Do you like to imbibe, but worry about all the sugar and other high calorie rubbish that can come along with sipping something potent? Whether you’re counting calories, calculating carbs, or just trying to keep it clean, this list has something for you to throw back by the pool.
Hard Seltzer
You may have heard “there ain’t no laws when drinking claws,” but many rule abiding citizens turn to hard seltzers when they’re trying to catch a buzz by cracking a can, sans the bloat, carbs, and calories that accompany even the lightest of beers. America’s most trusted beer slingers now make these hard seltzers that usually range about 80-100 calories a can, and have 0-2 carbs, including Bud Light, Michelob Ultra, and Smirnoff. The lowest calorie I’ve found is White Claw 70. If you’re feeling adventurous, one ounce of 80 proof vodka has 69 calories, 0 carbs, and can easily be mixed with any calorie free flavored seltzer of your choosing for a super low carb, low calorie cocktail.
Cuba Libre
If your heart desires a good old-fashioned rum and coke on a hot summer night, but your middle age spread begs to differ, there may be a compromise! There are about 60 calories and 0 carbohydrates in an ounce of Bacardi spiced rum. If you swap a cuba libre’s traditional sugary soda for a diet pop, you can cut out 90 calories and 25 carbs per drink. The squeeze from a fresh lime wedge adds one calorie and less than a carb.
Margaritas
Nothing says summer quite like a salty frosted glass full of tequila and tart juices, but if you’re trying to eat clean, it’s best to skip bottled mixers and premixed cocktails in favor of making your own libations from scratch. Similar to vodka and rum, pure agave tequila has 69 calories per ounce and 0 carbs. Lexi’s Clean Living has a four-ingredient recipe that makes fresh fruit juice the star of the show. Cookie + Kate have a skinny margarita recipe that clocks in at 187 calories and 12 carbs. If the “skinny” versions of this favorite have too many calories for your tastes, consider a 100 calorie grapefruit paloma.
Fresh Cocktails
Guests are always impressed when the host is a great bartender. If you’re hoping to wow your friends with your cocktail blending prowess you have a lot of refreshing options. Beth Ritter Nydick and Tara Roscioli have a recipe for their super simple My Darling Clementine that combines unsweetened juices with vodka and seltzer. The Clean Eating Couple has a recipe for a cucumber cocktail that combines muddled mint and cucumber slices with vodka and homespun lemonade. This fizzy gin drink uses fresh raspberries.
You don’t have to pass on the potent potables just because you’re living a healthy lifestyle. You can relax with a stiff drink, in moderation of course, without sacrificing your goals.
