What could be better than a summer night with the perfect summer cocktail—without the guilt of empty calories? Yes, it’s true: whether you’re whipping up a batch for guests or just want some quality time with a good cocktail, leave the calories behind with these five drink recipes that are just as delicious as they sound.
MOJITO
A revised version of the classic Cubano cocktail is low on calories but still high on refreshment.
Servings: 1
Ingredients:
½ lime (cut into wedges)
¼ cup of fresh mint leaves
1 tablespoon of Splenda (or sugar substitute of your choice)
2 oz of light rum
Sprite Zero
Directions: Mash lime, mint, and sugar together at the bottom of your glass. Fill the glass with ice, add rum, and fill the remainder with Sprite Zero.
Read Related: Latino Holiday Cocktails
SANGRIA
A pitcher of this Spanish cocktail and summer favorite will be the hit of the party, but won’t pack on the pounds.
Servings: 4
Ingredients:
1 bottle of red wine
1/4 cup of Triple Sec
1 thinly sliced orange
1 thinly sliced lime
8 oz of pineapple (canned natural chunks or rings in juice will both work)
2 cups of club soda
Directions: In a large pitcher, mix wine, Triple Sec, lime, orange, and pineapple (be sure to include the pineapple’s juice). Store and chill for a few hours. When ready to serve, add the club soda, and pour in glasses with ice.
POMEGRANATE MARTINI
Pomegranate juice is a great cocktail mixer because it’s naturally low in calories, good for your health, and delicious. Try it in a martini and you’ll be hooked.
Servings: 1
Ingredients:
3 oz of fresh pomegranate juice (available at most grocery stores)
½ oz of orange liqueur (Cointreau works well)
1 oz of vodka
Thinly sliced oranges for garnish
Directions: Mix the juice, vodka, and liqueur in a cocktail shaker with mix. Shake well, pour, and enjoy!
PIÑA DELIGHT
While piña coladas might seem like the perfect summer cocktail, they are loaded with calories. Here’s an alternative that’s just as (if not more!) flavorful.
Servings: 1
Ingredients:
2 oz fresh pineapple juice
1 ½ oz of coconut rum (Bacardi, Malibu, or Cruzan will all do the trick)
4 oz of lemon-lime flavored sparkling water (raspberry tastes great, too)
1 tablespoon of Coco Lopez Cream of Coconut LITE (available at most supermarkets)
Directions: Mix all ingredients, stir well, and pour over ice!
LONG ISLAND ICED TEA
A notoriously high calorie drink, this version gives the original a run for its money.
Servings: 1
Ingredients:
1/3 oz of rum
1/3 oz of gin
1/3 oz of tequila
1/3 oz of vodka
1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons of Splenda (or other sugar substitute)
Diet Coke
Sprite Zero
Lemon slice for garnish
Directions: Mix the Splenda, rum, gin, tequila, vodka, and lemon juice in a cocktail shaker and shake well with ice. Pour into a tall cocktail glass, fill the remainder with Diet Coke and a splash of Sprite Zero. A lemon slice on the glass adds the perfect finishing touch.
