I’m not one to pass up a cocktail, but I also don’t want to consume a ton of sugar or unnecessary calories. I realize that no cocktail is healthy for you, but if you’re going to have a drink or two, you can choose lower calorie options that are still delicious and sometimes even nutritious. Here are 7 low-calorie cocktails (you need to try)!
7 Low-Calorie Cocktails (You Need to Try)
Skinny Pina Colada
The Skinny Pina Colada has nowhere near the fat and calories of a regular Pina Colada because I use coconut water instead of coconut cream and add just a splash of pineapple juice to make it. A little bit of pineapple-seltzer or coconut-seltzer is a great addition as well! This is probably my favorite of the bunch included in these 7 low-calorie cocktails (you need to try)!
White Sangria
I love this recipe for White Sangria and always recommend it to friends. It’s a crowd-pleaser and super easy to make – just toss all of the ingredients into a pitcher and you’re good to go. The recipe makes a huge batch, which is perfect for parties and other summer get-togethers. I typically throw in a bag of frozen berries to keep it nice and cold, but fresh fruit works too! Definitely put this one on your must-make list for summer as one of the 7 low-calorie cocktails (you need to try)!
Low-Cal John Daly
You may remember this cocktail from my recent visit to New York City. Theodora and I mixed Firefly Sweet Tea Vodka with Crystal Light Pure Lemonade and ice. Basically, you just pour 1-2 shots of Sweet Tea Vodka over ice and fill the rest of the glass with lemonade. You can also add a splash of iced tea if you like.
Cotton Candy
When I waitressed on Block Island, I used to drink these Cotton Candy cocktails on the job like it was my job. I haven’t had one in years, but asked the bartender at the Chebeauge Island Inn to make me one last weekend. It tasted just as delicious as I remembered! This cocktail is made with vanilla-flavored vodka and seltzer water with a splash of pineapple juice and a squirt of grenadine. The grenadine is really sweet, so go easy on it at first and then add more if needed.
Creamsicle
If you haven’t heard of Pinnacle Vodka yet, click over to their website and do some exploring. Their vodka flavors and recipes will blow your mind. Apparently, they have a cake-flavored vodka now!? I NEED to try it ASAP! There’s probably a similar Creamsicle recipe on the Pinnacle Vodka website, but here’s how I make mine: pour approximately 1-2 shots of Pinnacle Whipped vodka over ice and then fill the glass with seltzer and a splash of orange juice.
Pomtini
This recipe is an oldie, but goodie! In a shaker, add ice, citrus-flavored vodka and a splash of grapefruit juice and pomegranate juice. Shake and strain into a martini glass. Garnish with a slice of lime.
Zero Calorie Margarita
Obviously, I didn’t create the SkinnyGirl Margarita, but I just had to include it in this post. It’s really delicious and so much better than drinking that nasty sour mix.
What is your favorite cocktail?
P.S. Just in case you missed it, here are my tips for drinking in moderation and how to have a healthy happy hour!
P.P.S. If you’re tracking macros, check out my FREE “When Macros Get Boozy” guide, which teaches you how to calculate alcohol macros. It also includes an alcohol “cheat sheet” and more low-calorie cocktails! š
This post was originally published on August 4, 2011. It was updated on July 2, 2019 and republished.Ā
128 Comments
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Thanks for this great article…they all sound delish…but had to comment to say I’ve discovered new totally sugar free, low calorie cocktails that are EVEN BETTER called SMARTINI. They’re made with Stevia (instead of splenda or agave) and they’re absolutely fantastic. The mixers come in a bunch of flavors…like Pomegranate, Margarita, Mojito and to-die-for Sweet Tea…ALL of them under 96 calories (and that’s WITH the alcohol!! The mixer itself has like one calorie per ounce!!) AND there’s a sugar free, CALORIE FREE Simple Syrup too…makes killer drinks with Pinnacle Vodka’s!! So if you’re looking for low calorie cocktails…or just want to avoid the sugars in normal cocktails…you GOTTA try Smartinis!
I have been using Voli Vodka in all my drinks recently and I think it’s a good alternative. It’s low cal and really smooth. They come in a couple flavors as well to help keep the taste interesting, and that makes so you don’t have to mix which is where more calories come from.
By the way check out this article for other low calorie cocktail drinks. http://bit.ly/vYb87w
I love voli!! I have been using that ever since I came across it in sam’s clubs
These all sound so delicious and I am going to try every one…well maybe not pina colada but all the rest. FYI…the link for the white sangria doesn’t work š I got to the malapolooza page and the error is from there. It looks so refreshing.
Mojito’s without any sugar, or sugar substitutes is my go to beverage. I alternate lemon or lime, any white rum flavored or not, works great. Add fresh lemon or lime juice to ice cube tray when freezing to keep the dilution of flavor to a minimum. I also grow lemon balm to alternate with mint. Light and refreshing AND without the sugar, No headaches!!
@Carol:
Great idea! I don’t like sugar substitutes so I’m looking for other ways to enjoy a drinks
can you provide the white sangria recipe? the link is busted.
I love love love SkinnyGirl 5 cal Margarita Mix! Though i use it in lemon drop martinis just use it as you use sour mix yummm
thats at the chebeague island inn!
Will HAVE to try the skinny pina colada!!
These are great. My summer favorite cocktail has been coconut rum and pineapple juice. Somebody recently told me that was a skinny pina colada but that was not my intention. It’s also kind of a lot of juice to be “skinny” but I could add seltzer or coconut water and see how that is. Yum. Seriously coconut rum is my new favorite thing. Lol.