconut milk1⁄2 oz maple syrup1⁄2 tsp vanilla extractIceCoffee beans

1. Combine the cacao powder and salt on a plate or in a wide, shallow bowl. Rim a martini glass with one of the orange wedges and dip the rim of the glass into the cacao powder/salt mixture. Set aside.

2. Combine the coffee, vodka, coconut milk, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and ice in a cocktail shaker and shake for ten seconds, until bubbly.

3. Strain the contents of the shaker into the prepared martini glass, garnish with coffee beans and the remaining orange wedge, and serve.

If you’re looking for more healthy holiday cocktails, try this ACV and turmeric based beverage, or one of these seven low-sugar cocktails.