(Healthy) Summer Cocktails

With all the Sunday Funday’s, after-work happy hours, and summer trips, it's so easy to find yourself sipping those extra calories without even realizing it. But let me just say, I’m not here to count calories. I prefer the 80/20 rule—80% of the time, I focus on what makes me feel good, and the other 20%, I indulge guilt-free.

That being said, after months of grinding it out at the gym, I’m determined to keep my progress intact without sacrificing my social life. And since fitness is mostly about diet, I know my Achilles' heel is the perfectly mixed cocktail. I love catching up with old friends over drinks or hosting wine nights with the girls—no way that’s going anywhere. So, I’ve decided to find a few low-calorie options to sip on while I enjoy those endless summer nights.

First up, let’s talk about my favorite—the strawberry mojito. Now, I know gin isn’t everyone’s thing, but for those of us who love it, this mojito is a great way to enjoy a cocktail with fewer sugary mixers.

STRAWBERRY MOJITO
Ingredients:

  • 6-8 mint leaves

  • 3 tbsp. stevia

  • 1 lime, sliced

  • 6 oz strawberries, sliced

  • 12 oz club soda

  • 3 oz light rum

  • Ice

Instructions:

  1. In a large cocktail shaker, combine mint leaves and stevia. Mash the mint leaves to release that fragrant flavor (trust me, it’s worth it).

  2. Squeeze the juice from half of the lime into the shaker.

  3. Add rum and shake it all up.

  4. Toss in the sliced strawberries and lime slices. Gently stir them in for that fresh summer taste.

  5. Divide between two glasses, add club soda and ice, then give it a light stir.

  6. Serve and enjoy!

Next, for those evenings when I want something light and crisp, the Rosé Spritzer is my go-to. This one is perfect for sipping on a sunny patio with friends or just chilling by yourself.

ROSÉ SPRITZER
Ingredients:

  • 5 medium-sized ice cubes

  • Rosé wine

  • Club soda

  • Slice of lemon

Instructions:

  1. Place ice cubes in a glass.

  2. Fill the glass halfway with rosé wine, then top it off with club soda.

  3. Garnish with a fresh slice of lemon.

  4. Enjoy immediately—ideally on a sunny patio with a nice breeze!

And for something a bit more adventurous (hello, spice!), I love the Jalapeño Infused Vodka Cocktail. It’s got that sweet and spicy kick that takes things up a notch.

JALAPEÑO INFUSED VODKA COCKTAIL
For the Jalapeño Infused Vodka:

  • 1 cup vodka

  • 1 diced jalapeño, seeds removed

Cocktail Ingredients:

  • 1 shot jalapeño-infused vodka (1 – 1.5 ounces)

  • 2 tablespoons pineapple juice

  • 6 oz lime or pineapple-flavored sparkling water

  • Ice

  • Pineapple tidbits (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Pour the vodka into a jar, add the diced jalapeño, seal it up, and let it sit overnight to infuse.

  2. When you're ready to make the cocktail, combine the jalapeño vodka shot, pineapple juice, and sparkling water (I love lime or pineapple flavors here).

  3. Add ice, throw in some pineapple tidbits if you're feeling extra, and voilà—a spicy-sweet cocktail that packs a punch!

There you go! Three refreshing, low-calorie drinks that let you enjoy the long summer nights without going off track. So cheers to good times and healthy vibes—because you can have both! 🍹✨




Larissa EldridgeComment