As summer approaches, many of us are looking for ways to enjoy our favorite cocktails without sacrificing our calorie counts. The good news is that it’s possible to create delicious and refreshing drinks that are low in calories. With just a few simple tweaks, you can transform high-calorie cocktails into guilt-free treats. And the best part? You can still use your favorite liquors, as most of them have a place in these recipes.
By choosing the right mixers and ingredients, you can significantly reduce the calorie count without compromising on taste or flavor. In fact, it’s often better to drink our calories rather than eat them, don’t you think? With this collection of 21 low-calorie cocktails, you’ll be able to enjoy a variety of refreshing drinks, from classics like the Watermelon Martini and Skinny Sangria, to creative concoctions like the Sparkling Sunrise and even a twist on the classic Long Island Iced Tea.
And as an added bonus, having diet soda or flavored sparkling water on hand can help you whip up a low-calorie cocktail at a moment’s notice, so you’ll always be prepared to sip on something special without worrying about your waistline.
Lemon Vodka Cocktail
With the Cointreau infused into this refreshing cocktail, the total calorie count remains impressively low at under 130! The 90 calories per shot of Cointreau play a significant role in keeping the overall caloric intake in check. Pairing it with soda water, sugar, and your favorite vodka ensures that you can indulge in just one drink without compromising your dietary goals.
Moreover, the harmonious balance between sweet and tangy flavors achieved by shaking lemon and sugar together adds to the delightful experience of sipping on this beverage.
100 Calorie Pina Colada
Say goodbye to the days of sacrificing a refreshing drink for a beach-inspired body. La Croix’s Coconut sparkling water offers a delightful blend of slightly creamy coconut flavor without adding any unwanted calories to your rum and pineapple garnish. What’s more, on an especially sweltering day, you can even justify using it as your drinking water – after all, it is still water in its essence!
Berry Lime Spritzer
Unlike store-bought seltzer drinks, this homemade spritzer is a game-changer – with a mere 87 calories! To put it into perspective, one can of Spindrift contains only nine calories. By combining Spindrift with Smirnoff Raspberry Pomegranate vodka, a squeeze of fresh lime juice, and your favorite berries, you’ll create a refreshing summer cocktail that’s not only delicious but also guilt-free. The best part?
The vibrant pink hue it takes on when all the ingredients are mixed together is simply stunning, making it a drink worth savoring.
Ranch Water
For many Texans, this revitalizing beverage is a staple. Comprising just three ingredients – Topo Chico, tequila, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice – its simplicity belies the depth of flavor it delivers. By skipping the added sugar often found in restaurant versions, you can create a lighter, more refreshing take on the classic margarita. To further enhance the experience, consider rimming your glass with salt and garnishing with a vibrant lime wedge for a subtle nod to the original.
Watermelon Martini
Indulge in a sophisticated drinking experience with a classic martini that exudes refinement. This refreshing cocktail takes its cue from the sweet and tangy essence of fresh watermelon, perfectly muddled to bring out its natural flavors. Unlike artificial alternatives, this recipe eschews sugary additives for a truly authentic taste, while also offering the option to use zero-calorie simple syrup for an added layer of sweetness without the guilt.
Skinny Grapefruit Margarita
If you’re not a fan of sweet drinks, there’s good news: you can still enjoy a tangy margarita by swapping out sugary flavors for more tart options. Instead of relying on sweet drinks, try adding some fizz with lime or grapefruit-flavored sparkling water. Not only does this add a refreshing twist to your drink, but it also eliminates the need for added calories. For an even bigger flavor boost, squeeze in some freshly juiced grapefruit and experience the perfect balance of tangy and tart.
This game-changing margarita variation might just become your new go-to way to enjoy this classic cocktail!
Kir Royale
Indulge in the opulence of this refined cocktail, where the effervescence of champagne harmoniously mingles with the rich, fruity essence of creme de cassis. For those uninitiated with this liqueur, it’s a sweet and tangy berry-flavored delight that, when used sparingly, can add an abundance of complex flavors to your glass. In this recipe, just a teaspoon of creme de cassis is all you need to transport yourself to a world of sophistication.
Skinny Pineapple Coconut Cocktail
Infusing a refreshing twist into this drink, coconut pineapple flavored sparkling ice brings forth a harmonious blend of fizz and flavor without adding any extra calories to the mix. For an added layer of citrus zest, a splash of triple sec is all that’s needed – no need to break out the shots! If you’re mindful of your rum choices, Bacardi Silver stands out as a low-calorie option at just 19 calories per ounce.
That being said, feel free to use any of your favorite white rums for a taste that suits your palate.
Skinny Sangria
Perfect for sharing with friends, this sangria is a great compromise between full-calorie drinks and low-calorie options. For those who prefer the real deal, adding Sprite Zero brings a refreshing twist without sacrificing too much in terms of calories. The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility – you can use your favorite low-calorie red wine or even opt for canned wine.
With fruit added to the mix, each serving comes out to just 70 calories, making it a guilt-free ‘fruit salad’ that’s easy to devour. Whether you’re looking for a light and fruity drink or a fun twist on traditional sangria, this recipe has got you covered.
Long Island Iced Tea
A unique blend of gin, tequila, and white rum lends complexity to this cocktail. The addition of diet cola not only adds a splash of color but also gives the drink an iced tea-like hue, despite the lack of actual tea. This refreshing concoction is also a great option for those watching their calories, as it can be adapted to fit various Weight Watchers plans.
Skinny Vodka Lemonade
Feel free to use your preferred sugar-free beverage enhancer, but if you’re in need of suggestions, Crystal Light and Mio are excellent choices. Their portability makes them ideal for on-the-go mixology. Whether you’re hosting a pool party or beachside soiree, this refreshing drink can be quickly assembled with Diet Sprite and vodka.
Gin Rickey
When it comes to cutting calories, it’s easy to assume that flavor takes a backseat. Not so! This refreshing cocktail proves that you don’t have to sacrifice taste for a lower calorie count. With only three ingredients – gin, club soda, and your preferred amount of lime juice – you can whip up a delicious drink without breaking out the cocktail shaker. Simply mix everything in a highball glass and enjoy the simplicity!
Skinny Peach Mango Mojitos
Transforming a humble pitcher of peach mango-flavored Crystal Light into a refreshing mojito is just a few ingredients away. With only five calories per serving, the flavored drink serves as the perfect base for your new creation. Adding white rum lends a touch of fun, while soda water brings some calorie-free fizz to the mix. To give it that classic mojito twist, muddle in some fresh mint leaves and garnish with sliced limes for a pop of color and a burst of citrus flavor.
Skinny Blood Orange Margarita
This citrusy margarita bursts with the vibrant flavor of fresh blood oranges, its tartness beautifully balanced by a hint of sweetness. What sets it apart from others is the absence of simple syrup – instead, a touch of liquid stevia adds a subtle sugar-free sweetness without overpowering the drink. The star of the show remains the tequila and orange liqueur, which work together in perfect harmony to create a refreshing and zesty margarita that’s sure to become a new favorite.
Skinny Moscow Mule
Savoring a skinny cocktail in a traditional copper mug, it’s easy to fool even the most discerning palates into thinking they’re indulging in something rich and full-bodied. The key to this deceivingly delicious drink? Diet ginger beer, which not only slashes the calorie count by half but also preserves the bold flavors that make Moscow mules so beloved. With this clever substitution, you can enjoy two or three of these guilt-free delights without sacrificing an ounce of taste.
Watermelon Vodka Spritzer
To give your Watermelon Vodka Spritzer a guilt-free makeover, try incorporating a few clever tweaks. For instance, swap traditional vodka mixers for La Croix, a soda brand offering a range of calorie-free flavors. Stevia, a natural sweetener, can also be used to reduce the drink’s sugar content.
And don’t forget to add some fresh watermelon rounds for a burst of juicy flavor and an impressive visual appeal that’s sure to leave everyone green with envy – or rather, wanting to try your refreshing creation!
Skinny Blackberry Cucumber Mint Cocktail
La Croix sparkling water makes another memorable cameo in this revitalizing concoction. This refreshing blend combines the sweetness of fresh blueberries with the coolness of cucumber and the invigorating essence of mint leaves, resulting in a drink that’s as light on calories as it is on flavor. While it’s certainly a refreshing sipper on its own, we couldn’t resist adding a splash of vodka to give it an extra boost of sophistication.
Sparkling Paloma
This refreshing spring and summer cocktail is a vibrant blend of bright and citrus flavors, reminiscent of colorful blooms that dot the landscape during these seasons. The addition of pink grapefruit-flavored Sparkling Ice not only enhances the flavor profile but also keeps the calorie count in check at a mere 89 per serving, making it an excellent choice for those looking to indulge without compromising on health.
Sparkling Sunrise
Indulge in a revitalizing twist on the classic tequila sunrise by combining Orange mango-flavored Sparkling Ice with grenadine and tequila. This lighter concoction offers a perfect blend of fizzy, summer-inspired flavors and just the right amount of tequila to create a refreshing drink that’s sure to delight.
Skinny White Wine Spritzer
Feel free to exercise your creative liberties when it comes to the lime-flavored seltzer you choose for this refreshing drink. Experiment with different brands and flavors to find the perfect match that suits your taste buds. If you prefer a touch of sweetness, a diet lemon-lime soda can be an excellent substitute. Alternatively, consider incorporating any crisp white wine variety into your spritzer recipe.
For instance, sauvignon blanc’s citrusy notes pair delightfully with the lime and sparkling water.
Skinny Coconut Daiquiri
Transform your daiquiri game without compromising on taste by making clever substitutions. Replace high-calorie ingredients with unsweetened almond milk, unsweetened coconut cream, and fresh coconut meat to maintain the creamy texture and coconut flavor. A squeeze of lime juice and a sprinkle of zest will amplify the tropical notes, while a frozen banana adds thickness and subtle sweetness. For an added twist, swap coconut rum for coconut water to create a refreshing mocktail option.
The bottom line
Indulging in low-calorie cocktails doesn’t mean sacrificing taste or compromising on your preferred spirits. The recipes showcased here prove that you can still savor your favorite drinks while keeping a watchful eye on the calorie count. With 21 easy and refreshing options to choose from, you can now enjoy your beverages without worrying about the impact on your diet.
