Mention the word ‘summer’ and you’re instantly transported to a happy place, with good company and DJ Jazzy Jeff and The Fresh Prince’s Summertime playing in the background. What. A. Dream. Even better? The addition of low-calorie cocktails into this already delish dreamscape…
Yes, you heard right: low-calorie cocktails
Summer comes with more beach days, and (fortunately/unfortunately) food and drinks in abundance. Why wouldn’t it? It’s a reminder that the year is coming to an end and you’ve worked really hard. It’s also the season to make refreshing drinks to enjoy through the long hot days — and if they’re lower in calories and will make you feel guilt-free, even better — obvs.
Women’s Health spoke to award-winning mixologist Roxanne Read (above), about her low-calorie cocktails selection. Ready, steady… Treat yo’self.
1/ Zesty Aperol Spritz
Approximate calorie count: A serving of Aperol Spritz only amounts to 125 calories. Nice.
Aperol aperitif is made from herbs such as gentian, rhubarb and cinchona, which are rich in antioxidants. Bonus: This cocktail is also garnished and infused with vitamin C-rich oranges.
Ingredients
- 50ml Cinzano Pro-Spritz
- 50ml Aperol
- Soda Water
Method
- Pour 50ml Cinzano Pro-Spritz into an ice-filled glass.
- Add Aperol in equal measure and top off with a splash of soda.
- Finishing touches: 50/50 splash and garnish with a slice of orange.
READ MORE: Exactly How To Choose The Skinniest Drinks At The Bar
2/ Watermelon Sparkling Spritz
- 20ml vodka (the more distilled the vodka, the less impurities)
- 60ml fresh-pressed watermelon juice
- 80ml sparkling brut wine (opt for a light sparkling wine to reduce the calorie count even further)
- Pick an almost over-ripe watermelon, then cut it into chunks to fill one cup.
- Put into a blender and add about a 1/2 cup of water. Flash blend the mixture, and strain out the pulp and the pips.
- Next, take your Champagne glass out of the fridge and add the vodka and watermelon juice together.
- Top up with Champagne.
READ MORE: 4 Natural Sweeteners That Are Better Than Sugar, According To A Dietician
3/ Blueberry Mojito
Approximate calorie count: 130 calories
Limes are good for weight loss because of the citric acid — a metabolism booster. “Mint is a huge flavour contributor with less than a calorie in a 100g serving, so the more the merrier,” says Roxanne. Blueberries are key to making this drink! “Berries are great for regulating the fat-burning gene, as well as lowering high blood pressure,” says Roxanne.
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- 6-8 lime wedges
- 8 mint leaves
- 25ml white rum
- 1/4 cup blueberries
- Soda water
Method
- Lightly muddle the lime wedges into the glass you’re going to serve the drink in.
- Clap the mint leafs in your hands to release the flavour. Drop them in the glass and muddle again.
- Add the rum and blueberries and fill the glass 3/4 of the way with crushed ice.
- Using a long-handled spoon or bar spoon, stir the mixture until your glass is almost filled with dilution from the crushed ice.
- Top with soda water if needed.
- Garnish with a mint sprig and a couple of blueberries sprinkled on top.
READ MORE: 6 Mocktail Recipes That Can Be Turned Into Cocktails
4/ Summer Time Vodka Fizz
Approximate calorie count: 98-100 calories
“My preferred fruit combination is kiwi slices, fresh strawberries and grapefruit slices. Any fruits will work on this, but it’s best to try have at least one citrus fruit. Citrus is great for your body and for bringing out the flavours in the vodka,” says Roxanne.
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Ingredients
- 40ml premium vodka
- 1/4 can of flavoured tonic water
- 1/2 can of soda water
- Assortment of freshly cut fruit
- 8 basil leaves
Method
- First half fill the glass with ice cubes, then add the vodka.
- You can use any fruit you have in the fridge. Slice up about four pieces of three different kinds of fruit.
- Clap the basil leaves in your hand to release the flavour and drop into the glass.
- Add a splash of tonic, just for flavour depth, and top with the soda water.
- If you want to get really fancy, add a crack of black pepper.
Follow more of Roxanne Read’s work on Instagram.
