Sparkling Champagne Flutes and Gifts in Front of Decorations and Lights. (Andy Dean Photography)
The season for celebrating is upon us, which means you probably have more occasions to drink than usual. If you’re trying to watch your calorie intake, every cocktail menu is full of options that can add empty calories to your daily goal. So, here are 10 tasty cocktails that are all less than 200 calories. Whether you like gin, rum, tequila, or whiskey, there’s a beverage for you below—and they’re all easy to mix up at home.
10. Gimlet: 178 calories
If gin is your liquor of choice, go with a classic gimlet at the bar. This drink combines a splash of Rose’s Sweetened Lime Juice with your favorite liquor—and that’s it. To cut even more calories, skip the pre-bought juice and add simple syrup and fresh-squeezed lime instead.
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9. Martini: 176 calories
This classic martini is a mix of vermouth and gin. Asking your bartender to make it dry, means you’ll get less vermouth and more liquor. Olives, optional.
8. Mojito: 168 calories
Rum drinkers will want to avoid some of the popular cocktails like a mai tai or LIT. Instead ask for a minty mojito at the open bar. This drink is a mix of sugar, muddled mint leaves, and lime. Order this refreshing sip when you’re looking for something sweet, not syrupy.
7. Paloma: 166 calories
Tequila lovers will have to pass on the margaritas to shed calories, but a paloma is the next best thing. This drink is a blend of grapefruit juice, soda, and lime. Skip the sugar or salt around the rum for an even healthier after-five refreshment.
6. Old Fashioned: 154 calories
If you don’t like to drink your bourbon straight, request an old fashioned at the bar. This cocktail has a splash of bitters to add flavor (without tacking on too many calories) and a bit of sugar.
5. Gin and Tonic: 148 calories
With tonic counting for only 10 calories an ounce, it’s the perfect accompaniment to a top-shelf gin (or vodka).
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4. Sazerac: 136 calories
Whiskey drinkers who know best order a sazerac at the bar. This addition of bitters, absinth, sugar, and water smoothes out the bite of the liquor, without skyrocketing the calorie number.
3. Vodka Soda: 96 calories
Ordering a vodka soda at the bar will cut down on your calories sipped for the night. Since soda water has zero calories, all you have to account for is the alcohol. Go ahead, and order another round.
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2. Rum and Diet: 96 calories
Satisfy your taste for soda with a rum and Diet Coke at happy hour. Calorie-wise all you have to count is the 1.5 ounces of rum. However beware the high levels of caffeine, which might keep you up well past your bedtime.
1. Champagne: 90 calories
Champagne and champagne-related cocktails are some of the most forgiving in the calorie department. One standard flute (about 4 oz.) rings in far less than a glass of wine or any mixed drink.
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