Entertaining

3 Cocktails to Boost Your Mood

While scientists still aren’t sure if low Vitamin D causes depression or vice versa—depression causes Vitamin D levels to drop—deficiencies are associated with people feeling blue. Delicious whole eggs happen to be full of the vitamin, which also makes for a viscous, satisfying cocktail when used correctly. “This is an adaptation of a Jerry Thomas classic—the world’s first bar wizard,” says Steve Manktelow, owner of GOAT. “No coffee is involved, but by combining Cognac, port and one whole egg, you get a rich, creamy and luxurious drink that looks and tastes remarkably like its namesake.” Finished with a topper of freshly grated nutmeg, this festive sipper will make you feel more cheerful in an instant.

While there’s still a lot to learn about our brain-gut connection, a few recent studies have shown that a happy digestive system equals a happy outlook. And we wouldn’t disagree—a stomach ache can throw off your whole day. Probiotics work to repopulate your gut with good bacteria, which in turn will make you feel healthier and happier. Yogurt, of course, is one of the best ways to maintain a healthy tummy. It also works really well in cocktails. “A few years back while experimenting with alternative acids, I started playing with yogurt,” says Jesse Carr, bar director of New Orleans favorite La Petite Grocery. “It works in two ways: First, by adding acid so I can pull back on citrus and secondly, it works a bit like egg whites by adding texture and slightly toning down some of the flavors.” Mixed with gin, absinthe, cucumber juice and fennel, the Beast of Summer is one of the most interesting and refreshing drinks we’ve had all year.

One of our favorite ways to load up on probiotics is by eating smelly, satisfying, umami-packed kimchi. We eat it solo, use it to top our rice bowls and, most importantly, blend it into tomato juice for the most savory, satisfying Bloody Mary ever. This one is doctored up with the usual suspects like Worcestershire and horseradish, along with some new favorites including sriracha, fish sauce and rice wine vinegar. Topped with shiso leaf and more kimchi, it’s about as healthy as you can get drinking cocktails.