Best Places To Get Healthy Cocktails In Los Angeles

You want it. I want it. We all want it. What do we want? Guilt-free cocktails with benefits, that's what. Oh yes, they're out there; you just need to know where to find them. Check out this list of libations that work double duty by simultaneously giving you a buzz and a health boost with each sip.

Bluberry Rum Smash at Dominick's
8715 Beverly Blvd
West Hollywood, CA 90048
(310) 652-2335
www.dominicksrestaurant.com

Our friends at Dominick's have concocted an elixir of youth in a cocktail glass, and it's known as the Blueberry Rum Smash. It's made with 4 year-old Flor de Caña, a spirit using a unique slow-aging process, resulting in premium Rum that, paired with the other ingredients to this cocktail (lemon, fresh blueberries, Jasmine tea), will serve to slow-age you! The blueberries nourish you with antioxidants, while the Jasmine tea serves to defy aging, helps to reduce anxiety, aids in weight loss, and fights colds, too. Drink up!

Golden State Sour at Ebanos Crossing
200 S Hill St
Los Angeles, CA 90012
(213) 935-8829
www.ebanoscrossing.com

The Golden State Sour is a drink that will put you in a sweet state of health. It's an all-natural cocktail made with El Dorado three year Demerara Rum, Del Maguey Crema de Mezcal, avocado, cayenne pepper, cilantro syrup, fresh lemon juice and egg white.

This little number is chock full of good-for-you ammunition. Avocado is a great source of Vitamin E & B and Omega-3 fatty acids, all aiding to support your heart health and reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease (something that saturated fats from animal-based foods do not). If you're concerned about your fat intake or the types of fats that are good for your overall health, avocados should be your go-to. This green wonder, coupled with cayenne pepper, is proven to increase blood flow and circulation, helping you to feel more energetic. It's a wonder spice that also lowers blood pressure and produces natural warmth in the body.

Most of us have heard the term antioxidants but not everyone knows exactly what that means. They are nutrient compounds found in virtually every plant source. Their mission? To shield your blood cells against oxidative stress caused by free radicals (considered to be the leading cause of aging). Cilantro is at the forefront of antioxidant rich herbs, working like kryptonite against free radicals.

Italian Mule at Muddy Leek
8631 Washington Blvd
Culver City, CA 90232
(310) 838-2281
www.muddyleek.com

Italian Mule is all fresh everything. It's a simple mix of 360 Vodka with fresh ginger, Amaro Meletti, fresh lime and Fever Tree soda. It's a drink you'll see as part of the scratch cocktail program under Beverage Director Sara Kay Godot. Here, you can expect high quality spirits and locally sourced ingredients, juices that are fresh pressed daily, and house-made syrups. The only thing that comes out of a bottle is their spirits.

"Our foundation is dedicated to ensuring that everything we create is locally sourced, organic, farm-to-table and whenever possible, made in house, and that extends to our bar program." says Julie Retzlaff (owner).

Come here to discover an ever-expanding bar stocked with more organic/sustainable spirits and small-batch distillations. Godot and Flood also have plans to create their own bitters as well as putting bourbon made from quinoa on offer (for those with corn, wheat and gluten sensitivities).

Vetrosexual at Vetro
9077 Santa Monica Blvd
West Hollywood, CA 90069
(310) 859-8369
www.sbe.com/mercatodivetro

Who says a night of cocktails and healthy choices can't go hand in hand? It's time to explore the Vetrosexual side of things. This tantalizing cocktail is made with vodka, Grand Marnier, fresh raspberries, and Stir, a zero calorie organic sweetener, sure to satisfy with everything good about a drink and none of the bad.

Coal Miner's Daughter at Willie Jane
1031 Abbot Kinney Blvd
Venice, CA 90291
(310) 392-2425
www.williejane.com

Thanks to Mixologist Derrick Bass, you can literally toast to your health. His cocktail menu features handpicked produce like Thai purple basil and mint from the neighboring HYPERLINK "http://www.groedibles.com." Cook's Garden. The Coal Miner's Daughter mixes bourbon, thyme, lavender honey, lemon juice, and the superhero ingredient, macerated ginger. This root is widely used to treat gastrointestinal relief. Ginger extracts have also been shown to have both antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor effects on cells. Who wouldn't want a cocktail that fights aging, arthritis and cancer in a glass?

Ross ensures that his seasonally revolving cocktail program compliments the restaurant and Executive Chef Govind Armstrong's overall ethos to incorporate fresh California ingredients into every Southern-inspired dish.

Skinny Pineapple Mojito at Cafe del Rey
4451 Admiralty Way
Marina del Rey, CA 90292
(310) 823-6395
www.cafedelreymarina.com

When you want to keep things light and breezy like the cool air in the Marina, order yourself a Skinny Pineapple Mojito. Clocked in at just 100 calories, this guilt-free tropical delight is made with Little Black Dress Pineapple Vodka, lime and mint. Now you can drink your little black dress and wear one, too.

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Joy Bitonio has the phrase "Joie de Vivre" tattooed on her shoulder, a reminder to enjoy life every single day. She has a voracious appetite for fun, adventure, food, good cocktails and works out like a madwoman to keep it all together. Check out her other articles on CBS L.A. She also covers fitness on Examiner. Follow her on Twitter.