We all love a good cocktail, but no one loves the extra calories that often come with them. We’ve got you covered with a list of delightful low-calorie cocktails that are not just easy on the waistline but are also bursting with flavour.
Imagine this: It’s a warm summer afternoon, the sun is shining bright, and you’re lounging in your backyard or perhaps on a sandy beach. The gentle breeze is just right, and in your hand is a chilled, refreshing cocktail. That’s a picture-perfect summer moment, isn’t it?
But wait, there’s often a little niggle at the back of our minds – the calorie count in our favorite summer drinks. It’s a dilemma, especially when you’re trying to stay healthy or keep in shape during the summer months.
Well, good news! You don’t have to sacrifice your summer sips for the sake of calories. The drinks we share below are the perfect companions for your summer relaxation, letting you indulge without any guilt. So, get ready to mix, shake, and stir your way to a guilt-free, blissful summer!
Choosing Low-Calorie Cocktails
First off, let’s talk health. Regular alcoholic drinks can be quite high in sugars and empty calories – those calories that give you energy but little nutritional value. Over time, these can add up, potentially leading to weight gain and affecting your overall health.
Then there’s the aspect of maintaining your summer fitness goals. We all know how hard we work to get in shape for summer. It seems a bit counterproductive to undo all that effort with high-calorie drinks, right? Low-calorie cocktails allow you to enjoy the social aspect of drinking without derailing your fitness goals. It’s all about balance and not having to sacrifice one aspect of your life for another.
Now, let’s sprinkle in some numbers for perspective. A typical margarita can pack in around 200-300 calories, and that’s just for one drink! Compare that to a light vodka soda, which usually sits around 100 calories, and you can see the difference. And it’s not just about the calories; these lighter options often have less sugar, which is a big win for your overall health.
And if you’re looking for an extra personal touch with your beverages this summer, Frankly James offer a range of cocktail and wine glass engraving options that will make your low calorie drink even more special.
Let’s take a look at the best low calorie cocktails!
Cocktail #1 – Berry Blast Mojito
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup of mixed fresh berries (like strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries)
- 10 fresh mint leaves
- 2 ounces of white rum
- 1 tablespoon of lime juice (again, freshly squeezed works wonders)
- 1 teaspoon of stevia or any sugar substitute of your choice
- Sparkling water
- Ice cubes
- Extra berries and mint leaves for garnish
Preparation Method
Berry muddle: Begin by adding your fresh berries and mint leaves to a shaker. Gently muddle them together to release the juices of the berries and the essence of the mint. You’re looking for a colorful, fragrant mix.
Combine the Flavors: Pour in the white rum and lime juice. Add the stevia or your chosen sugar substitute. This adds a touch of sweetness without the extra calories. Toss in a few ice cubes, secure the lid of the shaker, and give it a good shake. You want everything well combined and chilled.
Strain and Pour: Strain the mixture into a highball glass filled with ice. This step ensures your mojito is smooth and free of berry seeds and mint bits.
Top with Sparkle: Fill the rest of the glass with sparkling water. This not only dilutes the drink to a pleasant strength but also adds a refreshing effervescence.
Garnish for Pizzazz: Garnish your drink with a few whole berries and a sprig of mint. It’s all about creating a drink that’s as visually appealing as it is tasty.
Calorie Count
Your Berry Blast Mojito should come in at around 100-120 calories, depending on the type and amount of sugar substitute you use. It’s a guilt-free indulgence that doesn’t skimp on flavour.
Cocktail #2 – Ginger & Grapefruit Fizz
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup of fresh grapefruit juice (pink or ruby red works great)
- 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, thinly sliced
- 2 ounces of gin (optional, can be omitted for a non-alcoholic version)
- 1 tablespoon of honey or agave syrup (adjust to taste)
- Sparkling water
- Ice cubes
- Grapefruit slices and a few ginger strips for garnish
Preparation Method
Infuse the Ginger: Start by placing the ginger slices in a shaker. Muddle them gently to release their spicy, aromatic flavors. This is the heart of your cocktail’s unique taste.
Juice and Sweeten: Add the fresh grapefruit juice to the shaker. Pour in the honey or agave syrup. This adds a natural sweetness that balances the tartness of the grapefruit and the spice of the ginger.
Add the Spirit: If you’re including gin, add it now. Then fill the shaker with ice cubes, seal it, and shake well. You’re aiming for a well-chilled, harmoniously blended mixture.
Strain and Fizz: Strain the mixture into a glass filled with ice, leaving the ginger pieces behind. The result is a smooth, flavorful base for your fizz.
Top with Sparkling Water: Fill the rest of the glass with sparkling water. This adds a refreshing effervescence that lifts the drink and makes it wonderfully sippable.
Garnish and Enjoy: Garnish with a slice of grapefruit and a few ginger strips. This not only looks great but also adds an extra hint of flavor and aroma with each sip.
Calorie Count
This Ginger & Grapefruit Fizz is around 120-140 calories, depending on your choice of sweetener and whether you include gin. It’s a refreshingly light option that packs a flavour punch.
Cocktail #3 – Lavender Lemonade Vodka
Ingredients
- 2 ounces of vodka (choose a good quality one for a smoother taste)
- 1/2 cup of fresh lemonade (homemade is best for controlling sweetness)
- 1 teaspoon of dried lavender flowers (or a couple of fresh lavender sprigs if available)
- 1 tablespoon of honey (or adjust to your liking)
- Sparkling water to top up
- Ice cubes
- Lemon slices and additional lavender sprigs for garnish
Preparation Method
Infuse Lavender: Start by steeping the dried lavender in a small amount of boiling water for about 5 minutes. This creates a lavender infusion. Strain it and let it cool.
Sweeten with Honey: In a shaker, combine the cooled lavender infusion and honey. Stir well until the honey is fully dissolved.
Add Lemonade and Vodka: Pour in the fresh lemonade and vodka. The lemonade brings a tangy freshness, while the vodka adds the necessary kick.
Shake It Up: Add a handful of ice cubes to the shaker. Seal it tightly and shake vigorously. This chills the mixture and ensures everything is well combined.
Serve with Sparkle: Strain the mixture into a glass filled with ice. Top it up with sparkling water for a refreshing fizz.
Garnish for Elegance: Garnish with a thin slice of lemon and a sprig of lavender. This not only makes the drink look beautiful but also adds a hint of citrus and floral aroma.
Calorie Count
The Lavender Lemonade Vodka cocktail is relatively light on calories, averaging around 150-170 calories per serving, depending on the amount of honey and lemonade used.
Cocktail #4 – Cucumber Mint Spritzer
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup of diced cucumber
- 10 fresh mint leaves
- 2 ounces of vodka (preferably a lighter variety)
- 1 tablespoon of lime juice (freshly squeezed is best)
- 1 teaspoon of honey (optional, for a hint of sweetness)
- Sparkling water
- Ice cubes
- Extra cucumber slices and mint leaves for garnish
Preparation Method
Muddle It Up: Start by placing the diced cucumber and mint leaves into a shaker. Use a muddler (or the back of a spoon) to gently crush them together. This releases the flavors and creates the perfect base for your spritzer.
Mix the Magic: Add the vodka, lime juice, and honey (if you’re using it) to the shaker. Fill it with a handful of ice cubes. Secure the lid and shake it vigorously for about 30 seconds. You’re infusing all those flavors together, which is key to a great cocktail.
Strain and Sparkle: Strain the mixture into a tall glass filled with ice. This keeps all the muddled bits out, leaving you with a smooth drink.
Top It Off: Fill the rest of the glass with sparkling water. This adds that refreshing fizz and lightness to your spritzer.
Garnish and Serve: Finally, garnish your drink with a few cucumber slices and a sprig of mint. It adds an extra touch of freshness and makes your cocktail look as good as it tastes.
Calorie Count
This Cucumber Mint Spritzer is approximately 100-120 calories per serving (depending on whether you add honey). It’s a wonderfully light option compared to many sugary cocktails.
Conclusion
Now, it’s your turn to bring these cocktails to life! Whether you’re hosting a summer party, enjoying a quiet evening at home, or just looking to experiment with new flavors, these recipes are sure to add some zest to your summer days. And remember, the best part about making cocktails is the freedom to tweak them to your taste. So, feel free to adjust the ingredients and make these drinks your own.
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