Low Calorie Mixed Drinks: Flavorful Cocktails Without the Calories

Whether you're watching your weight or just trying to maintain it, mixed drinks can easily add significant calories to your diet. Luckily, there are several low calorie mixed drink options when eating out, hosting a party or simply enjoying cocktails with friends.

One general rule of thumb is to ask for the lowest proof alcohol available. Lower proof alcohol has fewer calories per fluid ounce than alcohol with a higher proof rating. Another calorie saving tip is to switch to diet or sugar-free mixers when possible.

One of the easiest ways to enjoy low calorie mixed drinks is to forget the mixer all together and enjoy your favorite alcohol on the rocks. There are numerous flavored alcohols that provide refreshing flavor without adding extra calories. For example, a one ounce glass of lemon-lime vodka or lime flavored gin on the rocks has just 69 calories.

Other low calorie mixed drinks to consider when hosting a party or enjoying a night out on the town are outlined below:

Baja Bob's Original Margarita

This zero calorie mixer gives you the great lime flavor or a traditional margarita without the calories. The mix is sweetened with Splenda instead of sugar to save you calories. When added with tequila you can enjoy a great tasting margarita for just under 100 calories.

Long Island Ice Tea

Substitute traditional cola with diet cola and save 100 calories without sacrificing the flavor of this traditional drink.

Diet Cola and Rum

Save nearly one hundred calories by substituting diet coloa for regular cola in this traditional mixed drink.

Mojito

Originating from Cuba, this popular mint-infused drink can be low-calorie by limiting the amount of alcohol used when creating it. Instead of two ounces consider using just one ounce of 80 proof white rum and this refreshing cocktail comes in at under 100 calories.

Bloody Mary

Spicy and savory this low calorie mixed drink actually has some nutritional benefits with minimal calories , especially if alcohol is kept at under 1.5 ounces. A favorite low-calorie mix of mine is Mr. & Mrs. T Bloody Mary Mix. This mix comes in at just 40 calories for 8 fluid ounces. Then with just add one fluid ounce of 80 proof vodka, this low calorie mixed drink comes in at just 105 calories.

Cosmo

This fun cocktail can be made low calorie by using diet cranberry juice instead of regular cranberry juice and using artificial sweetener instead of sugar. If diet cranberry juice is not available, consider using tonic water with a splash of cranberry. These changes will save you on calories without sacrificing flavor.

Be creative and experiment when creating your own low calorie mixed drinks. By using low calorie mixers and less alcohol, you can enjoy your favorite mixed drinks without destroying your diet.

Sources:

The Calorie King, 2006 Calorie Fat and Carbohydrate Counter, Family Health Publications, CA

www.webmd.com
www.drinksmixer.com