Low-Calorie Cocktail: Mojito
Although a drink made with sugar screams “back away!” for the waistline-conscious, you can request half the simple syrup—or ditch it altogether. Mint, lime, and soda water are all naturally low-cal, a shot of rum is about 100 calories, and 2 tbsp. of sugar (half the normal serving) in the form of syrup is about 40 calories.
Low-Calorie Cocktail: Rum and Diet Coke
Ah, the classic rum and Coke—minus the, well, Coke. Enid Cortes, bartender at New York City’s Royalton Hotel, says a white rum and diet cola is a good choice to cut the calories. Or try a spiced rum to give the drink a kick.
Low-Calorie Cocktail: Sea Breeze
If you usually order a vodka-cranberry, try a sea breeze. The 4 oz. of grapefruit juice, 1½ oz. of cranberry juice, and 1 oz. of vodka will set you back about 180 calories.
Low-Calorie Cocktail: Vanilla Vodka and Diet Ginger Ale
For a drink that tastes like a slice of cake, order a diet ginger ale and vanilla vodka. If you use a single shot of liquor, it’s less than 100 calories—and sugar-free.
Low-Calorie Cocktail: Tequila and Soda
Cortes says to ditch the sugar-laden margarita and say viva la tequila on the rocks with club soda for a 100-calorie drink. Add a squeeze of lime to up the refreshment factor.
Low-Calorie Cocktail: Champagne
Forget choosing between wine and beer. A 4-oz. glass of bubbly is only 85 calories. That’s about 15 calories less than a 12-oz. bottle of light beer or a 4-oz. glass of wine—and let’s be honest: The average glass of wine is usually at least twice that size.
Low-Calorie Cocktail: Sour-Apple Martini
We bet you thought this list was going to be filled with sippers like white-wine spritzers. Guess again. While we don’t recommend a Carrie Bradshaw-approved cosmo (it has more than 250 calories), that doesn’t mean all martinis are off limits. Try a sour-apple one, made with 2 1/2 oz. sour mix and 3/4 oz. each vodka and sour apple liqueur, for a 160-calorie treat.
Low-Calorie Cocktail: Vodka and Diet Lime-Flavored Soda Like Sprite Zero or Diet Sierra Mist
No, it’s not the most glamorous drink at the bar, but it is refreshing (and refreshingly low in calories—under 100!). Plus, it’s clear, so your dry cleaner will thank you if you spill any on your new party dress.
Low-Calorie Cocktail: Mudslide
This is the kind of sweet drink that sounds like it’ll set you back more calories than a hot-fudge sundae. In reality, it’ll cost you 184 calories. Maybe the Dude from The Big Lebowski could have whittled his waistline if he’d drunk these instead of white Russians (338 calories).
Low-Calorie Cocktail: Gin and Tonic
It’s always good to have a go-to drink, and unless you’re still in school, a vodka and Red Bull doesn’t count. Up your sophistication level while lowering your calorie count by ordering a G&T. There are 103 calories in 1 oz. gin and 3 oz. tonic.
