Following up on last year’s trend of low alcoholic cocktails, finding new ways to put a healthy spin on beverages is still going strong. It’s no surprise that bartenders and other alcoholic beverage professionals make an extra effort to stay healthy overall. Whether this means juicing, joining a boxing gym, or incorporating detoxifying supplements, the desire to stay in top shape is finding its way onto menus.

The Wayland, a popular cocktail bar in New York City’s East Village features a Garden Variety Margarita, which is a green juice tequila hybrid that easily stands up to any well made classic version of the drink. Similarly, other ingredients usually associated with the health food store, like turmeric and ginger, have become trend items for 2018 menus across the globe. Pouring Ribbons, another New York City mixology icon has featured activated charcoal, an absorptive detoxifier, in cocktails and while the amounts consumed in one drink are hardly medical proportions, it’s a nod to detoxing while re-toxing. Set to take over at least one spot on every menu in the coming year is something made with matcha, the superfood green tea powder from Japan.  

Considering that spirits and many simple cocktails began as medicinal tonics, this trend of healthy-ish alcoholic drinks is something of a return to the origin of spirits. It’s also a sign that 21st century  imbibers are seeking to integrate wellness and luxury. With the proliferation of fresh juices and natural ingredients the movement is set up for success, hopefully without tipping the scale and keeping contemporary cocktails as a delicious indulgence above all.