Need more healthy cocktail recipes? Try my keto margarita, keto mojito, and almond milk eggnog next. I hate missing out on all the fun, but not as much as I hate all the liquid calories from my favorite cocktails. So, as a compromise, I’ve re-created my five favorite libations to give them a low calorie makeover, though you’d never guess by how refreshing they taste.
Tips for picking low calorie cocktails
I’m a big ‘everything in moderation’ guy, but with that said, it doesn’t hurt to have a few low-calorie options on hand to avoid unnecessary sugar and carbs. Here are some tips for looking for low-cal cocktails: Spirits such as tequila, gin, vodka, and rum will have the lowest calories. Each standard drink, or 1.5 oz fluid serving, has around 95 calories. However, when used in cocktails or mixed drinks, they can be quite the calorie bombs.
Know what to avoid. Beer and wine can be very high-calorie, but so can all the sneaky sugars, syrups, and fruit juices found in your everyday cocktail. Look for low-calorie mix-ins. Pure lime juice, lemon juice, bitters, or sugar-free syrups can add plenty of flavor with little to zero calories. Add a little sparkle. Soda water doesn’t technically add flavor, but it does make any drink feel a bit more festive. Alternatively, champagne is surprisingly low-cal, at just 95 calories per glass!
Ingredients needed
Alcohol. Again, I recommend using liquors like vodka, tequila, rum, or gin. Sugar syrup substitute or sweetener. The secret ingredient to keeping the calories low but flavor high. Homemade sugar-free simple syrup (or sugar-free maple syrup) adds sweetness to every cocktail, minus the calories! Liquid. Like soda water, diet soda, or diet cranberry juice, for example. Mix-ins. Think sliced fruit, flavor extracts, or sugar-free whipped cream.
How to make a low calorie cocktail
I’ve included step-by-step photos below to make this recipe easy to follow at home. For the full printable recipe instructions and ingredient quantities, scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of this post. Step 1- Combine ingredients. Add all of the ingredients to a cocktail shaker and shake vigorously. Step 2- Serve. Pour into the appropriate glass and serve immediately.
Arman’s recipe tips
Switch up the liquors. I love traditional cocktails, but to keep things interesting, I enjoy switching up the liquors. You haven’t lived until you’ve had an espresso martini with whiskey! Make drink mixes. When I’m hosting, I love to make a big batch of cocktails for easy serving. Just hold off on adding soda water, soda, or garnishes until you’re ready to serve. Don’t forget the garnish. Trust me, it makes all the difference. Serve with a rim. Brush the edges of the glass with water and dip it in sweetener, salt, or tajin, whatever seems fitting for the drink!
Frequently asked questions
More low calorie favorites
Low calorie chips Low calorie pancakes Low calorie bread Low calorie smoothies Or any of my low calorie recipes
Originally published December 2021, updated and republished July 2024
