Summertime is the perfect time to kick back with friends and throw back a drink or two. Traditional hot weather libations like frozen margaritas and piña coladas are jam packed with calories and sugar which doesn’t exactly help when you are trying to stay in bikini shape! Being both the occasional lush and fitness guru, I am sharing with you three ways to let loose and stay tight! Keep reading to find out!
1. Use fresh produce! Summer has some of the best fruits and vegetables, like cucumbers, peaches, watermelon and berries that go great in cocktails. I love finding new ways to mix fruits for a unique flavor! My go to is mixing fresh basil and watermelon together in a glass, adding ice, vodka, topped with a splash of diet lemon lime soda. The possibilities are endless! Other good mixes are blackberries or grapefruit and mint, lemon and ginger, blueberries and fresh squeezed lemons, or oranges and thyme. Use any of these combos over ice with a clear liquor like gin or vodka and a splash of soda water.
2. Add soda water! Soda water is the ultimate ingredient when mixing low cal cocktails. Not only is it free of extra calories and sugar, it keeps you hydrated. Swap your margarita mix for soda water and fresh squeezed lime juice for a refreshing alternative to premade mix. More of a wine girl? Mix your favorite wine (works best with a lighter variety) with soda water, ice and fresh berries for a DIY wine spritzer! You can even skip the alcohol and use soda water to make a refreshing “mocktail” using a splash of your favorite juice and a slice of lemon.
3. Pop the bubbly! Sparkling wine, prosecco and champagne are some of the lowest calorie wines, coming in at less than 100 calories per serving. My all time favorite way to sip is with a splash of St. Germaine, a low sugar fragrant aperitif, with a twist of lemon. You could also try mixing some bubbly with some chopped peaches for a super fresh alternative to a Bellini!
A general good rule of thumb is to stick to ingredients that are fresh and in season. When selecting alcohols to add, stick with clear liquids like vodka, gin, and rum. Avoid darker alcohols like spiced rum and flavored liquors that can add extra sugar and calories. Add in your own natural flavoring! Have any summer cocktail swaps that you cant resist? Share with us in the comments below!
By Victoria Budosh
Jessica H
Is plain vodke less calores than a flavor like lemon vodka or rasberry vodka?