Alcohol has been known to increase your life expectancy and lower depression risk, but a new study featured on Prevention.com reports that it may also lower your your likelihood of getting a stroke by 11 percent. According to researchers, alcohol raises your good cholesterol, lowers levels of the blood clotting protein called fibrinogen, and even fights inflammation; any one or all three of them may have a hand in preventing stroke.

Still, drinking in moderation—that’s three to nine alcoholic drinks a week—isn’t enough to guarantee good health. Researchers suggest that you follow a healthy diet, stop smoking, and exercise at the same time.

Interested in crafting your own drinks? Click through the gallery for five cocktails you can make on your own!

(Art by Mike Dee)