With summer in full swing, the heat is definitely on! So you may be looking for some fresh, summer cocktails to help you cool down. Be careful which drinks you reach for, though. Some of those concoctions can be loaded with calories and fat. For instance, a Margarita may contain up to 740 calories and a Long Island Iced Tea a whopping 780 calories! This according to forbes.com, who also offer some substitutions to help bring down the calorie and carb counts.
But sometimes it’s nice to start from scratch with some fresh recipes. Here are some suggestions for summer cocktails that will not only taste great but will also be kinder to your waistline.
Strawberry-Citrus Vodka Cocktail
Nutrition Information – PER SERVING: 259 cal
Ingredients
- 2 Strawberries
- 1 Sprig of mint
- 3/4 ounce Light agave nectar, such as Wholesome Sweetener’s
- 1 3/4 ounces Citrus vodka
- 3/4 ounce Lemon juice
Directions
- In a shaker, muddle together mint and strawberries, then add the remaining ingredients. Shake vigorously with ice for 20 seconds. Pour entire contents of shaker into a tall glass. (Include all of the mint and strawberry pulp.)
Spiked Pomegranate Lemonade
Nutrition Information – Servings Per Recipe: 1; PER SERVING: 136 cal., 10 g carb.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 ounces lemon/lime vodka
- 1 1/2 ounces lemonade
- 1 1/2 ounces pomegranate juice
- 4 ounces club soda
Directions
- Combine all ingredients. Simple as that.
Mojito Fresco
Nutrition Information – PER SERVING: 95 cal., 21 g carb. (1 g fiber
Ingredients
- 2 large limes, cut into pieces
- 2 cups water
- 2/3 cup sugar
- 1/4-1/2 cup light rum
- 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves
- Ice cubes
- Quartered limes and/or mint leaves
Directions
- In a blender combine lime pieces, 2 cups water, and 2/3 cup sugar. Cover and blend about 30 seconds or until limes are chopped; do not puree. Strain through a sieve into a large pitcher. Mix in 2 cups additional water. Cover and chill for 1 to 12 hours.
- Stir rum into lime mixture. Moisten the rims of 8 glasses with the reserved lime piece; dip rims in sugar. Divide mint among glasses. Use a wooden spoon to press mint into the bottom of each glass; press firmly to release flavor. Fill glasses with ice cubes. Pour chilled lime mixture over ice and mint leaves. If desired, add extra quartered limes and/or mint leaves.
Sangria Sparkler
Nutrition Information – PER SERVING: 100 cal., 9 g carb.
Ingredients
- 1 750 – millimeter bottle dry red wine
- 1 cup light orange juice
- 1/4 cup brandy or cognac
- 1/4 cup orange liqueur
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 oranges, sliced
- 2 cups club soda, chilled
- Crushed ice and/or orange peel curls (optional)
Directions
- Sharing a pitcher of sangria with friends is a great way to kick off summer. Sliced oranges are a traditional addition to this refreshing Spanish beverage. With their bright red flesh, blood oranges give extra impact.
- In a large pitcher, combine wine, orange juice, brandy, orange liqueur, sugar, and orange slices. Chill at least 2 hours. Add club soda before serving. Serve over crushed ice and/or with orange peel curls, if desired.
Blueberry Lemon Breeze
Nutrition Information – PER SERVING: 205 cal
Ingredients
- 10 Blueberries
- 3/4 ounce Light agave nectar, such as Wholesome Sweetener’s, available at Whole Foods or other natural foods stores
- 1 1/2 ounces Gin
- 3/4 ounce Lemon juice
- Splash of Champagne (about 1 ounce), you could also substitute with Prosecco or club soda works well in a pinch!
Directions
- In a shaker, muddle* together blueberries and agave. Add the gin and lemon juice, then shake vigorously for 20 seconds. Strain contents of shaker into a martini glass and then top with champagne. Garnish with 3 blueberries on a cocktail stick.
- *A muddler is a bartending tool used to grind ingredients. Purchase online at amazon.com ($9.99) or make do with the end of a wooden spoon.
Recipes courtesy of fitnessmagazine.com.
Enjoy these fresh, summer cocktails poolside or during a BBQ. Just remember that moderation is always key.
Contact us today for more nutritional guidance and your free consultation. tntgetfit.com.
Email: information@tntgetfit.com
Phone: 704-549-9550
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