LOW SUGAR ALCOHOLIC DRINKS
Many alcoholic drinks are loaded with added sugar (and extra calories), but a few simple alterations can turn a sweet drink into a refreshing treat. Here are some low sugar cocktail recipes I have been mixing up at home that are great for a warm summer night. I promise you wont miss the added sugar! Scroll to the bottom for my tips on how to incorporate alcohol into a healthy lifestyle.
SPARKLING JAM MARGARITA (MAKES 1 SERVING)
Ingredients:
- 1.5 oz tequila
- 3 limes (2 oz lime juice + lime for garnish)
- 1.5 tbsp jam (any flavor)
- Flavored seltzer water
- Sea salt
- Ice cubes
Directions:
1. In a cocktail shaker, add ice cubes, tequila, lime juice, and jam. Cover and shake vigorously, approx. 30 secs.
2. Use leftover lime to rim glass and then dip it in sea salt. (I used a shallow dish filled with salt)
3. Place ice cubes in the glass, strain chilled margarita mixture into the glass.
4. Top with lime seltzer and garnish with a lime wedge.
Adapted from How Sweet Eats
FRUITY VODKA SELTZER (MAKES 1 SERVING)
Ingredients:
- 1.5 oz vodka (I like Titos)
- 8 oz Flavored seltzer water
- Frozen fruit: 2oz blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, mango and/or pineapple
- Ice cubes
Directions:
1. Pour vodka in a chilled, cubed glass. Add seltzer (I love Poland Spring Raspberry Rose).
2. Add frozen fruit of choice. Stir and sip with a straw! You can really get creative with seltzer and fruit combos.
WATERMELON VODKA SLUSHIE (MAKES 1 SERVING)
Ingredients:
- 1.5 oz watermelon flavored vodka (or Titos)
- 1 cup chopped watermelon (can freeze beforehand)
- 4-6 oz flavored seltzer water
- .5 tbsp agave or honey (optional)
- 2 cups ice
Directions:
1. Combine the watermelon, seltzer, vodka and agave or honey (if using) in a blender. Blend until watermelon is pureed.
2. Add ice and blend again until ice is crushed and texture is slushy.
3. Pour into a chilled glass, add a straw and garnish with mint or a watermelon slice if desired. This can also be made as a refreshing mocktail, just leave out the vodka.
Adapted from Paleomg
SKINNY PALOMA (MAKES 1 SERVING)
Ingredients:
- 1.5 oz tequila
- 4 oz. Pink grapefruit juice (or 1 fresh grapefruit, squeezed)
- 1 tbsp. Fresh lime juice
- Grapefruit seltzer (like Spindrift)
- Sea salt (or cane sugar)
- ice cubes
Directions:
1. Add to a cocktail shaker: tequila, grapefruit juice, lime juice, and 3-4 ice cubes. Shake vigorously (approx. 30 secs).
2. Rim a cocktail glass with lime (or grapefruit), dip in sea salt (or cane sugar, or combo of both). Add desired amount of ice cubes.
3. Pour drink mix from shaker into prepared glass. Top with grapefruit seltzer and lime wedge (if desired).
ALCOHOL DRINKING TIPS
Overall, how much you drink is more important than what you drink. I feel like when diet culture was at the forefront of everyone’s minds, everyone was searching for the healthiest option. Sure, there are some cocktails that are healthier options (like the recipes above) but overall, I recommend being aware of how much you’re drinking first and foremost. I am not a huge drinker, but try to limit alcohol to the weekends and cap it at a few drinks (unless I am celebrating!)
KEEP IT SIMPLE
When ordering or making cocktails, my general rule of thumb is to keep it simple. The less ingredients the better! I also try to use no added sugar or at least use a natural sweetener like fresh fruit juice or agave instead of simple syrup. Try sweetening drinks “to taste” since you will often use less than what a recipe calls for. If you are a beer drinker, try to stick to light vs regular to save at least 50+ calories, and pay attention to the ABV% as the higher this is, the stronger it will be (more alcohol and calories). If you love strong IPAs, try to save them as a treat, or switch to a lighter beer after 1-2. Don’t forget to hydrate between drinks – water is best, but flavored seltzer water is a great sub and still feels like a “drink”.
