5-Low-Calorie-Sweet-Summer-Cocktails-MainPhoto

5-Low-Calorie-Sweet-Summer-Cocktails-MainPhoto
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

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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.

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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!

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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!

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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.