For most of us, summer symbolizes a time of relaxation. Beautiful weather, breezy t-shirts and flip flops, piña coladas on the beach....wait, stop right there! Did you know a large piña colada, made with fattening cream of coconut, can tip the scales at over 600 calories? Another poolside favorite, the frozen margarita, can easily pack in 400 to 500 calories per glass…yikes! The stream of sugar and empty calories from these drinks can hurt just as much as a stinging sunburn.
But you can relax (and have a cocktail!), because there are plenty of slimming sippers; it's just a matter of being a bit strategic. When you’re out at a bar or restaurant, opt for skinny yet refreshing drinks like a glass of wine (120 calories), light beer (100 calories), glass of fruity sangria (150 calories), or a shot of vodka with a splash of cranberry juice and club soda (100 calories). Or, become your own bartender and whip up fun, skinny cocktails at home—you’ll save major cash and calories! By minimizing sugary mixers and syrups and sipping slowly, you can still enjoy a festive mixed drink or two without going overboard. Here are two of my own favorite low-sugar cocktail creations, which both clock in at well under 200 calories. These light and luscious drinks take the edge off ....without putting weight on!
Blueberry Mojito
But you can relax (and have a cocktail!), because there are plenty of slimming sippers; it's just a matter of being a bit strategic. When you’re out at a bar or restaurant, opt for skinny yet refreshing drinks like a glass of wine (120 calories), light beer (100 calories), glass of fruity sangria (150 calories), or a shot of vodka with a splash of cranberry juice and club soda (100 calories). Or, become your own bartender and whip up fun, skinny cocktails at home—you’ll save major cash and calories! By minimizing sugary mixers and syrups and sipping slowly, you can still enjoy a festive mixed drink or two without going overboard. Here are two of my own favorite low-sugar cocktail creations, which both clock in at well under 200 calories. These light and luscious drinks take the edge off ....without putting weight on!
Blueberry Mojito½ cup blueberries (fresh or thawed from frozen)
8 to 10 mint leaves
1 ounce lime juice
1 teaspoon sugar (omit for a lower-calorie drink)
1.5 ounces light rum
½ cup crushed ice
Club soda
Muddle the blueberries, mint, lime juice, and sugar in the bottom of a glass. Pour in the rum, add the crushed ice and stir. Top with a generous splash of club soda.
8 to 10 mint leaves
1 ounce lime juice
1 teaspoon sugar (omit for a lower-calorie drink)
1.5 ounces light rum
½ cup crushed ice
Club soda
Muddle the blueberries, mint, lime juice, and sugar in the bottom of a glass. Pour in the rum, add the crushed ice and stir. Top with a generous splash of club soda.
164 calories (148 calories without sugar)
Grapefruit Fizzer1.5 ounces gin
3 ounces ruby red or pink grapefruit juice
2 ounces club soda
Lime wedge
Pour the gin, grapefruit juice, and club soda in a glass over ice and stir. Squeeze the lime wedge into the drink.
134 calories
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