Indulging in a refreshing cocktail during a festive gathering or after a productive day at work is a favorite pastime for many adults. However, if you are mindful of counting calories and watching your weight, the guilt associated with common high calorie alcohol drinks can dampen enjoyment. Fortunately, there are many ways to stay on track without completely cutting out alcohol from your diet.
In this article, we have curated 13 low calorie cocktails that will satisfy your taste buds without significantly increasing your calorie intake. These cocktails use fresh and quality ingredients, creative combinations, and innovative substitutions that reduce unnecessary calories without compromising flavor.
Just so you know, this list is based on the total amount of calories per serving size. Also, the list is arranged in ascending order, from the lowest calorie cocktail to the highest. With that said, let’s get into some of the low calorie cocktails you can have.
Vodka and Soda, 100 Calories
If you enjoy crisp, zesty, and refreshing drinks, you will definitely love this Vodka and Soda cocktail recipe. You can make this drink in less than five minutes by combining your favorite vodka (Absolut Vodka is an excellent choice) with unflavored club soda and a thin slice of lemon. You can also use sparkling water instead of club soda or add mint for extra flavor.
With just 100 calories, this is one of the lowest calorie cocktails as well as the fastest to make.
Gin and Tonic, 103 Calories
The Gin and Tonic is another cocktail suitable for people tracking calories. However, to make a low-carb and low-calorie Gin and Tonic, there are two secrets you should know. The first one is to use high-quality gin, like Hendrick’s Gin. It doesn’t really matter what you add to your gin if it’s great in the first place. The second trick is to skip the diet tonic and instead use regular tonic.
These tricks will help you make a Gin and Tonic cocktail that tastes great and has nearly half the calories the traditional one has. To make Gin and Tonic, fill a glass with ice cubes, followed by 2 ounces of gin and about 6 ounces of tonic water. Gently stir to combine these ingredients.
Tequila Sunrise, 110 Calories
Tequila Sunrise is a classic cocktail known for its refreshing taste and beautiful gradient colors. You can make this cocktail with nothing more than freshly squeezed orange juice, tequila, ice cubes, and grenadine syrup.
Start by filling your glass with ice cubes and add 2 ounces of tequila into the glass. Tequila options often vary, but using a good-quality tequila like Don Julio Tequila Blanco will significantly enhance the flavor of your cocktail. Next, add 4 ounces of orange juice and ½ ounce of grenadine syrup (for the signature gradient effect). You can garnish your Tequila Sunrise with a slice of orange.
Skinny Margarita, 114 Calories
The taste of the Skinny Margarita is hard to describe, but it is unbelievably delicious. You can make this low calorie alcoholic drink in the comfort of your home in just five minutes. Combine 2 ounces of any Silver tequila, 1 ounce of orange liqueur, and 1 ounce of freshly squeezed lemon juice in a shaker with ice. Shake well, strain it into a salt-rimmed glass, and garnish with a lemon slice.
Just be aware that the drink’s delicious taste conceals a surprisingly potent tequila kick, so it might be much stronger than you anticipated.
Mulled Wine, 115 Calories
Mulled Wine is both low-carb and low-calorie, so it suits dieters. It is warm, cozy, and perfect for Christmas holiday gatherings or cold weather.
To make Mulled Wine, you will begin with a base of red wine (preferably dry). Add to that oranges, cloves, cinnamon sticks, erythritol, star anise, and cranberries. This drink has a dry, fruity, and holiday-like flavor.
Bloody Mary Cocktail, 118 Calories
If you like celery, tomato, and a little spice, then you will enjoy the Bloody Mary cocktail. It takes less than five minutes to prepare and has only seven ingredients: tomato juice, lemon juice, Chopin Potato vodka, pepper, Worcestershire sauce, Tabasco, and celery salt. Mix these ingredients in a glass and stir well for maximum flavor. You can garnish using a celery stalk and enjoy the savory and spicy flavors of this iconic cocktail.
White Wine Spritzer, 120 Calories
The White Wine Spritzer is a clean, bubbly drink with a nice lemon zest flavor. To make this delicious cocktail, simply combine a high-quality white wine like Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc with sparkling water or soda. Stir gently to mix, and optionally garnish with a lemon slice.
Peach Bellini, 120 Calories
If you are in the mood for a low-calorie brunch cocktail, you will undoubtedly love the Peach Bellini. It is a lovely light drink with plenty of Prosecco and peach flavor. To make Peach Bellini, peel two or more peaches and blend them into a smooth puree. Optionally, you can add sugar for more sweetness. Pour the peach puree into a tall glass, then slowly fill your glass with a chilled sparkling wine like Chandon Rose Sparkling. Give it a gentle stir, garnish it if you like, and enjoy the refreshing goodness of a Peach Bellini.
Cranberry Mimosas, 130 Calories
Cranberry Mimosa is the perfect low calorie holiday cocktail. The key to making this drink is the cranberry juice. Combine champagne and cranberry juice in a champagne flute or glass and stir gently. To garnish, poke two rosemary sprigs onto toothpicks and carefully place them on top of your glass.
Mojito, 150 Calories
Mojito has been popular for so many years now. The ingredients needed for this cocktail are lime juice, white rum, simple syrup, and fresh mint. Combine these ingredients and stir them to release their flavors. Top it off with sparkling water or club soda and stir well.
Healthier Pina Colada, 151 Calories
This nutritious cocktail is ideal for anyone who likes tropical drinks. Regular Pina Coladas contain calorie-dense sugar and cream. However, this recipe combines fruit juice, any white rum and a tiny bit of coconut cream to keep sugar to a minimum, reduce calories and boost antioxidant levels.
Pomegranate Martini, 151 Calories
Both the smoothness of vodka and the tangy sweetness of pomegranate juice make Pomegranate Martini a big hit for many cocktail enthusiasts. To prepare a Pomegranate Martini, combine peppermint schnapps, sparkling water, ice, and Ciroc vodka in a martini shaker. Strain the liquid into a glass and garnish with mint leaves and pomegranate arils.
Raspberry Lemon Drop Cocktail, 240 Calories
If you like drinks that taste as good as they look, the Raspberry Lemon Drop cocktail is an excellent choice. It is a delightful combination of raspberries, tangy lemon, and vodka. And although its calorie count is slightly higher than the other cocktails, it’s not that unhealthy to drink occasionally.
You’ll need fresh raspberries, vodka, and freshly squeezed lemon juice to make this cocktail. Combine Grey goose vodka, lemon, and raspberries in a cocktail shaker. Shake the mixture well and add some ice to cool it. Strain the liquid into a glass and enjoy.
Conclusion
The above 13 low calorie cocktails demonstrate that you don’t have to sacrifice fun or flavor to maintain a healthy lifestyle. By incorporating smart substitutions and making mindful choices, you can comfortably enjoy your drinks without the guilt of gaining excess calories. So, whether you’re simply unwinding after a long day or hosting a gathering, these low calorie cocktails offer a range of enjoyable options to suit every palate.
FAQs
Can You Drink Alcohol and Lose Weight?
Yes, it is possible to take alcohol and still lose weight. However, moderation is recommended. You will also have to choose drinks that have the least impact on your weight.
Why Do Men Get Beer Bellies?
Calories are to blame. If you consume more calories from food and drinks than you burn through exercise, your body will store the extra energy in fat cells. Sadly for men, their abdominal fat cells usually expand more quickly than women’s abdominal fat cells do.
What are the Best Drinks for Weight Loss?
If you are looking to shed a few pounds, some of your lowest calorie drinks are a glass of champagne, a shot of spirits (for example, vodka, rum, whiskey, tequila, or gin), or a glass of dry wine.
How Many Calories are there in Vodka?
Vodka is considered the lowest calorie alcoholic beverage, with only 100 calories in a 50ml shot. It also has zero carbs and is a preferred liquor among dieters, especially those following a low-carb diet.
What Should I Drink After Vodka?
Water is the healthiest and most accessible option for many people after drinking. Try to drink water between your alcoholic drinks throughout the day, and before going to bed.
Which Alcohol is Lowest in Sugar?
Clear liquors like tequila, gin, and vodka are the lowest in sugar and are the easiest alcohols for our bodies to metabolize.
What Alcohol Has the Least Calories?
Tito’s Handmade Vodka Price is one of the best low calorie alcoholic drinks. It has only 97 calories, zero carbohydrates, zero sugar, and an average ABV (Alcohol by Volume) of 40%.
Although other low calorie liquors have almost the same nutritional value, vodka is the lowest calorie drink because you can make other low calorie mixed drinks with it.