As the temperatures rise and summer days stretch on, there’s nothing quite like a cool and refreshing cocktail to quench your thirst. But what if you want to indulge in a delicious drink without sacrificing your diet or fitness goals? Fear not! We’ve got 20 mouth-watering low-calorie cocktail recipes that are perfect for sipping by the pool, at a backyard barbecue, or just enjoying on a hot summer evening.
From classic mojitos and margaritas to fruity spritzers and fizzies, our list of refreshing cocktails is sure to satisfy your taste buds without breaking the calorie bank. With clever uses of stevia, agave nectar, and other low-calorie sweeteners, these drinks are not only delicious but also guilt-free. So grab a glass, grab a straw, and get ready to beat the heat with these 20 refreshing low-calorie cocktail recipes for summer!
Sparkling Cucumber Mint Gin Fizz
Sparkling Cucumber Mint Gin Fizz Recipe
Refresh your senses with this crisp and revitalizing cocktail, perfect for warm weather or anytime you need a refreshing pick-me-up.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz gin
– 1/2 cup cucumber-mint puree (see note)
– 3 oz sparkling water
– Juice of 1 lime
– Ice cubes
– Fresh mint leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a cocktail shaker, combine gin and cucumber-mint puree.
2. Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds.
3. Strain the mixture into a chilled glass filled with ice.
4. Top with sparkling water and squeeze in lime juice.
5. Stir gently to combine.
Note: To make cucumber-mint puree, peel and chop 1/2 cucumber and 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves. Blend until smooth and strain through a fine-mesh sieve.
Cooking Time: None!
Skinny Raspberry Lime Spritzer
Elevate your summer gatherings with this refreshing twist on a classic spritzer. This recipe combines the sweetness of raspberries with the tanginess of lime, all while keeping calories in check.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup fresh raspberries
– 2 cups sparkling water
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1 tablespoon sugar-free sweetener (such as stevia or erythritol)
– Ice cubes
– Fresh raspberries and lime wedges for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, muddle the fresh raspberries with a spoon to release their juices.
2. Add the sparkling water, lime juice, and sugar-free sweetener to the pitcher. Stir until well combined.
3. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
4. Serve the spritzer over ice cubes and garnish with additional fresh raspberries and lime wedges, if desired.
Cooking Time: None required! This recipe is ready when you are.
Light Vodka Soda with Grapefruit
A refreshing twist on the classic vodka soda, this recipe adds a tangy and citrusy flavor from grapefruit juice.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz light vodka
– 4 oz soda water
– 1/2 cup grapefruit juice (fresh or bottled)
– Ice cubes
– Slice of grapefruit for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Fill a highball glass with ice cubes.
2. Pour in the light vodka and top with soda water.
3. Add grapefruit juice and stir gently to combine.
4. Garnish with a slice of grapefruit, if desired.
Cooking Time: None!
Total Time: 2 minutes
Enjoy your Light Vodka Soda with Grapefruit!
Low-Calorie Mojito with Stevia
This recipe takes the classic mojito and gives it a low-calorie makeover by substituting sugar with stevia, a natural sweetener. The result is a refreshing drink that’s perfect for warm weather or any occasion when you want a guilt-free cocktail.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz white rum
– 3 oz club soda
– 1/4 oz freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1/4 oz stevia-sweetened simple syrup (see note)
– Handful of ice
– Fresh mint leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a cocktail shaker, muddle the mint leaves with the lime juice.
2. Add the rum and stevia-sweetened simple syrup. Fill the shaker with ice.
3. Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a highball glass filled with ice.
5. Top with club soda and garnish with additional mint leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: None
Guilt-Free Pineapple Coconut Rum Punch
Satisfy your cravings with this refreshing tropical punch, made with natural sweeteners and a hint of rum. Perfect for gatherings or as a relaxing treat on a warm day.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup pineapple juice
– 1/2 cup coconut water
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1/4 cup agave nectar
– 1/2 cup sparkling water
– 1/4 cup dark rum (optional)
– Slices of fresh pineapple and lime for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine pineapple juice, coconut water, and lime juice.
2. Add agave nectar and stir until dissolved.
3. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
4. Just before serving, add sparkling water and stir gently.
5. If desired, add dark rum and stir well to combine.
6. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh pineapple and lime slices.
Cooking Time: None! This refreshing punch is ready to serve in just a few minutes.
Fresh Watermelon Basil Vodka Cooler
Beat the heat with this refreshing summer cocktail, combining sweet watermelon and fragrant basil with crisp vodka.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups cubed seedless watermelon (about 1 small melon)
– 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
– 1 1/2 ounces vodka
– 1 tablespoon lime juice
– 2 tablespoons simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– Ice cubes
– Lime wedges for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, puree the watermelon until smooth.
2. Add the basil leaves and blend until well combined and the basil is finely chopped.
3. In a large pitcher, combine the watermelon-basil mixture, vodka, lime juice, and simple syrup. Stir to combine.
4. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
5. Serve over ice in tall glasses. Garnish with a lime wedge.
Cooking Time: None! This refreshing cocktail is ready in just a few minutes.
Skinny Margarita with Agave Nectar
A twist on the classic margarita, this recipe uses agave nectar to reduce the sugar content and create a refreshing, low-calorie cocktail.
Ingredients:
– 2 ounces tequila (silver or reposado work well)
– 1 ounce fresh lime juice
– 1/2 ounce agave nectar
– Salt, for rimming glass
– Lime wedges, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Rim a rocks glass with salt.
2. In a cocktail shaker, combine tequila, lime juice, and agave nectar.
3. Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds.
4. Strain the mixture into the prepared glass.
5. Garnish with a lime wedge.
Cooking Time: None! This is a cocktail recipe.
Berry-Infused Vodka Sparkler
Elevate your cocktail game with this refreshing Berry-Infused Vodka Sparkler, perfect for warm weather gatherings or a relaxing evening at home.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
– 1 liter vodka
– 1/2 cup simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– 4 oz sparkling water
– Sliced strawberries and mint leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large glass jar or container, combine the mixed berries and vodka. Let it infuse in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight.
2. Strain the berry mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a bowl, pressing on the solids to extract as much liquid as possible. Discard the solids.
3. In a large pitcher, mix the strained vodka mixture with simple syrup until well combined.
4. Fill glasses with ice and pour 2 oz of the Berry-Infused Vodka mixture per glass.
5. Top each glass off with 2 oz sparkling water.
6. Garnish with sliced strawberries and mint leaves.
Cooking Time: None, as this recipe is a refreshing cocktail!
Low-Calorie Peach Prosecco Bellini
Elevate your cocktail game with this refreshing and light twist on the classic Bellini, featuring peaches and prosecco.
Ingredients:
– 2 ripe peaches, diced
– 1 cup Prosecco
– 1/4 cup peach puree (see note)
– 1 tablespoon honey syrup (equal parts honey and water, dissolved)
– Ice
– Fresh mint leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine diced peaches, peach puree, and honey syrup.
2. Shake gently to combine and muddle the peaches.
3. Strain the mixture into a chilled flute or coupe glass.
4. Top with Prosecco.
5. Stir briefly to combine.
Cooking Time: None! This cocktail is ready in just 5 minutes.
Light Lemon Lavender Gin Cocktail
Elevate your cocktail game with this refreshing twist on a classic gin fizz. The combination of lemon, lavender, and honey creates a sweet and tangy flavor profile that’s perfect for warm weather.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz (60 ml) gin
– 1 oz (30 ml) freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1/2 oz (15 ml) honey syrup (1:1 honey and water)
– 1/4 cup (60 g) dried lavender buds
– Splash of soda water
– Ice
– Lemon twist or edible flowers for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a cocktail shaker, combine gin, lemon juice, and honey syrup.
2. Add the dried lavender buds to the shaker and muddle gently with a spoon to release their flavor and aroma.
3. Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled glass filled with ice.
5. Top with a splash of soda water and garnish with a lemon twist or edible flowers.
Cooking Time: N/A (ready to serve)
Skinny Spiced Rum and Diet Ginger Beer
Elevate your cocktail game with this refreshing twist on a classic rum and ginger beer combination. This skinny version still packs a punch, minus the added calories.
Ingredients:
– 1.5 oz light spiced rum
– 4 oz diet ginger beer
– Slice of fresh lime or lemon (optional)
– Sprig of fresh mint leaves (optional)
Instructions:
1. Fill a highball glass with ice.
2. Pour in the light spiced rum.
3. Top with diet ginger beer.
4. Stir gently to combine.
5. Squeeze a slice of fresh lime or lemon over the drink, if desired.
6. Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: None!
Enjoy your guilt-free Skinny Spiced Rum and Diet Ginger Beer cocktail!
Refreshing Minty Green Tea Vodka Splash
Elevate your cocktail game with this refreshing twist on a classic vodka splash. This recipe combines the subtle sweetness of green tea with the invigorating zing of mint, perfect for warm weather sipping.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz vodka
– 4 oz green tea-infused simple syrup (see note)
– 1/2 oz fresh lime juice
– 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
– Ice
– Lime wheel and additional mint leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add vodka, green tea-infused simple syrup, and lime juice.
3. Add a handful of fresh mint leaves to the shaker and muddle gently to release oils and flavor.
4. Shake well for 10-15 seconds to combine and chill ingredients.
5. Strain into a glass filled with ice.
6. Garnish with a lime wheel and additional mint leaves.
Cooking Time: None needed! Simply mix and serve.
Low-Calorie Blood Orange Bourbon Smash
Experience the perfect blend of tangy and sweet with this refreshing Low-Calorie Blood Orange Bourbon Smash.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz bourbon whiskey (low-calorie)
– 1/2 oz freshly squeezed blood orange juice
– 1/2 oz lemon-lime soda
– 1/4 oz simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– Slice of blood orange, for garnish
– Ice
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add bourbon whiskey, blood orange juice, and simple syrup to the shaker.
3. Shake vigorously for 10-12 seconds to combine and chill ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a glass filled with ice.
5. Top with lemon-lime soda.
6. Garnish with a slice of blood orange.
Cooking Time: None! This is a mixed drink, not cooked.
Sparkling White Wine Sangria with Fresh Fruit
This sparkling sangria recipe is a perfect blend of sweet and tangy flavors, making it a great choice for any occasion. With the addition of fresh fruit and a splash of citrus, this refreshing drink is sure to be a hit.
Ingredients:
– 1 bottle white wine (chardonnay or sauvignon blanc)
– 1 cup sparkling water
– 1/2 cup mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
– 1/2 cup sliced peaches
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint leaves
– Orange slices and additional fruit for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine white wine, sparkling water, mixed berries, sliced peaches, and granulated sugar.
2. Stir until the sugar is dissolved.
3. Add freshly squeezed orange juice and chopped mint leaves.
4. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
5. Serve over ice in glasses and garnish with additional fruit and orange slices.
Cooking Time: None
Skinny Coconut Mojito with Lime Zest
Refresh your taste buds with this lighter twist on the classic mojito, featuring coconut milk and a hint of lime zest.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz white rum
– 1 oz freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1/2 oz simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– 1/4 cup coconut milk
– Handful of ice
– Fresh mint leaves and lime wedges for garnish
– Lime zest, grated (about 1 tsp)
Instructions:
1. In a cocktail shaker, gently press the mint leaves with a muddler or the back of a spoon to release oils and flavors.
2. Add rum, lime juice, simple syrup, and coconut milk to the shaker. Fill with ice.
3. Shake vigorously for 10-12 seconds to combine and chill ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled glass filled with ice.
5. Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint and a lime wedge.
6. Grate a pinch of lime zest on top (about 1 tsp) and serve.
Cooking Time: None, just shake and serve!
Light Cranberry Vodka Spritzer
Elevate your cocktail game with this refreshing twist on the classic spritzer. Perfect for warm weather or anytime you need a pick-me-up, this drink is sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz light cranberry vodka
– 4 oz sparkling water
– 1/2 oz freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1/4 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
– Lime wheel and sprig of rosemary for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Fill a highball glass with ice.
2. Pour in the light cranberry vodka and sparkling water.
3. Squeeze in the lime juice and stir gently to combine.
4. Muddle the cranberries into the drink using a spoon or muddler, if desired.
5. Stir again and garnish with a lime wheel and sprig of rosemary, if desired.
Cooking Time: None
Servings: 1
Low-Calorie Pomegranate Gin Fizz
This Low-Calorie Pomegranate Gin Fizz is the perfect drink to quench your thirst on a warm day. With its sweet and tangy flavors, you’ll be hooked from the first sip.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz gin
– 1/2 oz pomegranate juice
– 1/2 oz freshly squeezed lime juice
– 3 oz club soda
– 1/4 cup pomegranate seeds (optional, for garnish)
– Lime wheel, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add gin, pomegranate juice, and lime juice.
3. Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled glass filled with ice.
5. Top with club soda.
6. Garnish with pomegranate seeds and a lime wheel, if desired.
Cooking Time: None (ready in 5 minutes)
Fresh Strawberry Basil Vodka Soda
This refreshing cocktail combines sweet strawberries with the brightness of basil, all tied together with a crisp vodka soda. Perfect for warm weather gatherings or a quick pick-me-up any time of year.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz vodka
– 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
– 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
– Juice of 1 lime
– Sparkling water
– Ice
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, muddle the sliced strawberries and basil leaves together until well combined.
2. Add the vodka and lime juice to the pitcher. Stir gently to combine.
3. Fill glasses with ice and pour the strawberry-basil mixture over the ice.
4. Top each glass off with sparkling water.
5. Garnish with additional fresh basil leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: None! This cocktail is ready in just a few minutes.
Skinny Espresso Martini with Almond Milk
This refreshing twist on the classic espresso martini reduces calories by substituting heavy cream with almond milk, making it a guilt-free treat for coffee lovers. Perfect for hot summer days or as a pick-me-up anytime.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz strong brewed espresso
– 1 oz vodka (such as Kahlúa or Baileys)
– 1/2 oz almond milk
– 1/2 oz sugar-free sweetener (such as Stevia or Erythritol)
– 1/4 oz coffee liqueur (optional)
– Ice
– Coffee beans or grinds for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add espresso, vodka, almond milk, and sugar-free sweetener to the shaker.
3. Shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds to combine and chill ingredients.
4. Strain into a chilled martini glass.
5. Garnish with coffee beans or grinds, if desired.
Cooking Time: None
Light Honeydew Melon Rum Cooler
Refresh yourself with this sweet and tangy cocktail perfect for warm weather. This Light Honeydew Melon Rum Cooler is a twist on the classic cooler, featuring honeydew melon and rum as the main ingredients.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz light rum
– 3 oz pineapple juice
– 1 oz honeydew melon puree (see note)
– Splash of lemon-lime soda
– Ice
– Sliced honeydew melon for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a cocktail shaker, combine light rum and pineapple juice.
2. Add honeydew melon puree and shake until well combined.
3. Strain into a glass filled with ice.
4. Top with a splash of lemon-lime soda.
5. Garnish with sliced honeydew melon.
Cooking Time: None, this is a cocktail!
Note: To make honeydew melon puree, blend 1 cup of honeydew melon chunks with 2 tablespoons of simple syrup until smooth.
Summary
Beat the heat this summer with these refreshing low-calorie cocktail recipes! From fruity fizzes to bubbly spritzers, we’ve got 20 delicious drinks that won’t ruin your diet. Discover recipes like Sparkling Cucumber Mint Gin Fizz, Skinny Raspberry Lime Spritzer, and Guilt-Free Pineapple Coconut Rum Punch – all under 200 calories per serving. Perfect for a light and fun summer gathering or just a quick pick-me-up on a hot day.