22 Cocktails to Drink If Your Calorie Conscious

Cocktails provide an ideal way to unwind after a long tiresome day at work. However, if you’re counting calories, and trying to lose or maintain weight, finding a cocktail with a low-calorie amount can be challenging. 

You are not alone; studies show that 45% of people worldwide are trying to get rid of the extra pounds. This post looks at 22 cocktails with low calories and varying flavors, from fruity and sweet to dry and strong.

Some of these cocktails have been around for years, and you may have tried them, and others are relatively new.

1. Mulled Wine. Calories- 195

Whether on keto, paleo, or any other weight loss diet, this mulled wine cocktail will be a great addition. It only takes 15 minutes to make, unlike the other mulled wines, which can take longer.

To make the cocktail, start with dry red wine as your base, then add cloves, oranges, erythritol, cranberries, star anise, and cinnamon sticks. The drink will have a fruity yet soothing dry taste. It’s unbeatable.

2. Vodka and Soda. Calories- 133

You will love a soda and vodka cocktail if you are craving a refreshing, zesty, crisp drink with fewer calories. Furthermore, you can put it together in a maximum of 5 minutes. All you need is sparkling soda such as La Croix ( any sparkling soda will work fine), two slices of lime, and vodka.

The cocktail has a bubbly feel thanks to plenty of vodka and lime flavor.

3. Low Carb Mojito. Calories- 105

Having only 105 calories low-carb mojito is a superb cocktail you can partake in without disrupting your diet. Plus, it has a similar taste to the regular mojito. This simple yet classy drink requires only five ingredients: mint leaves, Citrus Freska, Diet 7-UP, and white rum. Stir the mixture for a minute to ensure it blends accordingly.

4. Pomegranate Kombucha Mimosa. Calories- 100

A cocktail with both the looks to capture your attention and a sweet fruity taste, the kombucha enables the mimosa to maintain its usual consistency and reduce calories. So if you are seeking a cocktail drink that will allow you to celebrate without getting intoxicated, this is it.

You can make the cocktail using: ½ a cup of pomegranate juice, 1 cup of champagne, 1 cup of kombucha, and three thyme sprigs.

5. Light Bloody Mary. Calories- 110

Nutritional dieticians argue that some mimosas can have lots of sugar due to their fruit juices. A light bloody Mary provides a better option. However, mix it at home to cut down on calories. Avoid the packaged or premixed versions, as some can have up to 400 calories.

Making the cocktail is simple; combine a bit of vodka with a small ounce of freshly made tomato juice, then top it off with a dash of tabasco sauce. Such a combination keeps the amount of sodium low and adds plenty of flavors. You can even add more spices to get better heat.

6. Kombucha with Vodka. Calories- 90

Kombucha is a famous, healthy drink that contains many probiotics. You can make it using fermented tea and sweeten it with sugar. While studies have yet to prove the drink’s purported health benefits, many loyal fans state it improves digestion, reduces cholesterol, and manages blood sugar levels.

Since it’s a soothing drink, you can add a little vodka to enhance the experience, but remember only to take one or two drinks, no more.

7. Hot Toddy. Calories- 145

You can’t go wrong sipping one or two hot toddies for a hearty winter cocktail. 

You only require lemon, hot water, bourbon or scotch, cinnamon, and honey. To cut down the calories, use less whiskey and add extra water. The second option is using a pinch of honey and loading more cinnamon and lemon juice.

A hot toddy is a cocktail you can be sure will keep you warm through a cold winter evening without adding extra calories.

8. Sea Breeze. Calories- 165

If you enjoy light fruity cocktails that are dry enough, you can try the sea breeze cocktail. You can make this drink at home using half a cup of pink grapefruit juice, which has about 45 calories; vodka (average of 100 calories depending on the type) and cranberry juice which has 20 calories.

9. Gin and Tonic. Calories- 97

A regular tonic and gin usually contain 200 calories; however, this is a bit high, especially when watching your weight. So, how can you make a tonic and gin low carb and low calories? There are two methods. The first tip is to buy top-quality gin. What you add next won’t matter if you have premium gin.

The second tip is to avoid diet tonics and use the regular tonic instead, but you will have to reduce the quantity by half. You can then fill the remaining half with club soda. By doing so, you will have a tasty cocktail with fewer calories.

10. Moscow Mule. Calories- 182

The Moscow mule is a go-to cocktail with minty and ginger flavors if you like a dry drink. In addition, the drink has a remarkable taste though it isn’t overly fruity, tart, or sweet. It’s simply a refreshing and clean cocktail.

To make the Moscow mule, you’ll need one and a half ounces of vodka, half a cup of lime juice, ice cubes, half a cup of ginger beer, and a lime wedge to garnish. 

11. Tequila Sunrise. Calories- 110

Similarly to tonic and gin, you can reduce the calories in Tequila sunrise by using the finest liquor. For this case, you’ll require tequila. Most mixologists recommend using fresh squeezed orange juice, cocktail cherry to garnish, and an orange slice. This method guarantees phenomenal taste, a similar sunrise appearance, and 100 fewer calories.

12. Peach Bellini. Calories-122

Peach Bellinis and mimosas are among the best bubbly and lovely brunch drinks. So, if you’re watching your weight but still want to indulge in a tasty brunch, this recipe will be beneficial.

The drink is light with lots of prosecco flavor and peach. You can make it stronger by adding ½ cup of vodka. However, when you do so, you should only take a maximum of two drinks to avoid the excess calories. In addition, if you find the drink isn’t sweet enough, you can add zero-calorie sweeteners to achieve your desired taste without adding more calories.

13. Skinny Sangria Spritzer. Calories-75

The sangria spritzer has a spectacular taste and an attractive ruby-red color, making it a top favorite among cocktail lovers. It also has a tangy berry flavor obtained from sparkling berry water and frozen double-berry mix. You also get a feel of citrus from the orange and lemon juice.

Add a tint of red wine to achieve minty freshness and bold taste, then relax and sip your drink.

14. Skinny Margarita. Calories-114

The skinny margarita is a cocktail that’s grown in popularity over the past few years. Here’s how to make one at home in a couple of minutes.

Ingredients you’ll need- coarse sea salt or kosher salt, ¼ cup silver tequila, three tablespoons fresh lime juice, two tablespoons fresh orange juice, one teaspoon of agave nectar, and a lime wedge to garnish. Pour some salt onto a plate. Cut a piece of lime, then run the slice wet edge on the glass rim to moisten it. Dip the moistened glass in the salt so it sticks around it. Place some ice cubes in the glass and put it aside. Pour agave, lime juice, tequila, orange juice, and extra ice cubes into a cocktail shaker, close it tightly, and shake for about 30 seconds. Strain the liquid into your rimmed glass and enjoy.

Ensure you serve immediately to have a precise feel of all the flavors.

15. Grapefruit Gin Fizz. Calories- 150

If you like bittersweet cocktails more than sweet ones, you will love sipping grapefruit gin fizz. The drink features earthy rosemary notes, gin, and a bitter but bright grapefruit flavor. Plus, you experience its seltzer-like bubbly texture, making it truly magnificent.

16. White Wine Spritzer . Calories- 80

The white wine spritzer cocktail has a similar taste to that of white wine, though it is bubblier. You will also notice a relaxing lemon zest feel if you add more juice to the lemon twist. This clean, refreshing drink will pair well with most foods and is not too strong. However, you must be keen to avoid taking too much of it.

17. Watermelon Mint Champagne Punch. Calories- 127

A lovely and yummy cocktail that takes five to ten minutes to make. To make a watermelon mint champagne punch, you will require champagne, sprite( but any lemon-lime soda can also work), lemon, mint leaves, vodka, and Tropicana watermelon.

Many mixologists agree this cocktail tastes similar like watermelon seasoned Jolly Rancher, though it’s sourer. Even so, if you like the full savor of hard watermelon candies and lime soda zestiness and have no issue tasting the alcohol, you will appreciate this cocktail.

18. Coconut Water Champagne Fruit Punch. Calories- 132

Are you looking for a bubbly drink that’s easy to make and has low calories? This cocktail ticks all those boxes. The superb drink includes champagnes with only 91 calories, fruit juice to add flavor, and coconut water. You can even garnish it with pineapple or fresh berries.

19. Coconut Mango Mojito. Calories- 126

A rum-based cocktail that will give you island vibes as if you are on vacation, plus it has mango puree bringing vitamins A and C into the picture. Additionally, you get a refreshing feel of mint, and the club soda bubbles make it highly inviting, and you can enjoy it anytime.

20. Mint Gimlet. Calories- 150

The mint gimlet is a simple cocktail anyone can make, as you only need four ingredients. It’s critical to note that gimlets have a high alcohol content; thus, you should take at most two glasses. If you find the drink too sweet, you can cut it down by adding an ounce of syrup.

21. French Kiss Cocktail. Calories- 116

Here is a treat for all berry lovers. The cocktail has raspberries as natural sweeteners, and they are also full of antioxidants. You can include some raw honey in the mix if you prefer your cocktails to be sweeter.

22. Roasted Cherry Sage Lemonade Cocktail. Calories- 150

The natural sweetness the roasted cherries provide makes this cocktail stand out. You won’t even need to use simple syrup. You can make it using a sage-flavored spirit; the other option is muddling the sage leaves and adding fresh lemon juice. The juice will give the drink a refreshing tanginess without the extra sugar.

Conclusion

While on your weight loss journey, you can enjoy plenty of low-calorie cocktails. Furthermore, you can reduce the calorie composition by making the drinks at home, using unsweetened mixers, and adjusting the ratio of ingredients. However, the critical point is to take these cocktails moderately to avoid the effects of excessive alcohol consumption.

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