10 Alcoholic Drinks That Won’t Make You Break Your Diet
Nights out at bars or in with friends are always fun but what’s not fun is consuming a bunch of calories to achieve a buzz. Cocktails and mixed drinks are usually on the higher side of calories, so steer away from those and steer into these 10 alcoholic drinks that won’t make you break your diet.
1. Bloody Mary
Bloody marys are easy to make and are low calorie so you don’t compromise any diet or calorie intake. If you’re making one at home, use tomato juice without any added sugars and a low sodium content. Add in vodka, or to lower calories even further, shochu, which is a lower calorie alcohol that can substitute for vodka. Shochu is only 30 calories, and while having a lower proof, makes for a way healthier option of alcohol to mix in while having a similar taste to vodka. Then combine Worcestershire sauce, Tabasco, and juiced lemons to the mix. Any other vegetables, including the classic celery stalk are welcomed to be added to the drink. This bloody mary will save you on calories and possibly give you the veggies you need for the day depending on what you add in.
2. Low Cal Cosmopolitan
Cosmopolitans aren’t crazy high calorie drink, but we’re aiming to cut back on what we can so you can have more. Skip the triple sec, aim for club soda instead. Grab a cranberry juice without unnecessary added sugar and calories. Like the bloody mary, shochu can be substituted for vodka for fewer calories, but it’s not an absolute must. Fresh lime juice is ideal for this drink to not have any added sugars or preservatives. Shake 2 ounces of citrus vodka, a splash of club soda, a splash of cranberry juice, fresh lime juice, and ice together in a shaker. Then strain into a martini glass.
3. Moscow Mule Without Syrup
Moscow mules are refreshing but sometimes come at a higher calorie intake. This take on a moscow mule will be about 30-50 calories less than usual. Grab a traditional copper mug and begin. Pour in 2 ounces of vodka over ice and a dash of lime juice. Add in about 1/3 cup of sugar free ginger beer and stir to combine. There’s your simply made moscow mule without syrup. No extra sweeteners or hassle.
4. “Light” (White) Russian
This blissful coffee drink is cozy around the winter time. Only drawback? A normal White Russian chalks up to around 590 calories, not so sweet is it? This variation will come in at 150 calories and still taste delicious. Combine 1/2 cup of almond milk and 1/2 cup of coconut milk and stir in 1 teaspoon of sugar. In a separate glass, pour in 1 tablespoon of hot water. Whisk in 1 teaspoon of unsweetened cocoa powder. This will serve as a syrup. In a cocktail shaker, add 1 tablespoon of cold brew coffee and 1.5 ounces of vodka. Pour in the syrup and shake. Pour in your concoction and add milk slowly. Stir to mix and enjoy.
5. Mojito Sans Simple Syrup
This mojito will still deliver on the buzz without the extra calories. 80 proof rum, a handful of mint leave, a halved lime, and club soda come together for this great healthier version of a mojito. Skip the simple syrup (and or sugar if you add that in) so there’s no unnecessary sugar. If you absolutely must, substitute stevia for sugar. Pour 2 ounces of rum into a tall glass and then add in crushed/shredded mint leaves. Juice half the lime and pour into the glass before filling the rest up with club soda. This is an easy drink to make, especially since no shaker is needed. Healthy and no added sugars!
6. Vodka Soda With Lemon
One of the lowest calorie drinks you can make. Vodka accounts for 64 calories per fluid ounce, adding soda water (which accounts for 0 calories), and a squeeze of lemon for a hint of flavor is an easy fix.
7. Tequila With Lime Juice
This sounds like a party! Tequila and lime is so easy to make and very low calorie. 1 shot of tequila adds up to 64 calories. Tequila is one of the healthiest alcohols you can consume in terms of calorie count. There is no sugary mixture added into it, it’s made with agave for a naturally sweet flavor. Just like most of this list, this drink is pretty simple to make. Pour two shots of tequila, squeeze a lime (lime juice has unnecessary sugars and preservatives), and combine in a shaker. You need absolutely nothing else. Strain over ice and enjoy a low calorie and low sugar drink.
8. Drunken Arnold Palmer
This is a fun take on a classic Arnold Palmer. Combine 1 black teabag, 3/4 cup of hot water, 1 lemon juiced, and 1 teaspoon of honey. Let tea steep. Then chill the mixture. When you want to have a drink, add a shot of vodka. Perfect summer drink.
9. Cucumber Gin Martini
This refreshing drink is under 200 calories and tastes like springtime. You’ll need 2 ounces of gin, 3 thick slices of cucumber, a lime wedge, and 1 tablespoon of agave nectar (optional) to sweeten. Other variations include juicing half a lemon for added flavor, and then you probably won’t need the agave nectar. Muddle the cucumber slices at the bottom of the cocktail shaker, then add in gin, agave or lemon juice, and lime and shake with ice. Shake well and strain over a chilled martini glass.
10. Scotch & Soda
Boy oh boy this is an easy one to make. You’ll only need scotch, soda water, ice, and a lemon peel. Pour 2 ounces of scotch over ice and add in soda water. Use the lemon peel as garnish and you have a simple alcoholic beverage on your hands. Scotch is around 65 calories for 80 proof and 80 calories for 100 proof. This drink will be your best friend when your mindful of calories.
