How odd is it that National Bikini Day falls on July 5th: the day after the most renowned holiday of the year for going to the beach in star-studded bathing suit, sipping on cocktails and celebrating our nation’s independence? Wow that was a mouthful. But anyways, supposedly the day after the Fourth of July is Bikini Day. While there is no need for a red white and blue bikini, there is a need for some tricks for keeping that tummy lookin’ good. After a day of eating hot dogs and drinking beer, what better way to recover than drinking even more? Below are some recipes infused with the best foods for feeling bikini ready, even when you’re not.
Although normally thought of as a spa necessity, cucumber, when eaten, releases an antioxidant called quercetin that reduces swelling in the stomach and therefore bloating as well. Fruits such as bananas, kiwis and oranges are high in potassium which prevents water retention in the body by regulating its sodium levels. What a great way to offset those salt-rimmed margaritas, are we right? In addition, papaya is the ideal fruit for easy digestion as it contains enzymes that help break down proteins in our digestive tract. Lastly, ginger, the end all be all of health, is not only one of the best spices for our immune system, but also for our tummy. As a natural anti-inflammatory, ginger soothes the digestive system and relaxes the muscles of the digestive tract therefore relieving bloating. What can’t ginger do?
Cucumber Cocktail:
- 1 cup cucumber vodka
- 1 cup tonic water
- ½ cup cucumber juice
- ¼ cup fresh lime juice
- ¼ cup simple syrup
- Handful of fresh mint leaves
- Ice cubes
Divide the ingredients in half, add each half to a cocktail shaker and shake to combine. Pour over rocks glasses filled with ice and serve.
Recipe from thefoodnetwork
Absolut Banana Crush:
- 1 part Absolut Vodka
- 1 part banana puree
- 1 slice banana
Fill a shaker with ice cubes. Add all ingredients. Shake and strain into a chilled rocks glass filled with crushed ice. Garnish with banana.
Recipe from absolutdrinks
Absolut Kiwi Caipiroska:
- 2 parts Absolut vodka
- 1 part lime juice
- 1 part simple syrup
- 3 slices kiwi
Muddle lime juice, simple syrup and kiwi in a shaker. Add Absolut Vodka. Shake and strain into a rocks glass filled with crushed ice.
Recipe from absolutdrinks
Orange Crush:
- 2 cups ice cubes
- 2 fl oz orange flavored vodka
- 1 fl oz triple sec liqueur
- 2 Valencia oranges, juiced
- 1 splash lemon-lime soda (optional)
- 1 slice orange
Fill a pint glass with ice cubes. Pour orange-flavored vodka, triple sec, and orange juice over ice; top with lemon-lime soda. Mix well and garnish with orange slice.
Recipe from allrecipes
Papaya Shot:
- 1 oz chilled Tequila
- 1/6 oz chilled Papaya Juice
Pour tequila into a shot glass and top with a thin layer of papaya juice.
Recipe from ifood.tv
Ginger Rabbit:
- .5oz Star Anise and Black Tea infused simply syrup
- 1 slice fresh ginger
- 1 strip Lemon peel
- 2 oz Basil Hayden’s Bourbon
- .5oz Crème Yvette
- 1 dash Angostura bitters
Add the syrup and ginger to a mixing glass. Twist the lemon peel over the glass to extract the oils. Drop the peel over the glass to extract the oils. Add the remaining ingredients and fill with ice. Stir, and strain into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice.
Recipe from kindredcocktails