10 Low-Calorie Alcoholic Drinks
Whether it's a summer vacation or happy hour after a long work week, we are all for enjoying a few drinks to blow off some steam. Sadly, cocktails can be a surprising source of a hefty amount of calories.
But that doesn't mean you have to spend the night sipping on sparkling water - unless you want to, of course! If you prefer a cocktail (or a few), there are plenty of low-calorie drinks that you can use to stay on track.
First Thing First - Enjoy Yourself
Listen, if you want to spend the night throwing back a few rounds of sweet cocktails, do it! You don't have to spend every moment of every day adhering to a strict diet. A few days or nights throughout the year will not ruin your success.
But if you have a busy social schedule or enjoy a drink with dinner, you can do so on a regular basis - without any guilt. Knowing a few low-calorie go-to's will allow you to enjoy all of your social activities without sacrificing your hard work towards your goals.
1. Paloma
You don't have to be a spring break party girl to love tequila! Margaritas are great, but they pack a heavy-calorie punch - plus, there is a ton of sugar. However, a Paloma is a fantastic way to enjoy a refreshing tequila cocktail without any drawbacks.
Tequila, lime juice, grapefruit juice, or soda are combined to make the refreshing cocktail and are served over ice. Even though most recipes also ask for more sugar, you can cut calories by eliminating it or using a calorie-free sweetener.
At just 169 calories per drink, this is one of the few alcoholic low-calorie drinks that are just as delicious as they are healthy.
2. Vodka Soda
Add a few lemons and limes, and you basically have a more adult version of a lemon-lime soda. This classic beverage is created by mixing vodka with plain club soda. It's one of the lowest-calorie mixed cocktails you can order, with only 133 calories in a 7.5-ounce cup.
Additionally, you can boost the flavor of your beverage by garnishing it with mint or cucumber. Alternately, try spritzing in some lemon or lime juice. Alternatively, you might try replacing the club soda with sparkling water for an easy upgrade.
3. Mojito - Hold The Syrup
Is there any other drink that screams a refreshing day at the beach? We don't think so. Mojitos typically have 168 calories, but cutting out the simple syrup can reduce that number by 40 to 70.
This beverage can be made using light rum and a teaspoon of sugar, or a no-calorie substitute, for less than 100 calories. The flavor can also be improved without adding calories by using a lot of mint, more soda water, and fresh lime juice.
4. Rosé
Looking for something a bit simple than a mixed drink? As an added bonus, nothing looks chicer than holding a glass of this blush-colored wine. If the rosé isn't overly sweet, it can be one of the simplest low-calorie cocktails to order.
Avoid dessert rosés because they can include a lot of sugar. As a general rule, the more alcohol a bottle has, the more calories it contains. To reduce the calorie count as low as possible, search for labels with lower alcohol by volume (ABV).
5. Gin And Diet Tonic
Gin and tonic water is usually poured over ice in a tumbler to make the popular beverage. However, you may easily cut the number of calories in this traditional cocktail by using diet tonic water instead of regular tonic water, which has no calories.
A six-ounce gin and tonic typically has a total calorie content of 128. However, if you want to add a bit more flavour to this low-calorie drink, just add a squeeze of lime!
6. White Wine
White wine is not nearly as stuffy as some people think. White wine is an excellent choice if you're trying to reduce your calorie intake because it only contains 123 calories per 5-ounce (150-ml) drink.
There are other varieties to choose from, including chardonnay, sauvignon blanc, and a sweet riesling. If you're feeling inventive, experiment with adding some sparkling water with your wine to create a delightful spritzer.
7. Martini
You can't go wrong with a traditional martini when you want a straightforward, low-calorie cocktail. However, vermouth can add calories, so drink it straight with olives instead. Just be careful since they can sneak up on you!
Depending on the size of the glass, most martinis contain two to three shots of vodka, which has about 64 calories per shot. Use a smaller glass at home. Additionally, olives are high in heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, which must be the cause.
8. French 75
This Jazz Age classic cocktail, which is fast and tart, tops lemon, gin, and sugar with a splash of fizzy champagne for a party in a glass. Alcohol enters the system quickly due to the bubbles, but it's still a low-calorie choice.
At just a 141 calories per drink, you can enjoy this guilt-free and get a little buzz without having to drink too many. It's a win-win! Of course, to get yourself right back on track the next morning, you need a heart-pumping workout.
This 30-minute full-body cardio will quickly get you back in the zone!
9. Tequila With Fresh Lime Juice
Depending on whether it is made with fresh juice or a pre-made syrup, a margarita can have between 160 and 400 calories; most margarita mixes are high in calories and sugars.
Try combining tequila with a splash of fresh lime juice for a lower-calorie version of the Mexican-inspired cocktail. If drinking straight tequila isn't for you, add a bit of soda, mint, or coconut to ease the taste.
10. Red Wine
Red wine follows the same guidelines as other types of wine: aim for dry varieties with a lower ABV to keep calories to a minimum. Syrah, cabernet sauvignon, and pinot noir are all good red wine options.
Last Call
As always, use your best judgment when enjoying a few cocktails. Stay hydrated by drinking a glass of water between each drink, and don't forget to have fun!
