By now you have likely discovered the answer to the question “Can you drink alcohol on a diet?” And since you clicked on this article, you may now be looking for the best alcohol drinks on a diet (without sacrificing taste or calories). Coach Tim has already dropped some knowledge on the healthiest beers, and I covered some of the basics like margaritas, daquiris, and pina coladas. I followed that up with some education on how to make the best section from the wine list. So what else can responsible adults over the age of 21 consume when they are in the mood for an alcoholic beverage? Sit back and relax while I share my newest concoctions with you. Some you can find on your grocer’s shelves, while others may require just a little work on your part.
Summer Cocktail List: 5 Best Alcohol Drinks on a Diet
Hard Seltzer
With minimal effort, you can stop at your local liquor or grocery store and pick up one of the new seltzers. They come in the trendiest flavors such as pomegranate ginger, blackberry hibiscus, and grapefruit cardamom.
White Claw, Truly, and Spiked Seltzer are just a few of the companies creating hard seltzers that contain a mere 100 calories per can with 0 fat, 0 protein, and 2 grams of sugar. The ingredients for these are similar in that they contain purified carbonated water, alcohol, natural flavors, cane sugar, citric acid, natural lime juice concentrate, and sodium citrate.
You could make your own version of these with 1 shot of your favorite liquor, seltzer, and fresh squeezed juices—think healthy shooter. Or toss these ingredients in a tall glass loaded with ice, and you have a refreshing beverage.
Bloody Mary
This next one is my Sunday brunch favorite. Simply mix your favorite unflavored vodka with vegetable juice/tomato juice, add a dash of Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, horseradish, and pepper, and BAM! The usual garnish is a stalk of celery, but if you have ever ordered one of these in the South, you will notice they throw an entire garden into your drink. Last week I even had one with a soft-shelled crab on top of my glass, and prior to that, I was served bacon in my glass. (Those who have been reading my articles for any length of time know bacon is my weakness. Yum!)
My favorite made at home recipe is:
- 1.5 parts vodka
- 4 parts tomato/vegetable juice
- ¼ part Worcestershire sauce
- Dash hot sauce (I am partial to Frank’s)
- Dash horseradish
- Salt and pepper, to taste
You can really load your glass up with veggies such as okra, green beans, celery, cilantro, peppers, cherry tomatoes, asparagus, olives, and artichoke hearts. Extra vegetables not only provide vitamins and minerals but the fiber will fill you up and may slow how fast you finish your drink. #winning
Mimosa
You don’t need a reason to celebrate to pop open a bottle of bubbly. My next top choice for healthy adult beverages is a mimosa, or as I like to call them “Mom-osas.” Something to be mindful of is the orange juice portion of this beverage, as juices often contain very little juice and are mostly sugar. To make this one of the best alcohol drinks on a diet, opt for fresh-squeezed or 100% fruit juice options to reduce added sugars or blend whole fruit!
- 1 part champagne
- 2 parts fresh-squeezed orange juice
- (I usually flip this, but this is how I make them if making them for a group.)
Sea Breeze
No need for a passport to enjoy this next one, and I can assure you that as soon as you take that first sip, you’ll feel like you’ve been swept away to a tropical island. Again, with this one, I like to use fresh-squeezed juices (grapefruit and cranberry) as opposed to a store-bought juice. Another trick I have learned is to dilute your drink with water and/or ice, which will reduce the amount of juice altogether.
Just blend:
- 4 oz grapefruit juice
- 1½ oz cranberry juice
- 1 oz of vodka
Martini
Clear alcohol (specifically vodka and rum) are the lowest in both sugar and calories compared to most of the darker selections, so it would stand to reason that by using either of these liquors you are in the clear (no pun intended).
A classic martini is simply vodka or gin, vermouth, olives, and a twist of lemon. Some folks enjoy a “dirty martini” which includes olive juice. Olive juice is not the juice from olives, as that is what we call olive oil. It’s actually a brine consisting of olives, salt, vinegar, and water.
A simple martini can be made at home by combining:
- 1.5 oz vodka
- Dash of dry vermouth
- Ice
- Olives and twist of lemon (garnish)
Best Alcohol Drinks on a Diet: Bonus Tip
If you are still looking for ideas on how to make healthier versions of your favorite beverages, and one of them calls for “simple syrup,” I have been experimenting with a stevia simple syrup which has been a pretty solid substitute. Simply add 2 Tbsp of stevia to 1 cup of boiling water, and stir until dissolved. Once the mixture has cooled, you can add it to your favorite recipe and enjoy!
If by chance you overindulge, which I would be lying if I said I hadn’t done a time or two, no worries. I got ya covered: How to Prevent a Hangover. You’re welcome.
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